Unsealed service penetrations through fire-resisting elements
What it looks like
Visible gaps around pipes, cables and ducts where they pass through compartment walls, floors or the ceiling line of a protected route.
Why it happens
First and second fix trades cut through fire-resisting construction and move on without reinstating the fire stopping; nobody owns the making-good.
What it costs if it is missed
Loss of compartmentation and a direct route for fire and smoke — a life safety defect and a certain failure at building control inspection.
How to inspect for it
Walk every compartment line after each trade leaves: penetrations sealed with a tested system appropriate to the substrate, correct product, correct depth, labelled where required. Photograph before closing up.
How to prevent it
Assign fire stopping to a single responsible contractor, hold a penetration register per plot, and inspect before plasterboard rather than after.
Basis in regulation
Last updated 23 August 2026. This is our editorial summary of publicly available regulation and site practice, not building control approval or a warranty determination.