Specifying Decking in High Rise Buildings

03 Jul Specifying Decking in High Rise Buildings

High rise buildings are an integral part of our society. They serve the ever-growing population needs in the UK. In order to protect tenants, homeowners and customers in high rise offices, apartments, and other commercial facilities, the government has passed certain regulations regarding non-combustible decking and other materials. Specifying decking in high rise buildings is required in order to avoid certain remedial actions, which could set back your project by days, weeks, or even months and increase your construction costs.

Current UK Regulations for High Rise Buildings

According to the current UK regulations, high rise buildings must specify non-combustible decking in buildings that are over 18 metres in height. These regulations were passed in order to protect individuals in case of a fire. Balconies, walls, decking areas, roof and winter gardens, and other external attachments must not be able to combust.

Specifying Non-Combustible Decking

It is important to specify the right Class-A materials from the beginning of any new construction project. High rise buildings can only utilise certain materials, so it is important to understand what those materials are from the beginning. In addition to the materials, non-combustible decking pedestals should also be specified.

Non-Combustible Decking VS Fire Resistant Materials

In order to earn a non-combustible ranking, materials cannot burn or spread flames when exposed to fire. These materials are provided a Class-A rating, which is further divided in A1 or A2. The difference between these materials is A2 has the potential to produce smoke whereas A1 will not. Class-A rated materials include concrete, aluminum, porcelain, and natural stone.

Fire-resistant materials have the potential to burn in the event of a fire. In addition, they may even combust and further spread the flames. While these materials should not greatly contribute to a fire, they are not permitted in high rise buildings.

Penalties for Not Specifying High Rise Decking

Those who do not specify Class-A rated high rise decking are subject to penalties. During construction, a fire inspector will be required to visit the site. If their inspection finds the wrong materials have been used, they will suggest remedial actions. These can be simple or complex, depending on how much of the wrong material is in use. In order to avoid the costly penalties, specify non-combustible decking from the beginning of a project.

Find The Right Non-Combustible Decking For Your Project

While high rise buildings must specify decking that will not combust, that does not mean you are limited to the style and design of external decking. In fact, our Class-A Rated materials come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours. You can create timeless beauty with materials that are weather-resistant and non-combustible. In addition to using the right materials on your new high-rise building, we offer our A-PED A1 fire rated adjustable decking pedestals. These adjustable pedestals meet the UK’s fire regulations and the construction industry’s needs. Contact one of our flooring experts today to inquire about high rise decking for your upcoming project.