Fire Stopping

Every building — whether an existing property undergoing renovation or a new construction project — requires a comprehensive fire protection strategy. While active systems such as alarms and sprinklers play an important role, it’s passive fire protection (PFP) that forms the backbone of long-term safety and compliance.

At Artius Fire Protection, we specialise in providing robust, fully compliant passive fire protection services for both remedial projects and new builds. Our expert team ensures that all fire barriers, seals, and compartmentation systems meet the highest standards, helping to protect lives and property in the event of a fire.

To discuss your project, call 0203 004 0003 or visit our website for more information.

Understanding Passive Fire Protection

Passive fire protection refers to the built-in systems and materials designed to limit the spread of fire and smoke. Unlike active systems that require a trigger (such as sprinklers or alarms), passive measures are always in place, forming a critical part of a building’s structure.

Key components of passive fire protection include:

  • Fire stopping – sealing openings and penetrations in fire-resisting structures

  • Fire doors and door sets – compartmentalising areas to contain smoke and flames

  • Fire-resistant walls, floors, and ceilings – maintaining structural integrity

  • Fire-rated ductwork and service enclosures – preventing the passage of fire through mechanical systems

Together, these systems help create safe zones, delay fire spread, and provide valuable time for evacuation and firefighting operations.

Passive Fire Protection in New Build Projects

When constructing a new building, passive fire protection must be incorporated from the design and planning stage. Ensuring fire safety is integrated into the structure, rather than added as an afterthought, helps avoid future compliance issues and costly remedial work.

1. Early Collaboration

Architects, contractors, and fire protection specialists should collaborate from the outset. By aligning on fire compartmentation layouts, service penetrations, and material specifications, it’s possible to maintain compliance and reduce the risk of installation conflicts later in the build.

2. Using Certified Fire-Stopping Materials

All fire-stopping materials used in new builds must be tested, certified, and installed in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Artius Fire Protection uses only third-party certified products that have undergone rigorous testing to meet UK and international fire resistance standards.

3. Clear Documentation

Each installation should be clearly labelled, recorded, and photographed. This documentation is crucial for building control approval and ongoing maintenance. Our team provides full compliance reports for every new build project we complete.

4. Quality Control and Inspection

Regular inspections throughout construction help ensure every penetration and joint is sealed correctly. Once completed, the building should undergo a final fire stopping survey to confirm all fire compartments remain intact.

Passive Fire Protection for Remedial Work

In existing buildings, passive fire protection is often compromised due to maintenance work, ageing materials, or past non-compliant installations. Remedial fire protection ensures these deficiencies are corrected without disrupting operations.

1. Fire Stopping Surveys

The first step in any remedial project is a detailed fire stopping survey, which identifies damaged or missing seals, unprotected penetrations, and other issues that could allow fire and smoke to spread.

2. Tailored Remedial Solutions

Once areas of concern are identified, our team at Artius Fire Protection provides a comprehensive action plan. We carefully remove defective materials and replace them with certified fire-stopping systems that restore the fire integrity of walls, floors, and ceilings.

3. Maintaining Building Operation

We understand that downtime can be costly. That’s why our engineers plan remedial works to minimise disruption, allowing businesses, hospitals, or schools to continue operating safely during the process.

4. Ongoing Maintenance and Re-Inspection

After remedial work is complete, regular inspections are essential to maintain compliance. Building use changes, service upgrades, and wear and tear can all compromise fire protection — periodic checks ensure your property remains safe and certified.

Best Practices for Ensuring Fire Safety Compliance

1. Engage Accredited Professionals

Only trained, experienced, and accredited specialists should carry out fire-stopping installations or surveys. Improper materials or methods can invalidate certification and compromise safety.

2. Maintain Accurate Records

All fire protection installations must be properly documented. Keeping up-to-date records supports compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document B and The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

3. Use Compatible Systems

Mixing materials from different fire-stopping systems can reduce performance and void test certification. Always use a single, tested system across each fire barrier.

4. Educate Maintenance Teams

Fire protection can be easily damaged by subsequent works. Ensure maintenance contractors understand the importance of maintaining fire integrity when carrying out electrical, plumbing, or IT upgrades.

5. Conduct Regular Inspections

Passive fire systems should be inspected regularly, typically every 12 months or after any major works. A scheduled maintenance plan from Artius Fire Protection ensures ongoing compliance and peace of mind.

Why Choose Artius Fire Protection?

At Artius Fire Protection, we provide full-service support for both new builds and existing properties. Our commitment to quality and compliance ensures your fire protection systems are robust, reliable, and fully traceable.

We offer:

  • Comprehensive fire stopping surveys and reports

  • Installation of certified passive fire protection systems

  • Remedial fire-stopping and compartmentation upgrades

  • Expert guidance for contractors and property managers

Our technicians are trained to the highest standards and work with precision and care on every project, no matter the scale or complexity.

Safeguard Your Building with Artius Fire Protection

Whether you’re developing a new property or upgrading an existing one, passive fire protection should always be a top priority. Our expert team ensures your building is safe, compliant, and ready to stand the test of time.

To arrange a survey, consultation, or quotation, call 0203 004 0003 today.