The UK market for fire stopping is substantial with double digit growth predicted in each of the next five years. Changes now coming into effect following the 2021 Fire Safety Act are fuelling some of that growth – and that’s not the only reason why builders merchants should consider stocking fire stopping products.

First of all, what are fire stopping products? Fire stopping products are materials or devices used to prevent the spread of fire through openings in walls, floors, and ceilings. They are designed to seal gaps or penetrations created by pipes, cables, ducts, and other building services, to prevent flames, smoke, and toxic gases from spreading throughout a building. This might include intumescent sealants, fire-resistant boards, and fire stop collars and wraps. The UK has strict regulations for fire safety products in buildings, and Norseal’s fire stopping products meet or exceed these requirements.

After the Grenfell Tower fire, the UK government introduced more stringent fire safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. These new regulations affect both new constructions and renovations of existing buildings. – not just high-rise residential buildings. By stocking fire stopping products, builders merchants can help their customers comply with these updated regulations fulfilling their responsibility to their customers to provide products that ensure the safety and well-being of building occupants.

Taking one step on from this, builders merchants have a duty of care to their customers, and if they supply products that do not meet fire safety regulations, they could be held liable in the event of a fire. By stocking and supplying tested and compliant fire stopping products, builders merchants can help ensure that their customers are using the correct products to comply with building regulations and reduce the risk of liability.

Many customers are becoming more aware of the importance of fire safety and are actively seeking out fire stopping products. By listing and promoting these products, builders merchants can meet the demand of their customers and potentially increase their sales.

Norseal offers a wide range of fire stopping products, including intumescent seals, fire door seals, fire pillows, fire-rated mastics, and more – all available on reliable next day delivery terms that means there is no need to stock. Norseal will do that instead! We can also offer comprehensive product support and technical advice to assist builders merchants and their customers so counter staff and customers can access accurate and up-to-date guidance on fire stopping solutions. We can also work with merchants to create POS and/or display options to give customers an overview of the products on offer.