Gyproc Firestopping

Innovation overview and development

An overview of the product

Gyproc Firestopping is a comprehensive range designed to address the wide variety of service penetrations commonly encountered on site, providing fully tested firestopping solutions within British Gypsum systems. The range has undergone extensive independent testing to BS EN 1366‑3 and BS EN 1366‑4 at UKAS‑accredited fire testing laboratories, confirming performance under fire conditions.

Gyproc Firestopping is the first firestopping range in the UK to benefit from the SpecSure® Systems Warranty, guaranteeing that products will perform as specified for a working life of 25 years.

The range includes nine core products: ablative batts, mastics, intumescent collars and wraps, as well as mortar, coating and putty solution; all tested within British Gypsum and Isover partitions and systems. To support specification and compliance with Approved Document B, 90 standard tested details are available to download from our website with more to follow.

How the new product was developed, including effective collaboration, knowledge transfer and partnership along the project team

The core project team responsible for bringing these products to market represented teams from across the Saint‑Gobain business, including supply chain, operations, portfolio development, brand, academy, technical and compliance. The project took around 18 months to complete, covering extensive testing and certification, as well as the development of all launch collateral. Throughout the process, the team overcame a number of challenges, such as unexpected testing requirements, changes within the project team, delays from third parties, and ensuring effective communication and feedback across a large organisation.

How might this product have an influence on the specification

We encourage early engagement with the design team which enables the Gyproc Firestopping range to be embedded as part of a fully coordinated, tested system solution, as opposed to an add-on trade later in the build process.

By specifying Gyproc Firestopping alongside British Gypsum partitions and Isover insulation, the design team can adopt a single source manufacturer, fully substantiated solutions that address compartmentation holistically. This removes the risk of fragmented specifications where firestopping is sourced separately, at a later stage in the construction process, resulting in clashes with what’s installed on site versus what is tested.

Key influences on specification include:

System-led specification

The Gyproc Firestopping range allows firestopping to be specified as part of a complete internal wall and floor system, supported by tested standard details covering mixed penetrations, service types and fire ratings (E and EI). This aligns with current expectations under the Building Safety Act and the Golden Thread, where system compatibility and evidence are critical.

Reduction in product substitution risk

Early specification of a complete tested system reduces the likelihood of late-stage substitutions, mixed-manufacturer solutions, or untested details. This is increasingly important as principal designers and main contractors carry greater accountability for specification compliance.

Confidence through SpecSure® Systems Warranty

Where Gyproc Firestopping is specified within new British Gypsum and Isover partition systems, it can be covered by the SpecSure® Systems Warranty, providing assurance that the new build system will perform as specified for a 25-year working life.

This materially influences specification decisions by:

Encouraging single-brand system selection

Discouraging mixed-manufacturer firestopping

Supporting risk-averse clients, funders and insurers

Simplified approval at Gateway stages

The availability of fully tested products, third-party evidence, and standard details helps facilitate approval at Building Safety gateways, reducing late design changes and programme risk.

How the product improved productivity in the process and/or quality and performance of the interior system

The Gyproc Firestopping range improves both site productivity and system performance by addressing common causes of delay, rework and non-compliance identified across live projects. The addition of the SpecSure warranty for new build applications offers assurance to the design and specification teams that the products specified will perform as tested.

Improved productivity

Fewer non-standard details
Early engagement allows apertures, service types and fire ratings to be rationalised at design stage, enabling the use of standard tested details rather than site-specific technical assessments later. This reduces design queries, supporting data and programme disruption.

Integrated installation approach
Firestopping products such as Fire Batts, Sealants, Collars, Wraps and Mortar are designed to work together and with Gyproc partition systems. This simplifies sequencing between drylining, M&E and firestopping trades and reduces interface issues.

Supported by clear installation guidance and standard details
This helps installers achieve compliant installations first time, reducing inspection failures and remedial works.

Reduced rework and certification issues
Using third-party accredited products within tested systems supports compliant installation and sign-off, helping contractors issue certificates of conformity without delay.

Improved quality and performance

Maintained fire performance of compartment lines
The products are tested to reinstate the fire resistance of walls and floors, maintaining integrity (E) and, where required, insulation (I) performance for up to 240 minutes, depending on the application.

Improved smoke and hot gas control
Firestopping plays a critical role in inhibiting the passage of smoke and toxic gases – a key life-safety consideration given that smoke inhalation is a leading cause of fire-related fatalities. Tested seals around services protect escape routes and adjacent compartments.

Durability and long-term performance
Several products offer long working lives (30–50 years for certain components), minimal maintenance requirements, and stable performance over time. When used within SpecSure-eligible systems, this durability is supported by the systems warranty.

Consistent acoustic and airtightness performance

Many firestopping solutions also contribute positively to acoustic performance and air sealing, supporting overall interior system quality rather than compromising it through poorly detailed penetrations.