Importance of Fire Rated Products in the UK Construction Market

In the construction industry, fire safety regulations have become increasingly stringent in recent years. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to ensure the safety of buildings, especially high-rise structures such as balconies and terraces. Fire-rated products, including decking and paving pedestals, play a vital role in meeting these requirements.

Understanding Fire Safety Regulations

After the tragic events at Grenfell Tower, new legislation was introduced in the UK to address the fire safety requirements of external balconies and terraces. The legislation specifies the need for non-combustible decking pedestals in construction projects, particularly those involving buildings over 18 meters in height. These regulations aim to prevent the rapid spread of fire and ensure the safety of occupants.

Introducing Fire-Rated Pedestals

Wallbarn, as a leading provider in the industry, has proactively responded to the changes in fire safety regulations. They have developed a range of fire-rated products, including fully adjustable Class A1 pedestals for paving and decking. These pedestals are designed to distribute weight effectively and are made from non-combustible materials, such as galvanized steel, ensuring longevity, durability, and strength.

Key Advantages of Fire-Rated Pedestals

• Suitable for both paving slabs and timber decking.
• 100% metal construction, ensuring non-combustibility.
• Designed specifically for the application, not adapted from other systems.
• Superior quality with a solid stem for high weight tolerance.
• Suspended system for added stability.
• Fully adjustable to accommodate different height requirements.
• High quality, durable, and designed for longevity.

Wallbarn’s fire-rated pedestals offer versatility with different headpieces available for both decking and paving applications. The use of galvanized steel and a solid stem ensures strength and extreme temperature tolerance. These pedestals have been developed from scratch, guaranteeing their suitability and compliance with fire safety regulations.

Changes in Building Regulations

Significant changes have been made to building regulations regarding the construction of balconies and external walls. Balconies are now considered part of the external wall and classified as “specified attachments.” For buildings over 18 meters in height, the new legislation requires that all components of the wall, including the balcony, be individually tested as non-combustible materials.

The MetalPad Class A1 fire-rated pedestals offered by Wallbarn meet these requirements. With a Class A1 fire rating, these pedestals provide peace of mind and ensure compliance with strict fire safety standards.

Where Should Fire-Rated Pedestals Be Used?

Fire-rated pedestals should be used in any environment where there is a risk of fire or in buildings that exceed 18 meters in height. These pedestals are particularly suitable for outdoor decks, balconies, roof terraces, and gardens. In fire-prone areas, such as California or Nevada, flame spread ratings are of utmost importance when selecting building materials.

What Are Flame Spread Ratings?

Flame spread rating measures how fast a flame spreads over a material and how far it will extend. It is determined through controlled testing, where materials are burned, and the speed and extent of flame spread are measured. Flame spread ratings are categorized into Class A, Class B, and Class C, with Class A being the best rating indicating minimal flame spread.

Materials with a Class A flame spread rating are considered safer for fire-prone areas. Wallbarn’s fire-rated pedestals have undergone rigorous testing to achieve this top-rated classification, providing assurance of their safety and compliance with fire safety regulations.

Benefits of Class A Flame Spread Rated Pedestals

Class A flame spread rated pedestals offer several advantages:

1. Enhanced Safety: With minimal flame spread, these pedestals help prevent the rapid spread of fire in high-rise buildings.
2. Compliance with Regulations: Class A flame spread rating is often required by building codes in fire-prone areas, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
3. Durability and Longevity: Wallbarn’s fire rated pedestals are constructed from high-quality, non-combustible materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
4. Versatility: These pedestals are suitable for both paving slabs and timber decking, offering flexibility in design and application.
5. Easy Installation and Adjustment: Fully adjustable pedestals allow for precise height adjustments, ensuring a level and stable surface for decking or paving.

Choosing the Right Fire Rated Pedestals

When selecting fire rated pedestals for your construction projects, it is essential to consider various factors, including the material’s fire rating, load-bearing capacity, adjustability, and compatibility with decking or paving materials. Wallbarn offers a range of fire rated pedestals that meet different requirements, ensuring a safe and compliant solution for your outdoor flooring needs.

Conclusion

Fire rated products, including decking and paving pedestals, play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations in the UK construction market. Wallbarn’s range of fire rated pedestals, with their Class A1 fire rating, provide a safe and durable solution for balconies, terraces, and other outdoor areas. By choosing fire rated pedestals, you can enhance the safety of your building while meeting the stringent requirements of fire safety regulations.