What are the safety standards for fire rated aluminium cladding?

In the early 2000s, the European Reaction to Fire classification system (Euroclass system) was introduced to assess how building materials react in the event of a fire. The fire rated standards for construction products are classified in European Standard EN 13501-1.

What are the safety standards for fire rated aluminium cladding?

As a non-combustible material, aluminium cladding carries an A2 main class fire rating which means it makes no significant contribution to fire at any stage.

Knotwood fire rated aluminium cladding also has a smoke visibility subclass rating of S1 which means it produces little or no smoke, and a burning droplets subclass rating of d0 which means it produces no flaming droplets or particles during the first 10 minutes of exposure to fire.

What are the safety standards for fire rated aluminium cladding?

How fire rated cladding enhances building safety

Our fire rated cladding is rated to A2-s1-d0 in the UK, meaning it is non-combustible and ensures the highest level of fire protection. This guarantees that the material will not contribute to the spread of flames, providing an essential safety barrier (installation should be carried out in an appropriate manner according to best practice guidelines).

In an era where fire safety is paramount, choosing Knotwood’s aluminium cladding is a responsible decision for architects, main contractors and sub-contractors that aligns with the most stringent regulations.

Many external cladding solutions available to UK design professionals carry a minimum classification of surface spread of flame, which is designed to control and slow down the spread of fire. However, there is increasing importance now to specify fire resistant cladding which provides higher classifications of limited or non-combustibility.

How fire rated cladding enhances building safety

Such cladding panels carry a fire classification result ranging from A1 to D in accordance with European Standards EN-13501-1.

Various factors come into play in all fire safety standards that include heat transmission, flame spread, smoke production and flaming particle emissions, not just what happens if a direct flame is applied.

Benefits of fire rated aluminium cladding in high-rise buildings

Non-combustible

Knotwood is a non-combustible product that meets international fire standards. It is fit for use as cladding on buildings, being EN 13502-1 Class A fire rated (fire rated to A2-s1-d0).

Lightweight

Wood effect aluminium cladding is much lighter than natural wood, making installations easier.

Non warping

Knotwood aluminium is stronger and straighter than real wood and won’t warp over time, giving the installation longevity.

Eco friendly

The VOC-free (Volatile Organic Compounds) coatings and lead free finishes of Knotwood give designers the confidence that it is eco-friendly with net carbon attributes. It is also fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan.

Weather resistant

Unlike natural timber, Knotwood won’t swell, grow mould or rust under wet conditions. Aluminium is protected from corrosion.

Damage resistant

Knotwood aluminium cladding has a topcoat of exterior grade paint baked on to provide resistance to chipping, flaking, blistering, and scratching. This means the building will continue to look impressive for many years.

Low maintenance

The high quality finish of Knotwood aluminium cladding ensures easy maintenance and that the surfaces are durable, making it a cost-effective option for the long term.

Colour stability

All colours of Knotwood aluminium cladding have been rigorously tested to ensure all finishes withstand the most extreme environmental conditions.

Fire rated aluminium cladding vs. other fireproof materials

While fire rated aluminium cladding has a Class A fire rating, fibre cement cladding and enhanced timber cladding have a lower standard Class B rating. This means while they provide flame resistance and limited contribution to a fire, as well as limited heat release and flame spread, they have considerably less resistance to fire than fire rated aluminium cladding.

uPVC and PVC cladding ranges from Class B to Class C, and untreated timber and composite cladding are Class D or E. Class C materials make a medium contribution to fire and delayed and limited heat release during the growth of a fire. Class D materials make a high contribution to a fire, while Class E materials are easily flammable.

Knotwood’s fire rated aluminium systems

Knotwood’s fire rated aluminium systems are non-combustible, achieving an A2-fL-S1 and A2-S1-d0 fire rating in accordance with All Systems EN13501-1 standards, backed by relevant fire test data.