23 Jul Is Aluminium Decking Fire-Rated?
When it comes to external flooring in the United Kingdom, building owners, architects, and contractors are responsible for ensuring A-rated flooring is specified and installed during construction in buildings above 18 metres in height.
Otherwise, remedial actions will be required once the inspection is completed.
Fortunately, aluminium decking is an exceptional and attractive fire-rated flooring option that will last for years to come.
Current UK External Flooring Laws
After the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the UK government created new fire rated flooring regulations in order to prevent another tragedy. All high-rise buildings over 18 metres in height must specify non-combustible decking on specified attachments (such as balconies and roof gardens) that are A1- or A2-rated.
Buildings that are 17 metres or less may specify B-rated flooring, but no harm will come from any building of any height that specified A-rated flooring.
How Fire-rated Flooring Is Tested
Fire-rated flooring materials must pass rigorous testing in order to earn their European Standard BS EN 13501-1 class rating. Otherwise, the flooring material cannot be installed on the high-rise buildings. These fire safety tests are designed to understand the combustibility, burnability, and smoke ability of the material. Based on the results of the test, materials can be provided with an A, B, C, D, E, or F rating. Materials that are rated B or below are considered combustible and offer increasing degrees of flammability.
High-rise buildings may only have A-rated flooring installed on specified attachments. The A rating is broken down into A1 and A2 to designate the superiority of the materials. A1 non-combustible decking will not produce any smoke or spread any flames.
On the other hand, A2 external flooring has the potential to produce some smoke when exposed to fire. Both A1 and A2-rated products are considered non-combustible and are permitted to be used for high-rise projects.
Why Aluminium Decking Is A Great Non-Combustible Decking Material
Aluminium decking is naturally A1-rated, and will typically become A2-rated when it has a powder-coating, which makes it a great choice for high rise external decking. The metal is able to withstand high temperatures, which provide firefighters additional time to arrive on site.
Alfresco Floors offers aluminium decking that is available in three powder-coated colours. The powder coating offers higher thermal conductivity, which makes it a cooler surface to walk on during sunny days. In addition, our aluminium decking provides a low slip potential.
Our aluminium decking is A2-rated due to the attractive coating applied to the final product. With minimal smoke production, it is still incredibly safe to use on specified attachments in high rise buildings.
Our A-Rated Flooring Can Help You
Alfresco Floors offers complete external flooring solutions that can meet any of your needs. We have A-rated decking pedestals that are specifically engineered to work with any of our A-rated flooring materials. When you turn to Alfresco Floors, you will find all of the products you need to efficiently install approved fire-rated flooring that meets the UK government’s current regulations. Contact our team today to enquire about our aluminium decking and how easy it can be to install with our A-Ped pedestals.
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Posted at 15:35h, 20 November[…] decking is naturally Class A1 fire rated, which makes it a good option for high rise external decking. The metal is able to withstand high […]