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    Phone

    General Sales | +44 (0) 1255 446838

    Sales Support | +44 (0) 1255 423601 (Option 5)

    Transport | +44 (0) 1255 462567

    Rail | +44 (0) 1255 440291

    Industral & Commercial | +44 (0) 1255 440290

    High-Rise | +44 (0) 1255 446830

    Decking & Cladding | +44 (0) 1255 440298

    Marine | +44 (0) 1255 440297

    Email

    Sales Support | info@duracomposites.com

    Fire Safety: Designing out the Risk

    The Building Safety Act, a response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, aims to enhance building safety regulations in the UK. If you’re a building owner, contractor or other party involved in construction and maintenance of buildings that may no longer be compliant, our cladding and decking products can help.

    BS EN 13501-1: 2018 Fire classification of construction products and building elements

    BS EN 13501-1:2018 provides the reaction to fire classification procedure for all construction products, including products incorporated within building elements. The process for classification under this standard involves a combination of up to five rigorous tests designed to assess the product on a range of characteristics, including combustibility, heat levels, flame spread and smoke release.

    Once tested, the product receives an official classification of its fire rating, known as a Euroclass rating. From best performing to worst performing, the Euroclass system is: A1, A2, B, C, D, E and F. It also provides additional classification (typically associated with reaction to fire classes D – B) for smoke production (from s1 (little or no smoke) to s3 (substantial smoke)) and flaming droplets/particles (from d0 (none) to d² (quite a lot)).


    Non-Combustible Cladding & Decking

    Our patented Class A2-s1, d0 fire rated aluminium cladding is suitable if your project requires cladding removal or remediation in buildings over five storeys or eleven meters tall, such as for high-rise residential buildings, hospitals, care homes and other Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).

    The Building Safety Act also includes provisions related to the fire safety of balconies which can pose significant risks in the event of a fire if they are not designed and constructed with adequate fire safety measures, particularly in the case of timber decking boards.

    When considering materials for balcony decking, we advise all parties involved in construction or remediation works to check the reaction to fire classifications for their chosen products, ensure they are based on a relevant test, and are implemented in consideration with any surrounding materials.

    We supply A2 fire rated aluminium decking in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2018, with an in-built drainage channel built into the profile to enable positive drainage (Dura Deck Aluminium Positive-Drain), or a free draining system suitable for terraces or balconies less than 6sqm (Dura Deck Aluminium Free-Drain).

    For High-Rise buildings we also offer a porcelain decking plank (Dura Deck Inspire) with an A1 fire rating. The planks have a variegated wood grain finish which gives the deck the appearance of luxury traditional timber, but with added fire-safe properties. The porcelain composition minimises the need for maintenance and has excellent anti-scratch and anti-slip properties.

    If you’re looking to achieve a BROOF(t4) classification, why not check out our insights article?

    For any HRB project, you should always work with a competent designer to choose a solution that they are confident satisfies the functional requirements of the Building Regulations. Consult the gov.uk website for more information about The Building Safety Act.


    Fire Safety Considerations for GRP

    For civil infrastructure and industrial projects, we’re committed to helping ensure that you choose the most appropriate product for your specific fire safety project needs. Designing out the risk will ensure that your project will safely comply with current regulations.

    GRP is generally known for its excellent fire-resistant properties. The resin matrix employed in GRP is typically self-extinguishing, meaning it won’t support combustion and will extinguish once the fire source is removed. However, it’s important to note that the fire resistance of GRP can vary based on the type and quality of materials used in its manufacture.

    Our d² Dura Grating and Dura Slab for example hold a fire rating of Class B in accordance with BS EN 13501. We also offer phenolic options for our major product ranges, although these can be subject to extended lead times. Take a look at our Fire Safety Performance Sheet below to see our certifications achieved for each of our product ranges.

    FAQ

    BS EN 13501-1 is a European standard that specifies the methods of fire classification for construction products, including building elements. The standard provides a framework for evaluating and classifying the fire performance of these products based on various characteristics such as combustibility, flame spread, and smoke production. The classification system established by BS EN 13501-1 helps in assessing the suitability of construction materials for different applications, considering their reaction to fire.

    Many industry experts consider the reaction to fire test in BS 476 less rigorous than the European standard EN 13501-1. Notably, Class 0 and BS 476 tests lack measurement of material combustibility, potentially allowing combustible materials to achieve an undesirable Class 0 classification.

    BS 476 requires only a surface test, excluding assessment of the vulnerable cut edge, unlike EN 13501-1. The Euroclass system, focusing on material combustibility and flame spread, may classify a material differently than BS 476. British Standard classifications don’t automatically equate with European Standards, and assumptions should be avoided without proper testing.

    With the ban on combustible cladding and decking in high-rise buildings, compliance now requires European Classification A2-s1, d0 or Class A1, achievable through BS EN 13501 testing. Ensure you do you research thoroughly to increase awareness of legislative requirements, as BS 476 may not be relevant for your application, and compliance considerations have evolved.

    Yes we do. Phenolic grating is composed of phenolic resin and fiberglass reinforcement which has excellent fire-retardant properties. Our clients choose it for applications where exposure to harsh environments and fire risk is a concern, such as chemical plants and offshore platforms.

    View our Phenolic Grating

    Fire-Safety-Performance-Sheet-Dura-Composites

    Performance Sheets

    Fire Safety

    Your Fire Safety Strategy should form an integral part of your project design and must…

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    Front Cover Image For Trench Covers Brochure Dura Composites

    Brochures

    GRP Cable Trough & Trench Cover Lids

    Moulded and pultruded open mesh and solid top GRP trench covers, trough covers and drawpit…

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    Front Cover Image For d2 Dura Grating Brochure Dura Composites

    Brochures

    d² Dura Grating

    Designed, developed and manufactured by Dura Composites, unique d² Dura Grating offers a 33% weight…

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    Front Cover Image For Decking & Cladding Brochure Dura Composites

    Brochures

    Decking & Cladding

    Attractive, safe and cost effective decking and cladding solutions for new builds, refurbishments, balconies, terraces…

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