Fire safety is a critical part of any building’s infrastructure—whether it’s a commercial office, residential development, or public facility. One of the most vital, yet often overlooked, aspects of fire protection is passive fire stopping. At NSS, we are certified specialists in passive fire protection, helping clients across sectors stay safe, compliant, and confident in their built environment.
In this blog, we’ll explain what fire stopping is, why it’s important, and how we deliver these essential services to the highest industry standards.
What Is Passive Fire Stopping?
Passive fire stopping refers to the sealing of gaps, voids, and openings in walls, floors, and ceilings where fire and smoke could potentially spread through a building. These openings are typically created for services like pipes, cables, ductwork, and conduits. Without proper fire stopping, these penetrations can compromise the fire resistance of a building’s compartments and significantly increase the risk to life and property.
Fire stopping is a fundamental part of a building’s passive fire protection system—a set of measures designed to contain fires at their point of origin and limit their spread, giving people more time to evacuate and protecting the structure itself.
Why Is Fire Stopping Important?
- Life Safety
Effective fire stopping can significantly delay the spread of fire and smoke, allowing occupants more time to escape and emergency services more time to respond. - Building Compliance
UK building regulations, including Approved Document B and BS 476/EN 1366, require that fire compartments are properly maintained and that any breaches are adequately fire-stopped. Failure to comply can result in legal action, insurance issues, and increased liability. - Property Protection
Limiting the spread of fire helps reduce damage to a building’s structure, equipment, and contents—potentially saving thousands in repair and replacement costs. - Business Continuity
Fire damage can lead to prolonged operational downtime. Proper fire stopping is part of a proactive risk management strategy that supports ongoing business continuity.
Types of Fire Stopping Solutions
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to fire stopping. At NSS, we assess each site and specify the most appropriate materials and methods for the application. Common fire stopping systems include:
- Intumescent Sealants – Expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps around pipes and cables.
- Fire-Rated Boards – Used to protect larger penetrations or voids in walls and ceilings.
- Fire Collars and Wraps – Applied around plastic pipes to collapse and seal them in a fire.
- Fire Sleeves – Used where insulated pipework or ducting passes through fire-rated walls or floors.
- Cavity Barriers – Installed within walls, floors, and ceiling voids to restrict fire spread.
All of our installations are carried out in line with manufacturer specifications and certified product performance standards.
NSS Fire Stopping Services
At NSS, we offer comprehensive passive fire protection services—from initial surveys and installations to maintenance, inspections, and documentation. Here’s how we deliver:
1. Certified Expertise
We are fully accredited to carry out fire-stopping works for penetration seals and installation of fire rated timber door sets, with all installations backed by third-party certification. This ensures a fully traceable, quality-assured process that meets current building regulations and gives you peace of mind.
2. Fire Compartmentation Surveys
Our team can carry out detailed surveys of your building’s fire compartments to identify any breaches, risks, or areas of non-compliance. These are documented with photographs and prioritised recommendations.
3. Installation & Remedial Works
We install fire-stopping systems using tested and approved products, ensuring compatibility with existing construction materials. Our work is discreet, clean, and minimally disruptive—ideal for live environments like offices, schools, or healthcare facilities.
4. Ongoing Compliance
Fire stopping isn’t just a one-time task. As buildings evolve—new cables added, pipes moved, walls penetrated—previous fire protection can be compromised. NSS provides ongoing maintenance plans, including regular inspections, repair works, and certification updates to ensure continued compliance.
Why Choose NSS for Fire Stopping?
- Certified and third-party accredited installations
- Experienced, multi-skilled team
- Minimal disruption to live environments
- Fully documented reports and compliance records
- Integration with other building support services (maintenance, refurbishments, etc.)
Final Thoughts
Fire stopping plays a crucial role in protecting lives, buildings, and business continuity. Whether you're responsible for a single office or a multi-site estate, it’s essential to stay on top of your passive fire protection measures.
At NSS, we make fire safety straightforward and fully compliant—without the disruption. If you’d like to discuss a fire-stopping survey, remedial works, or ongoing maintenance, get in touch with our team today.