Fire rated aluminium cladding panels

Architects, main contractors and sub-contractors are increasingly looking for fire rated aluminium cladding panels to use for the construction of a buildings’ envelope.

It is an increasingly popular cladding product that is being specified for new builds, as well as replacing existing cladding materials in retrofit and refurbish projects.

Specifiers need to ensure their build projects control or restrict the spread of fire, to maintain the fire resistance of the building’s overall structure.

Knotwood fire rated aluminium cladding is fire rated to A2-s1-d0 and classed as non combustible.

This ensures it is an excellent solution for architects, main contractors and developers who are specifying cladding for commercial or residential building applications over 11m in height, or any project where an A2 fire rating is required by law.

For specification guidance and product samples, contact our team today.

Understanding fire rated aluminium cladding panels

Fire rated aluminium cladding panels are composite materials that consist of two aluminium cover sheets and a non-combustible core. The panels are designed to offer a high level of fire resistance, with a fire rating of A2-s1-d0 in the UK. This means that they are non-combustible and do not contribute to the spread of fire, making them a safe choice for building construction.

Knotwood – fire rated aluminium cladding, with a difference

Not only does our range of aluminium cladding boast incredible strength, versatility and durability, it also benefits your project as it carries the appearance of timber with a wood grain effect.

The powder coated wood grain effect of Knotwood’s fire rated aluminium cladding offers all the aesthetic advantages of timber with the practicality and durability of aluminium.

Indeed, many professionals assume the wood grain patterns are a sticker, veneer, or a wrap. They are impressed to realise the wood grain designs are powder coated for extra durability and longevity.

Also, our aluminium cladding uses VOC free (volatile organic compounds) coatings and lead free finishes, which means it carries sustainable benefits. It can also be recycled at the end of its product lifecycle, meaning your project will benefit from green credentials.

Importantly, to reiterate not only will your building’s aesthetics benefit from stunning timber-like cladding, our aluminium cladding is non-combustible. All our cladding systems are EN 13501-1 Class A approved as well as fire rated to A2-s1-d0.

Seamless, flexible, and easy to install fire rated cladding

One of the main advantages for main contractors and sub-contractors who choose our fire rated aluminium cladding in their build projects is the ease and flexibility with which it is installed.

The boards are fixed together with a unique interlocking system, complete with clips, corner trims, joiner trims, end trims, and dimensional clip ins. You can see the full selection here.

Indeed, our range of trims are some of the most concealed trims available to use in the UK market, and enable the boards to be easily applied around windows, corners and joints.

Boards are available in widths of 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm.

Each board has a 5mm shadow gap that can be adjusted. This reduces the amount of cutting required to create the finished board which saves a significant amount of time on site, allowing other aspects of the job to start and progress more quicky.

It also produces less waste which saves final costs, and carries a sustainability benefits of reducing waste into the environment.

The Knotwood clip fixing system allows for expansion and contraction of the cladding board which is instrumental in preventing twisting and warping in challenging weather conditions. This benefits contractors who don’t need to be concerned about the weather when installing Knotwood cladding in the winter months.

Knotwood fire rated aluminium cladding – a solution for cladding refurbishment projects

When it comes to refurbishment projects, cladding can offer a range of benefits.

• It can be used to cover imperfections and therefore improve the overall aesthetic of a building.
• Cladding can provide exceptional thermal insulation which reduces carbon footprint.
• Sufficiently fire rated cladding can protect a building from the spread of fire.
• Cladding protects a building from weather damage and erosion.

Cladding refurbishment projects are often more sustainable, cost-effective, and quicker to complete, compared with replacing a building with a completely new structure.

Benefits of fire rated aluminium cladding panels

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.

Specify your fire rated aluminium cladding with Knotwood

Get in touch with Knotwood to see how we can assist you with your fire rated aluminium cladding project. Call 0800 131 3165, email sales@knotwood.co.uk or use our online form. Our experienced team will be happy to assist.