Fire Stopping

What Is Fire Stopping and Why Does It Matter?

Fire stopping is the process of installing fire resistant materials into openings in fire compartment walls and floors. When cables, ducts and pipe services penetrate a wall or ceiling, they create gaps that compromise the passive protection provided by the structure. Without correct fire measures, smoke and fire can pass through these gaps and allow fire to spread between compartments. Fire stopping is a crucial part of reducing fire risk in any building.

The passage of fire through a building is controlled through compartmentation. Each compartment is designed to contain a fire within a building for a specified period. Where services penetrate compartment walls, the gaps must be sealed with fire stopping materials to maintain fire resistance. Firestop products such as sealant, intumescent material, fire collars, fire sleeves and cavity barriers are all used for fire stopping to achieve this seal and prevent fire from spreading.

Fire Stopping Products and Materials

A fire collar is a metal casing lined with intumescent material fitted around plastic pipes where they penetrate a wall or ceiling. When heated at high temperatures, the lining expands to crush and seal the melting pipe, preventing fire and smoke from passing through the opening.

Fire sleeves and wraps perform a similar function but are typically used in large risers and service shafts. The intumescent wrap expands when exposed to heat to seal the penetration around combustible pipes and ducts.

Cavity barriers are installed within concealed cavities in walls, floors and ceilings to prevent fire spread through hidden spaces. A cavity barrier maintains compartmentation and is commonly used in large developments and timber frame structures.

Fire rated boards and fire barrier assemblies seal larger openings. These include fire stop boards and systems made from mineral wool. They are used where multiple cables pass through a single opening and a sealant alone would not provide the required fire resistance.

Where Fire Stopping Is Required

Fire stopping is required wherever services penetrate fire resisting elements including compartment walls, floors and ceilings. This includes openings around pipes and cables, duct penetrations, cable routes, and gaps between fire rated elements. Openings and joints in fire walls and protected escape routes must also be sealed.

Installing a fire stop correctly is essential. Installing fire stop systems in accordance with tested details and manufacturer instructions ensures each fire compartment functions as intended. Common areas include fire stopping around pipes and cables in risers, penetrations through corridor walls, and cavity barriers within external wall build-ups. Fire stopping is particularly important in new developments and high-rise residential buildings where dry riser systems and other fire protection measures rely on effective compartmentation.

Fire Stopping Compliance and Legislation

All fire stopping work must comply with the Building Regulations, specifically Approved Document B which sets out fire resistance and compartmentation standards. The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 places duties on the responsible person to maintain fire stopping measures throughout the life of the building. Fire legislation requires that installations are carried out by competent personnel using tested firestop products.

Regular inspection is essential to ensure ongoing compliance. We conduct fire stopping survey assessments to identify deficiencies and recommend corrective fire stopping measures. Fire stopping has come under increased scrutiny following recent building safety reforms, with greater emphasis on passive fire protection and correct fire stopping.

What is fire stopping?

Fire stopping is a passive fire protection method that involves sealing openings in fire resistant walls and floors. Various systems are available, including sealant, fire stop collars, fire sleeves, wraps, cavity barriers and boards. The type used depends on the penetration, the fire resistance period, and whether the opening contains combustible or non-combustible services. Should a fire occur, these products prevent the spread of smoke and heat between compartments.

Is fire stopping a legal requirement?

Yes. The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 and Building Regulations Approved Document B provide guidance on fire stopping for buildings undergoing construction or refurbishment. Fire legislation places a duty on responsible persons to ensure fire stopping measures remain effective. Fire stopping is also addressed under the Building Safety Act 2022 for higher risk residential buildings.

How frequently should fire-stopping systems be inspected and maintained?

Regular inspection and maintenance are required to ensure effectiveness and compliance. We recommend inspection every six months. Damage from subsequent building work or service installations must be identified and repaired. Our team provides maintenance services to keep your fire stopping and fire protection systems compliant.

What fire stopping products do you use?

We use tested and certified firestop products including fire sealants and gap fillers, intumescent collars, fire sleeves, wraps, cavity barriers, fire rated boards and mineral wool. Every product is selected to match the application and installed in accordance with tested system details. Our design and installation team ensures each product is fitted correctly to achieve the specified fire resistance.

Can fire stopping be retrofitted?

Yes. Fire stopping can be installed in existing buildings as part of a refurbishment or fire safety upgrade. Retrofitting fire stops around pipes and cables in older buildings is common, particularly in social housing and retrofit projects. We carry out surveys to assess fire stopping and recommend solutions to restore the fire resistance of the building. Fire in a building without adequate firestops presents a serious risk to occupants and property. We also offer fire stopping services in Birmingham and across the wider UK. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Where does QSD provide fire stopping services?

QSD provides fire stopping and passive fire protection across North Wales, the West Midlands and the North West, working from our base in Flint. We have dedicated location pages for each of the areas we cover:

• Fire Stopping Wrexham
• Fire Stopping Shrewsbury
• Fire Stopping Telford
• Fire Stopping Wolverhampton
• Fire Stopping Walsall
• Fire Stopping Birmingham
• Fire Stopping Oswestry
• Fire Stopping Stafford
• Fire Stopping Stoke-on-Trent
• Fire Stopping Liverpool
• Fire Stopping Manchester

If your building is not in one of the areas listed above, call us on 01352 219 587 and we will tell you whether it is within our coverage.