Fire dampers

Fire dampers are not simply another item on a maintenance checklist. They sit at the intersection of ventilation engineering and passive fire protection, requiring different competencies to understand how the damper, ductwork, fire barriers, and penetration seals work together – and this is why we have developed a dedicated fire damper services division.

You can rest assured that our fire damper expertise is informed by a specialist knowledge of the guidance and standards underpinning industry practice. With senior involvement in the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and direct input into the development of DW145 – which covers statutory requirements for the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire dampers and smoke control dampers – our approach is steeped in the latest thinking and best practice.

With access, anyone can carry out a drop test – and it is important to note this is only part of the job. The real expertise lies in understanding what you are testing and how it interacts with the ventilation system around it. Even what are thought to be straightforward works, like installing an access panel, for example, can affect air flow if they are not correctly positioned and installed. Our specialists understand the airflow requirements of different buildings and systems, so our work will not compromise wider ventilation performance. 

Fire damper competency depends on the fire barriers and penetration seals around them performing properly. Checkmate Fire can address both sides of this relationship thanks to our integrated capabilities, combining ventilation engineering with established passive fire protection expertise to give clients an end-to-end fire safety solution, rather than leaving issues to fall between different contractors.

Older buildings can inherit decades of neglected maintenance, poor workmanship, and missing installation information. We understand that responsible persons can be apprehensive about what an inspection might uncover, so our role is not to simply identify problems but to establish what is actually there, explain what we have found, and provide a practical remedial route forward that delivers a better state of compliance.

You should be able to look back and see what was found, what was done, and what still needs attention. Furthermore, this detail contributes to the golden thread – a digital record of crucial building information and a legal requirement under the Building Safety Act 2022. Our comprehensive reporting records the condition of assets, required actions, and maintenance history, helping responsible persons build the clear, traceable information needed to demonstrate that fire dampers are being properly managed.