20 Apr Class A Fire Rated Decking: What Are Your Options?
If you’re a specifier looking for fire rated decking to earn Class A certification, either for a high-rise building’s balcony or terrace, then this blog will give you a great overview of the options available.
From sustainable material choices such as aluminium and natural stone to more versatile choices like concrete and porcelain, there are multiple ways to achieve a stunning outdoor flooring solution, while still achieving building regulation compliance and necessary fire ratings.
Class A Fire Rated Decking – An Overview
Building regulations in the UK require all external walls and specified attachments of residential buildings above 18m to be built with non-combustible materials. This means a fire rating of Class A1 or A2, s1 d0 according to BS EN 13501-1.
A1 materials are completely non-combustible whereas A2 materials have limited combustibility. However, both classifications are considered non-combustible and are permitted to be used in those circumstances, and any other scheme where the maximum fire rating for decking or other building products is required.
Stay away from materials labelled as ‘fire-resistant’ as these materials do not mean they are fire-rated. While these materials might not greatly contribute to a fire, they are not permitted in high-rise buildings and are not recognised as fire rated.
Instead, for your project, you must specify Class A fire-rated decking. This is so you can avoid any remedial actions in the event of a fire inspection. In choosing fire rated decking materials, you’ll know that the project is both safe and compliant.
This is because Class A fire rated building materials limit the spread of fire and smoke in the event of an emergency, keeping exit walkways safe for people, and allowing firefighters faster access.
Fire Rated Decking – Surface Material Options
Although you might not be able to specify GRP, timber or composite decking, there are still many options for Class A fire rated decking.
For a natural look paving, options such as porcelain or stone are versatile and durable. The texture can be adapted to give a variety of effects such as a wood effect porcelain or a granite look stone. The benefits of porcelain also include it being non-porous so great for standing up to rain and frost.
Concrete pavers are also a great solution, giving a practical and strong decking.
Finally, aluminium is a great class A fire rated decking option as it is modern, corrosion-resistant, and hard-wearing. There are many benefits of aluminium including it being a sustainable material.
Depending on what your aims are and the purpose of the application, these surface materials have their own unique characteristics, but all give you a safe fire-rated non-combustible decking.
You can learn more in-depth about each of these Class A options in our blog “what surface materials deliver Class A Decking”.
Class A Fire Rated Subframes For External Flooring
For high-rise buildings, the whole external flooring system must be Class A fire-rated, not just the surface material.
The sub-frame and joists must also be non-combustible, as each component must be Class A fire rated and safe for specified attachments such as balconies on high-rise residential buildings over 18m. That’s what Alfresco Floors specialises in: fully compliant external flooring solutions that provide you with a complete and comprehensive Class A fire rated system.
Conclusion: Choose Alfresco for Your Class A Fire Rated Decking
Whether you want a Class A aluminium decking or paving system, you are covered with Alfresco Floors.
The team at Alfresco Floors have unrivalled experience in exterior flooring. We focus our efforts exclusively on the products and solutions that we know offer the best combination of not only fire safety but price, prestige, and practicality.
To find out more about our products, call us on
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