20th November 2025 Manor Interior Solutions

Fire Compartmentation Inspection Sheraton Park | What We Did and Why It Matters

Fire compartmentation inspection Sheraton Park | here’s the full breakdown of what we uncovered and why it matters.

Most buildings look fine on the surface.
The real question is what’s happening behind the walls, ceilings and façades where fire protection either does its job or quietly fails.

At Sheraton Park (Durham University) were carrying out a wider fire compliance review by intrusive checks inside Sheraton House and Neville House to confirm the real condition of the fire compartments.

That’s where we stepped in.

Our role at Manor Interior Solutions was simple: open it up, inspect it properly, document it clearly, and reinstate it to certified standards.

Picture3 1 e1763655745409 - Fire Compartmentation Inspection Sheraton Park | What We Did and Why It Matters

Why Fire Compartmentation Inspections Are Needed

These inspections are becoming standard for universities, schools, housing associations and commercial estates because:

Fire strategies need to be verified against the actual construction
Older buildings can hide gaps, missing fire-stopping or inconsistent build-ups
Insurers increasingly demand evidence, not assumptions
Compliance frameworks (BS 9999, PAS standards, FRAEW guidance) expect intrusive checks, not visual guesses

Fire safety: Approved Document B – GOV.UK

And crucially:
You cannot confirm a fire compartment without opening it.

Fire Compartmentation Inspection Sheraton Park – What Was Required

The buildings needed a combination of internal and external checks, focusing on wall and ceiling build-ups, fire-stopping at compartment lines, external cladding interfaces and junctions around windows and floors. Our team carried out inspections in four rooms across both buildings, and each location was chosen based on the fire engineer’s inspection drawings.

Step-by-Step: How We Carried Out the Work

Controlled Internal Opening-Up

We created small access points in walls and ceilings to expose the construction behind the finishes. These checks helped us verify fire-rated board thickness (e.g. 2×15mm Fireline), metal stud configurations, insulation presence, roof-line and ceiling junctions. Ultimately, whether the build matched the intended fire compartment. Everything was photographed for the engineer’s review.

External Façade Inspections

We inspected the external façades up to 11m, which included multiple wall types: Brickwork, Terracotta cladding, Board cladding, Aluminium cladding and Curtain wall interfaces. We checked the critical junctions where fire can spread unseen.

Certified Reinstatement

Once the inspection was complete, we reinstated all openings with the appropriate materials and leaving all the areas were left clean, tidy and safe for reoccupation.

This part must be done by trained, fire-certified operatives; otherwise the compartment is compromised.

What Happens Next for the Client

From here, the process usually follows three clear steps:

Fire engineer reviews our photographic report
A compartmentation report is issued with any required remedial actions
Certified fire-stopping works are carried out (if needed) to bring the building up to standard

Because the inspection is now complete, the client has the evidence they need to move forward confidently.

Why Choose a Certified Fire Contractor

Anyone can cut a hole in a wall but very few can:

open it safely
inspect it correctly
understand what the engineer needs
reinstate it to a certified fire rating
document everything clearly

Our team follows BM TRADA-aligned methods and delivers full photographic and written evidence for compliance and insurance purposes.

BM TRADA | Certification, Inspection & Training Services

That’s the difference between “job done” and “job proven.”

Considering a Fire Compartmentation Survey?

Whether you manage a university estate, school, student accommodation block or commercial building, intrusive fire inspections are the only reliable way to confirm that your compartments actually perform.

If you’re unsure where to start, we can guide you through it from survey to reinstatement.

Ready to Book Your Fire Compartmentation Inspection?

If you need clarity on the real condition of your fire compartments, we can help.

Manor Interior Solutions provides: Intrusive fire surveys, Compartmentation inspections, External façade fire checks, Fire-stopping remedial works, Certified reinstatement and Audit-ready reporting. Call us at 01858 374595 or send an enquiry and the team will get straight back to you [email protected]

What Makes BM TRADA Certification Important?

BM TRADA certification guarantees that fire doors meet rigorous standards of performance. BM TRADA certified fire doors are not just barriers; they are life-saving tools designed to contain fires and provide precious minutes for safe evacuation. A certified installation ensures:

Compliance with British Standards and legal regulations.
Proper alignment, sealing, and functionality of doors.
Assurance of durability and performance in the long run.

When installed correctly by certified professionals like our team, BM TRADA certified fire doors become an integral part of a school’s fire safety strategy.

The Risks of Poor Fire Door Maintenance

Did you know that over 75% of fire doors in UK buildings fail basic inspections? Common issues include:

Damaged or missing seals.
Warped doors that no longer fit frames.
Non-functional closing mechanisms.

In schools, where high footfall is common, the wear and tear on fire doors is accelerated. Without proper maintenance, these critical safety measures may fail when needed most, putting lives at risk.