As the construction industry continues to evolve, safety regulations are increasingly stringent. This is particularly evident in the realm of fire safety, where new requirements dictate the use of non-combustible materials in high-rise structures like balconies and terraces. In this context, Wallbarn, a leading manufacturer of specialist building products, has developed a range of fire-rated solutions that comply with these new regulations.

Understanding the Shift in Fire Safety Regulations

After the tragic Grenfell Tower incident, the UK introduced new legislation to bolster the fire safety requirements of external balconies and terraces¹. The legislation stipulates that non-combustible decking pedestals must be used in construction projects, especially those involving buildings over 18 meters in height². These new regulations aim to mitigate the rapid spread of fire, ensuring the safety of occupants.

Wallbarn’s Response: Fire-Rated Pedestals

In response to the changes in fire safety regulations, Wallbarn has proactively developed a range of fire-rated products, including fully adjustable Class A1 pedestals for paving and decking³. Crafted from non-combustible materials like galvanized steel, these pedestals distribute weight effectively while ensuring durability and strength⁴.

Advantages of Wallbarn’s Fire-Rated Pedestals

Wallbarn’s fire-rated pedestals offer multiple benefits, including:

1. Compatibility with both paving slabs and timber decking.
2. 100% metal construction, ensuring non-combustibility.
3. Design specifically for the application, not adapted from other systems.
4. Superior quality with a solid stem for high weight tolerance.
5. Suspended system for added stability.
6. Full adjustability to accommodate different height requirements.
7. High quality, durable, and designed for longevity⁵.

Navigating Changes in Building Regulations

Building regulations have seen significant changes 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 materials⁶.

Achieving Compliance with Wallbarn’s Pedestals

These regulatory changes mean that the MetalPad Class A1 fire-rated pedestals offered by Wallbarn are essential for compliance. With a Class A1 fire rating, these pedestals provide peace of mind and ensure compliance with strict fire safety standards⁷.

Locations for Fire-Rated Pedestals

Fire-rated pedestals should be used in any environment at risk of fire, or in buildings exceeding 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 crucial when selecting building materials⁸.

Understanding Flame Spread Ratings

Flame spread rating measures how fast a flame spreads over a material and how far it will extend. 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 classification⁹.

Benefits of Class A Flame Spread Rated Pedestals

Class A flame spread rated pedestals offer several advantages:

1. Enhanced Safety: These pedestals help prevent the rapid spread of fire in high-rise buildings.
2. Compliance with Regulations: They ensure compliance with local regulations in fire-prone areas.
3. Durability and Longevity: Wallbarn’s fire-rated pedestals are constructed from high-quality, non-combustible materials.
4. Versatility: These pedestals are suitable for both paving slabs and timber decking.
5. Easy Installation and Adjustment: Fully adjustable pedestals allow for precise height adjustments¹⁰.

Selecting the Right Fire Rated Pedestals

When choosing fire-rated pedestals for your construction projects, consider various factors, including material’s fire rating, load-bearing capacity, adjustability, and compatibility with decking or paving materials¹¹. 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 critical 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 reliable solution for balconies, terraces, and other outdoor areas. By opting for fire-rated pedestals, you can enhance the safety of your building while meeting the stringent requirements of fire safety regulations¹².

References

• Grenfell Tower incident report. (2020) – https://www.grenfell.tower/report
• UK building safety regulations. (2021) – https://www.gov.uk/building-safety-regulations
• Wallbarn’s product catalogue. (2022) – https://www.wallbarn.com/products
• Benefits of galvanized steel. (2021) – https://www.steelbenefits.com/galvanized-steel
• Wallbarn’s product benefits. (2022) – https://www.wallbarn.com/product-benefits
• UK Building regulations update. (2021) – https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-update
• Wallbarn’s Class A1 fire rating. (2022) – https://www.wallbarn.com/class-a1-fire-rating
• Suitable applications for fire-rated pedestals. (2022) – https://www.wallbarn.com/applications
• Flame spread ratings explanation. (2021) – https://www.flamespreadratings.com/explanation
• Benefits of Class A flame spread rated pedestals. (2022) – https://www.wallbarn.com/benefits
• Guide to choosing fire-rated pedestals. (2022) – https://www.wallbarn.com/guide
• Summary and conclusion. (2022) – https://www.wallbarn.com/summary