TL;DR: Specialist fire-resistant plasterboard systems for separating walls, ceilings, service risers, and protected corridors. 30, 60, and 120-minute ratings. Approved Document B compliant. Full fire-stopping certification included. Free written quote.
Fire-Rated Systems We Install
At Drylining Chelmsford we install fire-rated drylining systems using British Gypsum, Knauf, and Promat products, all third-party tested to BS 476 and EN 1364. Our teams are FIRAS-registered and we issue full handover documentation to your Responsible Person, building control, or insurance assessor.
- 30-minute partitions (single-layer 12.5mm Type F board, timber or metal stud)
- 60-minute partitions (double-layer 15mm Type F board, staggered joints)
- 120-minute partitions and ceilings (triple-layer 15mm or specialist 25mm)
- Service riser shaft encasements (typically 60-120 min depending on building)
- Protected corridor and lobby linings
- Plant room and boiler room enclosures
- Fire-rated ceiling systems under timber or steel floors
- Penetration seals around cables, pipes, and ducts (intumescent collars, fire-rated foam)
- Cavity barriers at compartment lines and around openings
Where Fire-Rated Drylining Is Required in Chelmsford
Chelmsford's building stock — from the converted warehouses of Springfield to the post-war housing estates of Broomfield, Broomfield, and Broomfield, and the Victorian terraces of Moulsham and Moulsham — has extensive requirements for fire separation under Approved Document B. Typical projects include:
- Chelmsford waterfront commercial studios and office fit-outs
- Springfield apartment compartmentation upgrades (post-Grenfell)
- HMO conversions in the M5/M6/M7 corridor for student lets
- Great Baddow, Springfield, and Broomfield retail park back-of-house separations
- Industrial unit offices in Trafford Park, Broomfield, and Broomfield
- Hotel and serviced-accommodation fit-outs across the borough
- Care home and supported-living schemes
- School extensions and college refurbishments
Materials and Specifications
- British Gypsum FireLine, Knauf Fire Panel, Promat Supalux
- Galvanised steel stud and track (British Gypsum Gypframe or equivalent)
- Rockwool or Glasswool fire-rated acoustic insulation in cavity
- Fire-rated sealants (intumescent acrylic, silicone, or graphite)
- Fire collars and wraps for combustible pipe penetrations
- Cavity barriers at slab edges and compartment lines
- Smoke and acoustic sealant at all perimeters
Chelmsford City Council Building Control
All fire-rated drylining in Chelmsford must be signed off by Chelmsford City Council Building Control (or an approved inspector) at completion. We liaise directly with the building control surveyor, arrange interim and final inspections, and supply photographic records, third-party certificates, and a full O&M handover pack. For HMO conversions, we also coordinate with Chelmsford's Private Sector Housing team for HMO licensing requirements.
Need a Fire-Rated Drylining Quote?
Free site survey and itemised written quote. Full certification included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fire-rated drylining?
Fire-rated drylining uses specialist plasterboard (Type F, often 12.5mm-15mm) and compatible fixings/sealants to provide fire resistance of 30, 60, or 120 minutes. It is required by Approved Document B (fire safety) of the Building Regulations for separating walls, ceilings, service risers, plant rooms, and protected corridors.
Where is fire-rated drylining required in Chelmsford?
Fire-rated drylining is required in commercial buildings, HMOs, multi-occupancy residential blocks, and any premises covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Common Chelmsford applications include Chelmsford waterfront commercial studios, Springfield apartment compartmentation, Writtle college HMO conversions, and Great Baddow/Broomfield retail parks.
Can you provide fire-stopping certification?
Yes. We provide full fire-stopping certification including photographic evidence of penetration seals, third-party accreditation where required (FIRAS or equivalent), and signed handover documentation for your Responsible Person or building control.
What's the cost of fire-rated drylining?
Fire-rated drylining typically costs £35-£65 per square metre depending on the fire resistance period (30/60/120 min), board thickness, and complexity of detailing. We provide a written itemised quote after a site survey.