Compartmentation Breaches in London Buildings | Stoptastic

Identifying and Addressing Compartmentation Breaches in London Buildings

In the event of a fire, the most critical factor for saving lives is time. Compartmentation — the subdivision of buildings into fire-resisting sections — is one of the most effective ways to contain fire and smoke, giving occupants time to evacuate and emergency services time to respond.

However, many buildings in London suffer from compartmentation breaches that go unnoticed until a fire risk assessment flags them — or worse, when a fire exposes them. Understanding what these breaches are, how to identify them, and how to fix them is essential for staying compliant with fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

What Is Compartmentation?

Compartmentation involves dividing a building into sections (or compartments) using fire-resisting construction — such as walls, floors, ceilings, and doors — to slow or stop the spread of fire and smoke.

Each compartment is designed to contain fire for a specified period (typically 30, 60, or 120 minutes), depending on building use and risk level. This approach supports safe evacuation and limits property damage.

What Causes Compartmentation Breaches?

In many London buildings — especially older or converted properties — fire-resisting compartments are unknowingly compromised over time. Common causes include:

• Unsealed service penetrations: New plumbing, cabling, or HVAC systems installed without fire stopping

• Collapsed or missing fire barriers: In ceiling or floor voids

• Inadequate sealing around risers or ducts

• DIY modifications or poor-quality renovations

• Improperly installed or damaged fire doors

These breaches can significantly reduce the compartment’s ability to contain fire, often going undetected until a thorough survey is carried out.

Why It Matters in London Properties

London's complex and varied building stock presents unique challenges for maintaining compartmentation. Flats in converted Victorian homes, office buildings retrofitted for new uses, and public-sector buildings undergoing phased renovations are all particularly vulnerable.

Additionally, many premises fall under multiple-occupancy or mixed-use arrangements, where shared responsibility for fire safety often results in gaps in maintenance.

Under Article 17 of the Fire Safety Order 2005, the responsible person must ensure that fire protection measures are maintained in “efficient working order.” Failing to address known or suspected breaches can lead to enforcement action or, in the worst-case scenario, life-threatening failures in a fire.

How Are Compartmentation Breaches Identified?

A compartmentation survey is the only reliable way to identify these breaches. This involves a detailed inspection by trained fire safety professionals, looking for:

• Penetrations or voids in fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings

• Unprotected service entry points

• Inadequate or missing fire stopping

• Poorly installed or uncertified materials

Surveys may be non-intrusive (visual only) or intrusive (involving minor opening of voids or panels), depending on access and risk level.

What Does Remediation Involve?

Once breaches are identified, the next step is to restore the compartment’s integrity using compliant methods and materials. This may include:

• Sealing penetrations with tested and certified fire-stopping products

• Installing fire collars, wraps, or batts

• Repairing or replacing barriers in voids

• Ensuring fire doors meet specifications and are correctly installed

• Documenting all works with photographic and written evidence

At Stoptastic London, we specialise in both surveying and remedial fire stopping. Our work is carried out in accordance with relevant British Standards such as BS EN 1366 and is third-party verified where required.

What You Can Expect From a Survey

When you commission a compartmentation survey, our process includes:

1. Site visit and inspection of identified risk areas

2. Photographic documentation of breaches

3. Recommendations and action plan

4. Remedial work options with full costings

5. Compliance documentation upon completion

This ensures you not only identify issues but have a clear, manageable route to compliance.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you manage or own a building in London — especially older commercial or residential properties — it's essential to proactively assess compartmentation integrity. Fire can spread rapidly through small gaps, and a minor oversight can have major consequences.

Contact Stoptastic London today to arrange a compartmentation survey or to discuss your passive fire protection requirements. We’ll help ensure your building meets its legal obligations — and keeps the people inside it safe.