A blog written by Alfresco Floors
Class A decking is an external flooring application that has been fire-tested and deemed non-combustible and therefore safe and legal to use on high rise buildings above 18 metres.
The Class A rating is applied to any construction material based on their reaction to fire, in order to understand whether that material would contribute to the spread of fire or smoke in the event of a blaze. The flooring solution must earn a European Standard BS EN 13501-1 class A rating, meaning it has passed tests on its combustibility, burnability, and smoke ability.
It is important to note that both Class A1 and A2 can be specified on a high-rise attachment above 18 metres.
As stated above, the current UK building regulations state that high rise buildings (over 18m) must be constructed with non-combustible materials, including decking on balconies, roof and winter gardens, and other external attachments.
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 that incorrect 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 Class A decking from the beginning of a project.
How Are Materials Fire-Tested?
When discussing a material’s reaction to fire classification, we use the labels ‘non-combustible, ‘limited combustibility’ and ‘combustible’.
For UK regulations, fire testing includes products undergoing the BS 476 suite of tests which can be achieved through the National Classes. However, most construction materials also need a CE mark. This means that products must also be classified through the Euroclass system. The Euroclass Testing methods are stringent and closely monitored – thereby providing manufacturers, architects and specifiers with confidence and assurance.
Some products are naturally A1 rated – meaning that there is no need for fire testing. Products like this include aluminium, porcelain, concrete and natural stone – providing that they have not been ‘treated’ in any way – for example, use of glue, coatings, slip-resistance etc.
For example, the Alfresco A-PED™ product rangeAlfresco A-PED™ product range is composed 100% of aluminium and steel, and therefore does not require a fire safety test. As specialists in Class A fire-rated solutions, Alfresco Floors products do not contribute to a fire at any stage – making them the safest option for your high-rise project. Check out how Alfresco Floors aluminium decking is tested for fire rating .
Why Is Class A Decking Important?
Since the 2018 change in Building Regulations, which were brought about by the Grenfell Tower tragedy, any high rise above 18m is banned from using combustible cladding. Similar regulations towards external flooring were also introduced, which means that high rise external flooring construction must specify class A rated decking systems.
Class A decking is extremely important in order to protect the lives and homes of people living and working in high rise buildings. However, non-combustible materials doesn’t have to mean specifiers are limited in their choice of design and style.
Class A external decking still comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours. You can create stunning external flooring solutions with materials that are attractive as well as practical: weather-resistant and non-combustible.
Examples of Class A Decking
There are many materials you could choose to build a fire-rated external flooring application, from porcelain, concrete and natural stone. As naturally non-combustible materials, these options would meet the conditions of the Euroclass fire-rating system and would be rated Class A.
Splitting Class A into A1 and A2 we can take a look at some construction materials for decking that would be approved. A1 materials are completely non-combustible whereas A2 materials have incredibly limited combustibility. Both types are considered non-combustible and are permitted on external applications on buildings of any height.
-
Euroclass A1 Examples
- A-PED ™ Pedestals
- REIF DuraLink ®
- Italian Porcelain Tiles
- Concrete Pavers
- Natural Stone Pavers
- Metal Components (such as steel)
- Powder Coated Aluminium Decking
- Materials Containing Small Amounts of Organic Matter
-
Euroclass A2 Examples
Porcelain is a popular choice due to its versatility and durability. Its impermeable scratch resistant surface means that it will never fade, stain or corrode. Additionally, it will never suffer from mould or moss. You can also achieve a variety of visual affects with porcelain tiles – from wood to concrete.
Stone paving is a great solution for those aiming to achieve a modern, yet rustic feel, with a subtle nod to our natural environment. The texture and appearance make the natural stone paving truly stand out – whether you opt for Yorkstone or granite.
Concrete is a great solution for those wanting to cover a large surface area. It is often the material of choice for those seeking a more practical solution. The Carreau and Rockstone ranges allow for an element of personalisation – alongside the bespoke colour options that we provide.
Depending on what your aims are – and the purpose of application – each surface material listed above has its own unique properties, allowing you to produce eye-catching (yet safe) flooring, whether it’s a balcony, walkway, terrace, roof or winter garden.
Class A Decking & Subframes
Don’t forget that the whole system needs to be Class A rated, not just the decking surface material.
The subframe and joists must also be non-combustible, as each component works together to create a much bigger flooring solution. A stunning end-result that is Class A rated and safe for high rise buildings over 18m is the aim for many specifiers.
AR-Deck from Alfresco Floors is a 100% aluminium decking system, comprising of deckboards with a fully adjustable pedestal and joist sub-frame. Designed and manufactured in Britain, AR-Deck has been developed specifically to meet the requirements for non-combustible materials on balconies and other outdoor spaces, delivered at a competitive price and short lead times.
Alfresco Floors also can provide the adjustable pedestals for other decking materials. Meeting the demands for a fully fire-rated external decking solution, the Class A1 A-Ped is designed specifically for external balconies, terraces, roof and winter gardens. The fire-rated pedestal offers a strong, sustainable and fully adjustable platform to be used for paving and decking.
Conclusion: Choose Alfresco for Your Class A Decking
Alfresco Floors are the UK’s most established specialist in the provision and installation of pedestal-based external Class A fire-rated floors. They provide complete and comprehensive Class A-rated sub-frame systems: A-PED, REIF DuraLink and AR-System. Alfresco also supply a large variety of Class A-rated surface products: aluminium decking, porcelain tiles, concrete and natural stone pavers.
The team at Alfresco Floors have unrivalled experience in exterior flooring. They are experienced in all sorts of technical challenges and just about every type of ‘raised floor’ installation system. Alfresco Floors focus their efforts exclusively on the products and solutions that they know offer the best combination of not only fire safety but price, prestige, and practicality.
To find out more about their products, call Alfresco Floors on 020 8977 0904 or visit their website www.alfrescofloors.com
