Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, fire safety has been at the forefront of the UK construction industry. The disaster exposed serious flaws in design, testing, and accountability. In its wake, new regulations and cultural changes have reshaped how buildings are designed, specified, and delivered.
Today, compliance is no longer about “ticking boxes.” Developers, contractors, and manufacturers are under increasing pressure to provide fire-tested, system-specific evidence that their solutions work under real conditions—not just in theory.
THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF TESTED FIRE SOLUTIONS
Building safety regulators and local authorities now expect direct test evidence at every stage of a project. This is particularly critical for high-risk residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and other public spaces.
Generic fire safety solutions that once sufficed are no longer enough. Instead, tested, documented, and approved systems are required to ensure that buildings perform as designed in a fire event. Obtaining these details early in the project lifecycle reduces risk, prevents delays, and avoids costly rework or callbacks later on.
SYSTEM SPECIFIC TESTING & COMPLIANCE
Not all buildings are the same—and neither should their fire protection be.
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A high-rise residential tower requires different fire-stopping solutions than a data centre or commercial office.
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Materials, layouts, and service penetrations all vary, demanding a tailored approach.
That’s why system-specific testing is so important. It ensures that fire protection systems—whether boards, foams, collars, wraps, or barriers—are tested in realistic configurations that reflect the conditions on-site.
THE GOLDEN THREAD & ACCOUNTABILITY
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced the concept of the Golden Thread of information—a clear, digital record of all decisions, designs, and safety data throughout the lifecycle of a building.
Manufacturers like Polyseam, the company behind Protecta, play a critical role in this process. By providing fully tested, certified solutions, detailed installation instructions, and ongoing technical support, manufacturers help ensure that fire safety is built in from the start and traceable for decades to come.
INNOVATION & REAL-WORLD TESTING
At Protecta, we believe that safety demands more than compliance—it requires innovation and rigorous testing that mirrors real-world conditions.
Our R&D teams continuously challenge products against demanding installation scenarios, unusual service combinations, and complex construction details. This focus ensures our fire-stopping systems are not only certified in the lab but also proven to perform in the environments where they’ll actually be installed.
This commitment to innovation allows us to:
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Expand approvals for modern construction methods
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Simplify installations without compromising safety
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Deliver tested solutions that meet evolving regulatory and project needs
EARLY COLLABORATION WITH MANUFACTURERS
Another key change is the push for early collaboration. Manufacturers, like Polyseam are now involved at design stage, providing testing data, system certifications, and training long before products arrive on-site. This proactive approach reduces risk, streamlines specification, and ensures that solutions are both compliant and buildable.
Fire-tested solutions are no longer optional—they are essential. With greater scrutiny on fire safety, the demand for tested, certified, and documented systems will only grow. Protecta remains committed to working with contractors, specifiers, and developers to provide innovative, proven fire-stopping systems that keep people, property, and projects safe.
For technical support, contact our Technical or Sales team: technical@polyseam.com | sales@polyseam.com
