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]

15th November 2024 Manor Interior Solutions

Enhancing School Safety with BM TRADA-Certified Fire-Stopping Solutions

Enhancing School Safety with BM TRADA-Certified Fire-Stopping Solutions: A Comprehensive Project Review

Introduction to Fire-Stopping in Schools

Fire-stopping is a critical aspect of safety in any building, and it’s even more essential in schools where safeguarding young lives is a priority. At Manor Interior Solutions, we recently undertook a project to enhance fire safety in a school environment, addressing various service penetrations with certified fire-stopping techniques. Marcus Granger and his experienced team led this effort, ensuring compliance with BM TRADA standards for maximum safety.

Project Scope and Objectives

The primary goal of this project was to improve the fire containment measures within the school by applying appropriate fire-stopping to all necessary penetrations and vulnerable areas. Our team focused on areas such as insulated metal pipes, cable bunches, wall and floor penetrations, expansion joints, and fire dampers. Each application was selected to meet the specific needs of the building’s fire safety strategy.

Key Fire-Stopping Areas

Fire-stopping isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; different areas within a building require unique approaches to effectively halt fire and smoke spread. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas we addressed in this school project.

Before Fire Stopping Installation

After BM Trada Certified Installation

Insulated Metal Pipes

Insulated metal pipes require a specialised fire-stopping approach due to their insulation, which can be vulnerable to fire spread if left untreated. Our team used certified materials to fully enclose both the pipe and insulation, providing a robust barrier that limits fire and smoke from travelling through service penetrations.

Cable Bunches

Cable bunches, especially when grouped tightly, can become fire hazards. Marcus Granger’s team carefully applied fire-resistant sealing around these bundles, ensuring that each cable bunch had a certified barrier in place. This technique not only protects against fire spread but also maintains the integrity of the building’s electrical infrastructure.

Cable Bunches Before

Cable Bunches after BM Trada Fire Stopping Certified work

Before Fire Stopping Installation

After BM Trada Certified Installation

Ceiling/Wall/Floor Penetrations and Expansion Joints

If left untreated, every hole or penetration through fire-rated ceilings, walls, and floors, however small, can allow fire and smoke to bypass containment measures. Similarly, Expansion joints are critical points in any fire-stopping strategy as natural building movement, can create gaps that compromise fire barriers.

Our team applied intumescent materials designed to expand under heat to seal off gaps during a fire to address these vulnerabilities. For wall and floor penetrations, we used a range of fire-stopping materials, including intumescent sealants and fire-rated boards, to reinforce the fire resistance of these critical areas. By effectively sealing each point, we preserved the integrity of fire-rated walls and floors throughout the school, providing enhanced fire containment.

Specialised Fire-Stopping Techniques

To meet the varied requirements of the school building, Marcus Granger’s team used a range of fire-stopping techniques, including:

Intumescent Sealants: Used around insulated metal pipes and cable bunches, these materials expand in high temperatures, creating a robust seal against fire.
Fire-Rated Boards: Applied around larger penetrations, fire-rated boards provide both structural support and fire resistance, ideal for walls and floor penetrations.
Mortar Seals: In areas where intumescent sealants were insufficient, fire-rated mortar was used to fill larger gaps or irregular penetrations.
Collars and Wraps for Pipes: For pipes that expand and contract, fire collars and wraps were installed to provide flexible but secure fire-stopping that adapts to movement.

Each of these techniques is certified by BM TRADA, ensuring that every fire-stopping solution meets rigorous safety standards.

Contact our Fire Stopping Contracts Manager

Q mark UKAS Fire Door Manufacture Product - Enhancing School Safety with BM TRADA-Certified Fire-Stopping Solutions

Execution and Compliance

This fire-stopping project was expertly led by Marcus Granger, whose knowledge and dedication were critical to achieving high standards of safety and compliance. His team worked diligently, ensuring that every detail—from insulated metal pipes to cable bunches and expansion joints—was handled with precision. Each fire-stopping technique was applied in strict accordance with BM TRADA standards, with a focus on safety and effectiveness over appearance.

Fire-stopping can be less visually polished compared to other types of construction work, but in this case, functionality is the priority. Our team understood that even the smallest penetration could compromise the building’s fire safety if not properly sealed. Manor Interior Solutions’s team meticulously followed specifications to ensure each installation would provide robust fire containment.

Adhering to BM TRADA certification requirements, we used only approved materials and methods. Every installation was documented and inspected, reinforcing our commitment to the highest level of fire protection. Compliance with BM TRADA standards ensures that our work not only meets but often exceeds industry regulations, providing peace of mind for both the school and the wider community.

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Conclusion

By thoroughly addressing critical areas like insulated metal pipes, cable bunches, and expansion joints, Manor Interior Solutions’s team have effectively reduced the risk of fire spread within the building.

This project exemplifies our unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and compliance. At Manor Interior Solutions, we take pride in safeguarding schools and other institutions through expertly executed fire-stopping solutions that not only meet but exceed industry standards.

Every fire-stopping project reinforces our belief that safety is non-negotiable. In school settings especially, where the wellbeing of young people is paramount, compliance with fire safety regulations is essential. This project stands as a testament to our dedication to delivering peace of mind and contributing to safer communities.

The successful completion of this fire-stopping project has significantly bolstered the school’s fire safety measures, creating a safer environment for students, staff, and visitors.