Client: Private Care Group
Contractor: WHL Projects
Scope: Passive fire protection upgrade, loft void compartmentation, party wall construction, and fire-stopping compliance

Overview

WHL Projects were engaged to deliver essential fire compartmentation upgrades at a retirement home in Manchester, following a fire risk assessment that identified critical breaches in the building’s passive fire protection. The works focused on reinstating compartmentation in the roof void, blocking incomplete party walls, and fire-stopping multiple service penetrations throughout the property.

The project was completed sensitively in a live care environment, ensuring zero disruption to residents while significantly improving the building’s fire safety performance.

Key Project Phases

1. Compartmentation of Loft Voids

Large, unprotected areas were discovered in the roof space, compromising fire containment between residential units. WHL Projects installed new fire-rated barriers to form effective compartments within the loft, limiting the lateral spread of fire and smoke. Fire-resisting boards and mineral wool were used in accordance with Approved Document B and relevant fire safety standards.

2. Reconstruction of Incomplete Party Walls

A significant defect was identified: 24 party wallswere only partially built, terminating at ceiling level and leaving open voids in the roof space. WHL Projects systematically blocked up each wall to full height within the loft, reinstating the vertical compartment lines between apartments. These works restored the building’s ability to prevent fire spread between units and were critical to achieving compliance.

3. Fire-Stopping of Service Penetrations

Service routes for plumbing, electrics, and mechanical systems had compromised compartment integrity. WHL Projects carried out thorough fire-stopping works at all penetration points using:

• Intumescent mastics and sealants

• Fire batts with mastic coatings

• Flexible wraps and pillows for larger or complex voids

These systems were installed to achieve up to 120 minutes of fire resistance.

4. Installation of Fire Collars and Pipe Wraps

Plastic pipes running through floors and walls were fitted with CE-marked fire collars and intumescent wraps, preventing melt-through and fire migration at these weak points. Every collar was mechanically fixed and sealed with fire-rated mastic.

5. Quality Assurance and Handover

Each intervention was fully documented and photographed. A detailed fire-stopping register and certification pack were compiled and handed over to the client and their fire safety consultant for ongoing compliance and maintenance records.

Outcome

WHL Projects delivered a complete and effective fire compartmentation solution, tailored to the challenges of a live retirement home environment. The rectification of 24 incomplete party walls, combined with robust loft compartmentation and fire-stopping, restored the building’s ability to resist and contain fire.

This project demonstrates WHL Projects’ technical expertise in fire protection and our commitment to safe, respectful working in sensitive settings. The client now benefits from a significantly improved safety profile and full compliance with regulatory expectations.