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Fire Parition Services

Fire Rated Partitioning Wall Installation Services

We understand the critical role that the professional construction of firewalls plays in protecting your property and its occupants. Our dedicated fire rated wall partitioning services focus on the installation and maintenance of fire walls, ensuring the highest level of protection against fire spread.

 

With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we deliver tailored fire wall installation solutions that adhere to industry standards. Whether it’s for commercial, residential, or industrial spaces, rely on Ark Fire Protection to enhance the safety of your premises and provide peace of mind.

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What is Fire Rated Partitioning?

Fire Rated Partition Walls System

Fire rated partitioning is the process when constructing a building to ensure fire safety by preventing fire spread. They are internal walls, and ceilings which ensure that a fire, for a limited time, will only be contained in that room or area of the building. This ensures that people within the building have enough time to find escape routes, as well as potentially causing minimal damage to the establishment as only a certain area is affected.

 

Any and every fire starts small and grows. If combustible materials and oxygen are available with no physical barriers, it will attack the structure of the initial room it was caused in and spread. A fire-rated partition wall prevents this by creating a containment which ensures the fire cannot spread for a certain period of time. Partition times can range from 30 to 240+ minutes, ensuring the safety of the people in the building.

 

A fire-rated partition wall has been regulated and checked by the appropriate British & European standards. Here at Ark Fire Protection we are highly skilled and experienced in installing fire partition walls within buildings.

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Vertical & Horizontal Fire Rated Partitioning

Types of Fire Rated Partitioning

Fire rated partitions are critical for containing fire and protecting escape routes. There are two main types: vertical and horizontal, each serving a different function within a building’s fire strategy.

 

  • Vertical partitions are integrated into walls to prevent fire spreading between rooms, even through combustible materials like plasterboard. Gaps for pipes, cables, or sockets are “weak spots” in the partition and should be sealed with certified penetration seals to maintain fire resistance.
  • Horizontal partitions are installed between floors or ceilings to stop fire and smoke from moving vertically through a building. They are particularly important in multi-storey structures, protecting escape routes and maintaining compartmentation between levels.

 

At Ark Fire Protection, we work with third-party accredited manufacturers such as FSI Promat and British Gypsum to provide tested and certified solutions. Our installations follow industry guidance, including The White Book, ensuring the most effective passive fire protection for your site.

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Fire Rated Partition Wall Installation & Construction Near Me

Nationwide Fire Partition Installation

We provide our fire rated partition installation expertise around the entirety of the UK but have offices in the following locations.

 

 

Get in touch with our team for assistance on your next fire partition project.

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Accredited Fire Rated Partitioning & Walls

When it comes to Passive Fire Protection, you need a company that you can rely on. Ark Fire Protection is proud to be accredited by the leading industry bodies – ensuring that we always meet the highest standards of quality and safety, and that our customers can always expect a first-class service.

 

We’re also ISO 9001 certified, meaning that our quality management systems are regularly audited and approved. So when you choose Ark Fire Protection, you can be confident that you’re making the best possible decision for your property.

Why Choose Ark Fire Protection for Fire Rated Partitioning?

Ark Fire Protection are industry specialists with a wealth of experience providing passive fire protection services in Greater London & The UK. We are fully qualified and accredited to carry out all passive fire works and pride ourselves on our high quality of service and workmanship.

Great fire rated partition projects start with great technology

Onetrace is a powerful cloud-based application that is supporting Ark Fire Protection to raise standards across the fire protection industry.

 

Providing Ark with one system to capture, monitor, review and report on all fire protection work being conducted in real time.

Fire-Resistant Materials Used in Fire Rated Partitioning

Gypsum Boards: A popular and effective choice for fire partitioning due to their excellent fire-resistant properties – composed of a non-combustible core, primarily made of gypsum. When exposed to fire, gypsum boards help to contain the spread of flames and smoke, providing crucial time for evacuation and emergency response. They are lightweight, easy to install, and offer significant thermal insulation.

