Richard wrote:
Hi, I'm about to embark on boarding out my loft for light storage, and
felt that it would be a good time to also remedy the lack of fire
breaks in my mid terrace house. I cant seem to find any advice about
firebreak specifications or building regs so would be grateful if I
could be shown in the correct direction. I cannot decide whether to
build up the tops of the dividing walls (visible) with block and
mortar (if so is there a specific specification? I was thinking
fixing firfix to the dividing chimneys for e.g.) or with stud and
plasterboard (again what is the spec). I feel the latter would be
easier but the former may be more sturdy/soundproof. Any advice on
which to choose and how to go about it would be gratefully received.
How do you fix to the roof if the rafters dont line with the wall -
can you use noggins in wood? Many Thanks, Richard.

Remember Richard,

If you are working on a party wall(s) to build them up to roof level as a
fire break, then you need to comply with the Party Wall Act with regards to
legal notices, supervision etc and to also inform your local building
control department.

Also, to give even a semblance of fire protection, a stud partition will
have to be plasterboarded on both sides to at least an 1" thick along with a
fire resistant sheet material under that - otherwise it is next to useless,
other than to stop the neighbours wandering around in your attic.