/// Passive fire protection in Gravesend
Gravesend is an old Thames-side town, with Georgian and Victorian buildings close to the river and long Victorian terraces behind them. Many larger houses have been turned into flats or shared houses, and there are post-war estates, council blocks and new homes in Northfleet and towards Ebbsfleet. High-speed trains to St Pancras have made it popular with London commuters.
Converted houses and older blocks are where we find most problems. We cover the whole of Gravesham, from the town centre out to Meopham and Higham.
Fire doors in Gravesend
In houses converted into flats and HMOs we find doors that look solid but aren't fire rated, missing closers, broken glazing and gaps around frames. In council and housing association blocks, communal doors on stairwells are the priority because they protect the escape route. We survey the doors, repair those that can be repaired, and replace those that can't.
Fire stopping and compartmentation in Gravesend
Older riverside buildings have seen plenty of changes, and each new kitchen, bathroom or boiler can leave openings between flats. We look under floors, in loft spaces and behind boxing, then seal service holes with fire stopping and box in meters on shared stairs.
What we check in Gravesend buildings
- Front doors to flats and bedsits in converted Victorian houses
- Communal stair doors in council and housing association blocks
- Holes left by kitchen, bathroom and boiler work between flats
- Loft spaces running across several flats
- Electric and gas meters in shared hallways
Rules that apply to Gravesend buildings
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Requires a fire risk assessment for the common parts of blocks of flats and all non-domestic buildings, including flat entrance doors since the Fire Safety Act 2021.
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Over 11 metres: communal fire doors checked every three months, flat entrance doors yearly (best endeavours).
Approved Document B
Requirement B3: compartment walls and floors, with every service opening through them fire-stopped.