 

Cement board systems: For example, the Vermiculux a non-combustible calcium silicate board which provides up to 240 minutes fire protection to structural steel. Not only can these boards provide you with a fire-rated shaft wall system, but they can also be used on steel for protection. This gives you multiple options when attacking fire protection for structural steel, not only can you use the Vermiculux board amongst many other board systems, but we can also offer you intumescent coatings, cementitious coatings, or beam clad insulation boarding.

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Fire Rated Partitioning Regulations

Fire-rated partitions must comply with UK standards to ensure they perform effectively in the event of a fire. Key regulations include:

 

  • BS 476 – British Standard for fire resistance testing of building elements, including walls and partitions.
  • Building Regulations (Approved Document B) – Sets the legal framework for fire safety in buildings, specifying requirements for compartmentation, fire resistance, and protection of escape routes.

 

Compliance with these standards ensures that fire-rated partitions contain fire and smoke, protect occupants, and meet legal obligations.

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Why are Fire Partitions Needed?

Fire partitions are essential for maintaining safety and structural integrity within a building. They:

 

  • Contain fire and smoke – Prevent flames and smoke from spreading between rooms or floors, limiting damage and protecting occupants.
  • Protect escape routes – Ensure corridors, stairwells, and exits remain safe and accessible during a fire.
  • Support structural stability – Help maintain the integrity of walls, floors, and ceilings under fire conditions.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance – Meet the requirements of Building Regulations, BS 476, and EN 13501-2, reducing legal risk and improving overall fire safety.
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Working With Leading Manufacturers

Fire Rated Partitions for a Range of Sectors

 

Our team at Ark Fire Protection have years of experience in designing and installing fire rated partitions for a range of sectors, including Commercial, New Builds, Healthcare (NHS), Student Accommodation, Industrial, Education, Residential, Facilities Management, Social Housing, and Insurance sector. Our goal is to provide our clients with the highest level of fire protection while also considering the aesthetics and functionality of their space. We understand that each sector has its own unique requirements and regulations, and we ensure that our fire rated partitions meet all necessary standards.

 

To discuss your specific project needs and obtain a quote, please contact us on 0333 023 0470 today.

 

Fire Wall & Partitioning Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a fire-rated partition and why is it important?

A fire-rated partition is a wall or barrier designed to resist fire and smoke for a specified period, maintaining compartmentation and protecting escape routes. They are essential for limiting fire spread, safeguarding occupants, and supporting compliance with fire safety regulations.

 

2. How long can fire-rated partitions resist fire?

Fire-rated partitions are tested to withstand fire for specific durations, typically 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, depending on the construction, materials, and certification. The rating indicates the period the partition can maintain integrity and insulation under fire conditions.

3. What types of fire-rated partitions are available?

There are two main types: vertical partitions, integrated into walls to prevent horizontal fire spread, and horizontal partitions, installed between floors or ceilings to stop vertical fire and smoke movement. Both types may include penetration seals for services like pipes or cables to maintain full fire resistance.

4. Which standards and regulations govern fire-rated partitions in the UK?

Fire-rated partitions must comply with BS 476, EN 13501-2, and Building Regulations Approved Document B, which set requirements for fire resistance, compartmentation, and safe evacuation routes. Certified products and correct installation are critical for compliance.

5. How long does it take to install a fire-rated partition?

Installation time depends on the size, type, and complexity of the partition, as well as site conditions. Simple vertical partitions may take a day or two, while larger horizontal or multi-storey systems can take longer. All work should be completed by trained professionals following manufacturer and regulatory guidance.

6. What maintenance is required for fire-rated partitions?

Maintenance involves regular inspections to ensure integrity, checking seals, repairing damage, and verifying that penetrations remain correctly sealed. Documented inspections and maintenance help ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness throughout the partition’s lifespan.