It can be tough to decipher all the technical jargon surrounding fire-rated decking and other materials.
When you’re specifying, you want to know the facts. Is the decking you’re selecting fire rated and safe for your project?
With the regulations limiting the use of combustible materials on high-rise residential buildings so important, this decision is critical.
Fire rated decking is essential for the safety of your outdoor flooring projects.
British Building Regulations make it a necessity on high-rise residential buildings above 18 metres (11 metres in Scotland, and from December 1st, England too), however many specifiers are making the conscious effort to select class a fire rated decking on all projects, regardless of height or building purpose.
If you’re not specifying fire rated class A decking on all of your balcony flooring projects, you’re behind the curve and potentially missing out on projects.
The Grenfell Tower tragedy was a catalyst in the industry for significant change. Not only were regulations introduced that banned combustible cladding from residential buildings above 18m, but the same was also done for balcony flooring, too. This means that when you’re sourcing flooring for outdoor decking...
The options available for non-combustible balcony decking are increasingly wider as manufacturers focus their attention on producing A-rated external flooring products.
With choices ranging from aluminium decking to porcelain, stone, and everything in between, it can be easy to stick to what you know.
Despite this though, one material continuing to make an impression on the industry is composites. Providing a non-combustible alternative to timber, it’s becoming a common choice for specifiers and end-users alike.
Timber is one of the most sought-after materials when it comes to balcony flooring, but for obvious reasons, it isn’t always suitable.
Highly combustible and requiring regular treatment to ensure longevity, architects and specifiers are using alternatives that not only meet the latest fire regulations but also give a similar aesthetic.
2022 is already upon us and you’ll be starting to think about your projects over the next year.
When you’re looking at balcony flooring, it’s fair to say that over the past couple of years, finding the perfect flooring materials has been more difficult. With fire safety regulations and tighter building legislation, you are now working with a reduced menu of materials to choose from.
Despite this, you can be assured that there are plenty of options available.