Intrusive vs Visual Compartmentation Surveys in London and Kent

Intrusive vs Visual Compartmentation Surveys in London and Kent

When it comes to passive fire protection, compartmentation is one of the most important elements of a building’s fire safety strategy. Whether you’re managing a residential block in Croydon or a commercial site in Canterbury, knowing how your building is compartmentalised — and whether it complies with current standards — is essential.

At Stoptastic, we carry out compartmentation surveys across London and Kent, helping building owners and duty holders identify fire-stopping issues and structural weaknesses that could compromise life safety. That includes both visual inspections and more in-depth intrusive compartmentation surveys.

Understanding the difference between these two approaches is key to choosing the right one for your property.

What is a Compartmentation Survey?

A compartmentation survey checks that a building has been properly divided into fire-resisting zones, known as compartments. These zones are designed to:

• Contain the spread of fire and smoke

• Protect escape routes for residents and staff

• Preserve the structural integrity of the building

• Support safe access for fire and rescue services

Effective compartmentation is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and further reinforced by the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, especially in multi-occupied residential buildings.

Visual Compartmentation Surveys

A visual compartmentation survey is non-intrusive and focuses on inspecting accessible areas without disturbing the fabric of the building. This type of inspection is often used as a first step to assess visible fire-stopping and compartmentation issues.

During a visual survey, our team will:

• Inspect ceiling voids, risers, and accessible service areas

• Assess fire-stopping around cables, pipes, and ducts

• Check the integrity of partitions, walls, and communal doors

Visual surveys are best when access is limited or disruption must be minimal. They’re commonly used in occupied properties, schools, and care homes. However, they won’t detect issues that are hidden behind finishes, in floor voids, or boxed-in risers.

Intrusive Compartmentation Surveys

An intrusive compartmentation survey takes things further. This involves physically opening up areas of the building structure to inspect concealed fire-stopping and verify the continuity of fire-resisting elements.

An intrusive inspection may involve:

• Removing sections of wall, floor, or ceiling finishes

• Opening up service risers, boxing, or ductwork

• Lifting floorboards or accessing behind fixed panels

These surveys are essential when:

• There’s no documented fire strategy or Regulation 38 pack

• Major refurbishment or change of use is planned

• A fire risk assessment has flagged unexplained risks

• There are signs of poor or missing fire-stopping behind linings

While intrusive surveys take more time and may require making good after the inspection, they are often the only reliable way to assess compartmentation integrity in complex or older buildings.

Why Compartmentation Matters in London and Kent

From historic townhouses and converted flats to new developments and commercial premises, properties across London and Kent vary hugely in how well they were constructed or converted.

At Stoptastic, we regularly identify:

• Unsealed service penetrations hidden behind plasterboard

• Compromised compartment lines in loft spaces and risers

• Inadequate fire-stopping in newly built or recently refurbished buildings

Without a detailed compartmentation survey — especially an intrusive inspection — many of these issues would go unnoticed, putting occupants and property at risk.

What’s Included in Our Surveys

Whether you choose a visual survey or a full intrusive inspection, we provide:

• Photographic evidence of all findings

• Locations plotted on floor plans for clarity

• Risk-prioritised recommendations

• Optional follow-up quotations for remedial works

All our compartmentation surveys are aligned with BS 9999, BS 8214, and support compliance with Regulation 38, helping you stay on top of your legal responsibilities as a building owner or Responsible Person.

Not Sure Which Survey You Need?

If you’re unsure whether your building requires a visual inspection or a more detailed intrusive compartmentation survey, we’re here to help.

Stoptastic provides expert fire compartmentation surveying across London and Kent, tailored to your building type, risk level, and budget. Our team works across residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties and will always advise you on the most appropriate approach.

Get in touch today to speak with one of our passive fire protection specialists or to book a survey.arrange an initial site visit.