Fire Compartmentation Surveys
Fire compartmentation surveys assess whether your building’s fire-resisting barriers are continuous, compliant and capable of performing in the event of a fire.
Under UK Building Regulations and fire safety legislation, compartment walls, floors and service penetrations must maintain their tested fire resistance. In practice, breaches caused by services, refurbishments or poor installation are common.
Our surveys identify these risks and provide clear, documented guidance for remediation.
What Does a Fire Compartmentation Survey Involve?
A professional survey goes beyond a visual inspection. It includes:
- Inspection of fire-resisting walls, floors and ceiling voids
- Assessment of service penetrations and fire stopping
- Identification of breaches, gaps and damaged barriers
- Review of fire doors where forming compartment lines
- Photographic evidence of defects
- Clear classification of risk and required remedial actions
In many buildings, issues are concealed above ceilings, within risers or inside service shafts. These hidden breaches can significantly compromise compartment integrity.
Common Issues Identified During Surveys
Our compartmentation surveys frequently uncover:
- Unsealed pipe and cable penetrations
- Improperly installed or substituted fire stopping materials
- Damaged compartment walls above suspended ceilings
- Incomplete protection around ductwork
- Unauthorised alterations during refurbishment works
Even minor gaps can allow smoke and hot gases to spread beyond the fire’s origin.
Detailed Reporting for Compliance
Following the survey, you receive a structured report including:
- Location-based defect identification
- Photographic documentation
- Risk prioritisation
- Recommended remedial solutions
- Guidance aligned with UK Building Regulations
This documentation supports fire risk assessments, building control reviews and ongoing compliance management.
Who Requires a Compartmentation Survey?
We provide fire compartmentation surveys for:
- Commercial buildings – offices, retail units, warehouses and healthcare facilities
- Residential buildings – apartment blocks, HMOs and multi-occupancy properties
- Refurbishment projects – verifying compartment integrity after works
Surveys are particularly important where alterations have taken place or where original fire stopping documentation is unavailable.
Accredited and Professional Assessment
All surveys are conducted by experienced passive fire specialists and aligned with recognised industry standards.
For information regarding certification, visit
BM Trada Accreditation.
To arrange a fire compartmentation survey or discuss your building’s compliance requirements, call 07904 343004.
