An engineer sealing pipe and cable penetrations with fire-stopping sealant in a concrete riser

Fire stopping: keeping your building safe and compliant

Fire stopping, explained. Holding the line between compartments.

Buildings are divided into fire compartments so that a fire is contained where it starts. Every time a pipe, cable or duct passes through a compartment wall or floor, it leaves a gap. Fire stopping seals those gaps so fire and smoke can't spread through them.

Over the life of a building, alterations, new services and maintenance work often leave penetrations unsealed. AB Key carries out fire stopping and remedial works for block management and commercial clients across London within the M25, with photo evidence of every sealed penetration for your records.

What we do.

Sealing pipe, cable and duct penetrations
Compartmentation remedial works
Works from your fire risk assessment or compartmentation survey
Photo evidence and completion report

Where fire stopping matters most. The usual places gaps appear.

Service risers
Pipes, cables and ducts passing between floors through shared risers.
Ceiling voids
Compartment lines above ceilings, where later works often break the seal.
Cupboards and plant rooms
Meter, electrical and plant spaces with many penetrations.
After alterations
New services or refurbishments that cut through existing compartment walls.

Fire stopping questions

What is fire stopping?

Sealing the openings where services pass through fire-resisting walls and floors, so a fire stays in the compartment where it starts for as long as the building was designed for.

When is fire stopping work needed?

Usually when a fire risk assessment or compartmentation survey finds unsealed or poorly sealed penetrations, or after alterations have cut through compartment walls or floors.

Can the work be done with residents in?

Fire stopping in blocks of flats is usually carried out in communal areas and risers. We plan the work with the managing agent to keep disruption to a minimum.

Do you provide evidence of the work?

Yes. We photograph each penetration before and after sealing and provide a completion report.

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