The number of fire stopping audits commissioned across the UK has increased noticeably since Grenfell. This is partly due to regulatory pressure—as the Building Safety Act has broadened responsibilities, responsible persons now require documented proof of their fire safety status instead of just a reasonable belief that everything is safe. Additionally, practical considerations play a role: when insurers, lenders, and asset managers request fire safety certification, verbal assurances are no longer adequate.
Most audits, especially in refurbished buildings or those with M&E work, reveal a pattern of accumulated breaches. Cables and pipes often pass through fire-rated walls and floors without proper sealing. Intumescent products may be damaged or missing. Fire doors that were initially compliant may be modified, wedged open, or no longer meet their rated standards. These failures typically develop gradually and unnoticed, only becoming apparent during a compartmentation survey.
The compliance landscape differs notably across building types. Commercial offices and retail spaces frequently encounter issues with penetrations from standard tenant fit-outs. Residential buildings often see problems in communal areas and at flat entrance doors. For healthcare and education facilities, the high volume and complexity of service runs make compliance especially challenging. A common factor is that the risk remains hidden and must be actively identified.
Spectra is IFC-accredited for fire protection services and conducts fire stopping audits, compartmentation surveys, and remediation projects in commercial and residential buildings across the UK. When breaches are detected, we develop a clear, prioritized remediation plan and execute the necessary works to ensure the building’s fire safety compliance. For building owners managing safety cases or responding to insurer requirements, maintaining thorough documentation is just as crucial as the physical repairs.
Industry News &
Insights
Updates, insights and practical perspectives on the challenges and changes affecting our clients and the sectors we work in.
65% of Social Housing Fire Doors Are Failing — And the Inspection Records Make It Worse
A national study has found that nearly two-thirds of fire doors in social housing across England don’t meet the legal minimum standard. The inspection data reveal that the gap between obligation and reality is even wider than the headlines suggest.
Find out moreThe UK Net Zero Buildings Standard Is Here. Most Buildings Aren’t Close to Meeting It.
The construction industry has recently introduced a unified UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, with official certification expected from Q2 2026. It’s a significant milestone — but for most of the existing UK building stock, the gap between current performance and the standard remains substantial.
The Government Is Funding Brownfield Development. The Problem Is What’s in the Ground.
Sixty million pounds of government funding is being used to unlock brownfield sites across England, with substantial amounts allocated to Greater Manchester and other urban areas. However, funding alone doesn’t remediate contaminated land — actual cleanup is needed.
New Fire Safety Rules Land in September — Are Building Owners Ready?
From 30 September 2026, amendments to Approved Document B will come into effect. With a new comprehensive national fire protection framework and stricter procurement and inspection requirements, the pressure on building owners will increase.
Our Core
Services
At Spectra, we provide trusted, compliant solutions across asbestos, demolition, fire protection, remediation, and construction services — delivered safely and efficiently nationwide.
Why Choose
Spectra
With nationwide response, independent professional advice, and a qualified, experienced team, Spectra provides the confidence and capability your projects need. Our commitment is clear — to deliver safe, compliant, and cost-effective results every time.
Contact Spectra today — for trusted expertise in asbestos, demolition, fire protection, and environmental safety.
