Wall & Floor Penetration Seals: Safeguarding Compartmentation Integrity
Restoring fire resistance where services breach structural boundaries.
Understanding Wall & Floor Penetration Seals
Wall and floor penetration seals are passive fire protection systems designed to reinstate the fire-resisting performance of compartment walls and floors compromised by service installations. These seals are crucial in maintaining a building’s compartmentation strategy, preventing the spread of fire and smoke through openings created by pipes, cables and ductwork.
Addressing Vulnerabilities in Modern Construction
Each time services like cable trays, water pipes, or conduits penetrate a wall or floor, they introduce potential weaknesses in the building’s fire defenses. If these penetrations are not properly sealed, they can allow fire, smoke and toxic gases to spread rapidly, compromising escape routes and endangering lives.
At SBS Limited, we employ tested combinations of fire batts, intumescent sealants, ablative coatings, collars, sleeves, wraps and specialized fire-stopping devices to seal these service penetrations. Our solutions are tailored based on the type of service, size of the penetration, construction material and required fire performance rating, ensuring compliance with fire safety standards.
Certified Systems Installed by Experts
All penetration seal systems utilized by SBS are tested in accordance with BS EN 1366-3 and comply with EN 13501-2 classification standards. Our trained operatives install these systems strictly within the manufacturer’s tested scope, ensuring each seal performs effectively under fire conditions.
We execute installations across various substrates, including concrete slabs, blockwork partitions, plasterboard walls and modular construction elements. Whether it’s sealing a single riser cupboard or managing thousands of cable penetrations in a multi-storey office building, SBS guarantees consistent and compliant delivery throughout the project.
Comprehensive Documentation for Compliance
Every wall and floor penetration seal installed by SBS is meticulously documented using our internal digital quality assurance system. We record details such as service type, substrate condition, fire rating, materials used and photographic evidence of the installation.
This thorough documentation supports the ‘Golden Thread’ of building safety information, aiding our clients in meeting the requirements of the Building Safety Act, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and Approved Document B. It also provides facilities managers and dutyholders with clear records for audits, inspections and future maintenance planning.
Serving Diverse Sectors with Precision
Penetration sealing is essential across various commercial and industrial buildings. SBS installs these systems in hospitals, care facilities, educational institutions, student accommodations, commercial office towers, warehouses, distribution hubs, airports and major infrastructure projects.
We operate on both new constructions and remediation programs, delivering services in live environments and during construction phases. Whether assisting a main contractor on a new development or helping a property manager upgrade an estate’s fire safety, SBS ensures high-quality and consistent results.
Schedule a Fire Stopping Survey or Installation
If you’re planning a new build, managing a fire strategy upgrade, or addressing compliance issues identified during a risk assessment, SBS Limited is here to assist. Our team will evaluate the penetrations throughout your project and implement fully tested, traceable sealing solutions to ensure your building remains safe and compliant.
