Swiss Cottage's high density of mansion blocks, post-war towers and converted houses means fire compartmentation is a critical safety concern. Many of these buildings have had decades of alterations that may have compromised original fire barriers between dwellings.
Our surveyors carry out detailed compartmentation surveys across Swiss Cottage, identifying breaches in fire-separating walls and floors, assessing fire doors and reviewing fire stopping around service penetrations. We provide costed remediation plans that help building managers prioritise works.
Assessment of fire separation between flats in Swiss Cottage's mansion blocks, checking walls, floors, service risers and communal corridor barriers.
Specialist compartmentation review of post-war concrete towers, assessing panel joints, service penetrations and the effectiveness of original fire separation design.
Assessment of compartmentation in Victorian houses converted to flats, where timber construction requires careful upgrading to achieve adequate fire separation.
Condition assessment of fire doors throughout communal areas, checking certification, intumescent strips, self-closers and frame integrity.
FRAEW PAS 9980 fire risk appraisals for external walls.
ViewExternal wall fire review certificates for mortgage and sale purposes.
ViewComprehensive building condition surveys for properties.
ViewSwiss Cottage has many multi-occupancy buildings where fire compartmentation is the primary passive fire protection. Breaches can allow fire and smoke to spread rapidly between dwellings, endangering residents.
Common issues include historic alterations to party walls, unprotected service penetrations from plumbing and electrical upgrades, missing or damaged fire doors, and inadequate fire stopping in roof spaces.
Post-war concrete buildings can have deteriorated panel joints, compromised fire stops at service risers, and modifications to original compartment lines from later refurbishment works.
We recommend surveys at least every five years for multi-occupancy buildings, or following any significant alteration works. Buildings under the Building Safety Act may require more frequent assessment.