Navigating smoke shaft construction: Materials and smoke control damper compliance

The Building Safety Act continues to shape how we achieve compliance in the fire safety industry, with the construction of vertical smoke shafts coming increasingly under the spotlight. Various options are available, and all have their own nuances when it comes to specifying the correct smoke control damper – this is why early discussions around smoke shaft construction are essential to ensure the damper specified is both compatible and compliant. 

Five core types of smoke shaft construction  

The solutions available for smoke shaft construction is varied and far reaching, so we’ve simplified it into 5 core construction types: 

• Flexible dry-lined walls 

• Blockwork / Concrete walls 

• Metal ducted shaft 

• Calcium Silicate ducted shaft 

• Prefabricated panel systems 

Demonstrating compliance through proven performance 

There are multiple factors that demonstrate the inherent compliance of each solution. To satisfy the design traceability demanded by the Building Safety Act, proven performance needs to be demonstrated – when considering smoke shafts, we can look at smoke leakage as a key performance measure regarding its suitability. If a construction type is missing any smoke leakage data it can be demonstrated with testing on site, otherwise third-party testing can prove compliance (look for EN 1366-8 for multiple compartment smoke control ducts). There are also multiple requirements clearly laid out in the design standards (Approved Document B, BS 9999:2017 and BS 9991:2024) such as being made of A1 fire-resistant materials and protecting vertical compartmentation. .

Compliance risks across different shaft types  

The infographic below highlights the compliance risks and considerations associated with each smoke shaft construction method. 

How shaft design influences damper selection  

Whilst deciding the correct smoke shaft construction, it’s critical to remember to overlay the implications it makes on the selection of the smoke control damper. Each structure will have different testing requirements for the smoke control damper, so being aware of the spatial implications, tolerances and buildability to achieve compliance in each shaft construction will inform the best option for each project. 

The right shaft decision leads to the right smoke control damper solution.

Early collaboration delivers better compliance 

As a market-leading manufacturer of smoke control dampers, Sertus recognises the critical importance of early-stage design decisions around smoke shaft construction. That’s why we’re committed to supporting these conversations from the outset — ensuring that the solutions we offer not only meet compliance requirements but also simplify damper selection later in the design process. 

Ready to get smoke shaft compliance right from the start? 

Talk to our team about aligning shaft construction and smoke control damper selection early – and make compliance simple with Sertus.

About Sertus

Sertus is a UK-based manufacturer of smoke ventilation products, dedicated to safeguarding lives and property through unequivocally compliant, expertly engineered, and reliably manufactured solutions. Driven by our vision to be the UK’s manufacturer of choice for smoke ventilation, we’re setting the standard – leading, not following – with products that combine innovation, performance, and quality. From early-stage design through to post-install support, we partner with contractors, architects, consultants, and developers to deliver smoke control that works – every time.

At Sertus, Make It Simple isn’t just a tagline – it’s our promise. We simplify the complex world of fire safety through intelligent design, clear guidance, and comprehensive support, helping our customers achieve compliant, high-performance buildings with confidence.

Learn more at sertus.uk. For media enquiries, contact hello@sertus.uk or call 01483 269999.