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 11 metres, 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.
So, what are the options? There are an increasing number of products and systems that are suited to your projects, but which is the best?
Composite Decking: Fire Rated Decking That Looks Like Timber
Timber is one of the most desirable materials for projects regardless of size or scale.
However, it can’t be used on these projects requiring maximum fire safety for obvious reasons.
This is where mineral composite decking can come in, giving you flooring that has the look of brushed timber, but without any of the threat of combustibility.
ZERODECK is one such product that can tick both of these boxes. Class A fire rated, available in a variety of colours and now certified by part of an NHBC Accepts system, providing designers and specifiers with one of the best fire rated decking options available.
Fire Rated Metal & Aluminium Decking
Untreated, metal can be a fire rated decking option for your project.
For this reason, it is one of the first decking options that spring to mind for architects and specifiers alike.
The issue is that metal decking on its own isn’t enough to meet the Building Regulations. It needs to be coated to become slip-resistant and suitable for use on external installations. Once metal is coated, it has lost its intrinsic non-combustibility and so must undergo testing under the standard BS EN 13501-1 to be given a Euroclass rating. In order for it to be safe to use it must be rated A2s1d0 or higher.
And even with powder-coating, aluminium decking can have issues with heat and noise, making it a less attractive option.
Are Porcelain Tiles Fire Rated?
All eyes are on 2050 and the aim for Net Carbon Zero. In line with the COP26 agreement, the aim is going to be to make sure your materials are not only fire rated, but produced sustainably, too.
Even though more commonly found indoors, it’s natural slip and stain resistance makes it ideal for use outside.
In fact, 20mm thick fire-rated tiles are manufactured specifically for external use. This means there’s plenty of choice surrounding your more natural flooring options.
Fire Rated Decking Systems
Decking on its own isn’t enough. It relies on pedestals, spacers, and ease of installation.
When you’re sourcing suppliers for your next external project, you need to consider the system as a whole. Class A fire rated decking materials aren’t enough, and you need to consider the entire system.
There’s very little point in opting for fire rated decking or non-combustible flooring material, to then combine it with accessories with a lesser fire rating.
New innovations such as ZERODECK are engineered from mineral composite and have been specifically designed to meet the need for non-combustible materials for balconies and other areas requiring Class A-rated products. Comprised of the A-PED-System (adjustable pedestals & joists), and ZERODECK deckboards and accessories, each element of the system is Class A fire-rated. It is also Broof(t4) certified (when paired with specific build-ups), making it suitable for both high-rise residential balconies and roof terraces alike.
The Outdoor Deck Company is one of the UK’s largest suppliers and installers of external high-quality decking.
Our extensive hands-on experience means we can provide you with the safest and most robust solution to whatever space you are working on.
We prides ourselves on being client-focused with a commitment to providing Specifiers with products that meets and exceed the required specification, alongside ongoing technical support that ensures every installation is on spec, on time and on budget.
If you have a project you would like to discuss, speak to one of our experts today.
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