Wapping's converted warehouses and riverside apartment buildings require robust fire compartmentation between dwellings. In converted buildings, original industrial construction provides little inherent fire resistance, and the adequacy of compartmentation installed during conversion is critical to resident safety.
Our surveyors assess compartmentation across Wapping's residential buildings, paying particular attention to the fire separation introduced during warehouse conversions and the integrity of compartmentation in modern riverside developments.
Assessment of fire separation between units in converted warehouses, checking walls, floors, timber structural elements and the adequacy of fire protection measures installed during conversion.
Compartmentation review of modern riverside apartment buildings, checking party walls, floors, service risers and fire barriers in communal areas.
Assessment of fire stopping around pipes, cables and ducts passing through compartment elements, a common weakness in buildings with complex services.
Condition assessment of fire doors throughout communal areas, checking certification, intumescent strips, self-closers and frame integrity.
Original warehouse construction was designed for storage, not residential occupancy. Timber floors and unprotected structures provide minimal fire resistance. The compartmentation added during conversion is the primary protection for residents.
Common issues include service penetrations from plumbing and electrical upgrades, building settling affecting fire-stop integrity, modifications during fit-out works, and deterioration of fire-stopping materials over time.
We combine visual inspection with targeted opening-up where necessary to verify the construction of fire-separating elements, assess fire doors, check service penetrations and identify breaches.
At least every five years for multi-occupancy buildings. Converted warehouses with timber structural elements may benefit from more frequent assessment given the vulnerability of their construction.