Research and analysis

Fire safety: Compartment walls and roof junctions

Research into the fire performance of roof junctions, examining how roof design, insulation and fire stopping materials influence the spread of fire.

• From: Health and Safety Executive
• Published: 22 December 2025

Applies to England

Documents

Fire safety: Compartment wall/roof junction experiments (executive summary)

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Fire safety: Compartment wall/roof junction experiments (full report)

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Details

The research assesses the performance of fire-stopping details of the junction between compartment walls and three modern roof construction types in relation to Approved Document B (fire safety) and Building Regulations 2010.

Researchers examined how roof and wall constructions perform with different fire stopping materials and to assess their suitability for limiting fire spread at compartment boundaries. 

It used these findings to provide evidence to inform future policy and guidance updates.

Background

The government commissioned the research as part of the technical review of Approved Document B (fire safety).  

BRE Global carried out the work, and the findings and recommendations do not represent government policy.

Published 22 December 2025