Fire Batts: Essential Fire-Stopping for Service Penetrations
Sealing voids to maintain compartmentation and compliance
What Are Fire Batts?
Fire batts are high-density mineral fibre boards coated with a fire-resistant ablative layer. They are designed to seal openings in fire-rated walls and floors where services like cables, pipes or ducts penetrate, restoring the fire-resisting performance of these compartment boundaries. When combined with intumescent sealants or coatings, fire batts help prevent the spread of fire, smoke and toxic gases within commercial and industrial buildings.
Applications in Modern Buildings
Service penetrations are common weak points in a building’s fire strategy. Whether created during construction or introduced later for mechanical or electrical upgrades, these openings can compromise a fire-rated wall or floor if not properly sealed.
Fire batts offer a reliable and adaptable solution. They can be cut to fit various void shapes and sizes and are finished with fire-resistant mastic or ablative coating to maintain integrity and, in some cases, insulation performance. SBS installs fire batts in areas such as service risers, corridor walls, plant rooms, ceiling voids and floor slab penetrations in commercial towers, healthcare buildings, data centres, schools and airports.
Certified Systems and Tested Installations
At SBS Limited, we install fully tested and certified fire batt systems as part of our comprehensive passive fire protection packages. Our installations are compliant, fully documented and tailored to the demands of high-risk, service-heavy environments across the UK.
We work exclusively with fire batt systems that have been tested in accordance with BS EN 1366-3 and EN 13501-2. Each system is selected based on the penetration type, surrounding construction and the fire performance required by the building’s design.
Our technicians are trained to install fire batts in accordance with the tested configuration – whether sealing cable bundles, plastic pipework, or multi-service penetrations. We also ensure that acoustic and thermal performance requirements are met where relevant.
Installation is sequenced with mechanical and electrical trades to avoid rework and ensure compatibility with the services passing through the wall or floor. When fire collars, sleeves, or wraps are required, we integrate them into the fire batt installation for a seamless and compliant result.
Full Compliance Through Documentation and QA
Every fire batt installed by SBS is documented through our digital quality assurance system. We record service type, location, substrate condition, materials used and fire rating, supported by photographic evidence and product certification.
This level of documentation supports the Golden Thread of safety information and ensures compliance with the Building Safety Act, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and Approved Document B. It also provides building owners and facilities managers with a complete record for future inspection, maintenance or remediation.
Applications Across the Commercial Sector
SBS installs fire batt systems in a wide range of high-value and safety-critical buildings. These include new-build and refurbished NHS hospitals, education campuses, retail spaces, transport infrastructure, office developments and industrial logistics facilities.
We are frequently called upon to carry out fire stopping packages during live construction, as part of post-Grenfell fire risk remediation works, or in response to compliance failures identified during fire risk assessments.
Talk to Us About Fire Batt Solutions
If your project involves sealing service penetrations or maintaining compartmentation across fire-rated walls and floors, speak to SBS Limited. We offer complete fire stopping packages that include fire batts, sealants, collars, sleeves and full compliance documentation.
