Where Should Fire-Rated Pedestals Be Used?

03 Sep Where Should Fire-Rated Pedestals Be Used?

If working on an external flooring project, fire-rated pedestals should be used in any environment where there is a risk of fire, or if a building is above 18 metres in height.

‘Fire Ratings’ is a key talking point within the industry right now, as many specifiers seek safe, compliant solutions.

Instances such as the one at Grenfell Tower and the blaze at Bolton have prompted Building Regulations to adopt a clearer view on acceptable applications, particularly for high-rise buildings.

Building Regulations have now banned the use of combustible materials on buildings above 18 metres in height. This also includes ‘specified attachments’. These are defined as balconies, terraces, walkways, roof gardens and winter gardens, to name a few.

These stringent methods have forced manufacturers to come up with solutions that allow specifiers and design professionals to source safe, compliant solutions for their external flooring projects.

What Are Fire-Rated Pedestals?

By definition, adjustable pedestals are designed for use where the base or floor is irregular and must be levelled to a desired height. What makes fire-rated pedestals so unique is the material(s) that they are made from.

It is crucial that your fire-rated pedestal is made from a non-combustible material in order for it to be specified on a high-rise building above 18 metres in height.

Non-combustible materials are also defined as ‘Class A’ according to the European Classification System.

Such materials include metals, concrete, stone and other natural substances.

However, it is likely that the fire-rated pedestal will be made from a metal due to its versatile properties.

Fire-Rated Pedestals: What To Look Out For

In our previous blog, we explored in detail what should you look out for, specifically, when specifying a fire-rated pedestal. You can read the post by clicking this link.

To summarise, here are some key design characteristics that are crucial for your pedestal:

• Quick installation capabilities
• Lightweight construction
• Ability to accommodate heavy loads
• Self-draining
• UV Resistant
• Chemical Resistant
• Maintenance-free
• Suitable for use in a variety of temperatures

Aside from the above design characteristics, choosing the right external flooring specialist is a key consideration, as the quality of installation, finish and customer service all play a vital role.

Past projects will give you a good indication of whom you want to work alongside to deliver on your visions.  

Buildings Under 18 Metres in Height

Of course, fire-rated pedestals aren’t only necessary for buildings above 18 metres in height. Industrial settings – or any other area where there is a risk of fire – will require a fire-rated pedestal, such as the Buzon BC-FR Pedestal, which is 100% self-extinguishing in the event of a fire.

Key features of the Buzon B-Rated Pedestal include:

• Meets UK combustible materials regulations – rated Bfl-S1
• 100% self-extinguishing
• Adjustable height range of 28-1025mm with optional slope correction
• Flexibility to use with standard and non-standard paving slabs, aluminium decking and access floors
• Functionality of 360° rotation of fire-rated circular spacer tabs
• Locking keys stop any rotation and lock pedestal at required height
• Millimetre-perfect pedestal adjustability and slope correction
• Eco-friendly – 80% recycled and 100% recycled polypropylene
• Load – exceeds 1000kg per pedestal

Conclusion

It’s clear that fire-rated pedestals are a crucial component in a variety of external flooring applications, regardless of whether it’s for a high-rise development or not.

Choosing the right pedestal for you depends very much on the specifics of your project and what you are hoping to achieve.  

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