“ Of late members of QUALICOAT UK & Ireland have seen a rising number of powder
coating specifications that request an ‘ A1 ’ classification for combustibility under BS EN 13501-1 .
The fire classes stipulated in BS EN 13501
QUALICOAT
It is important to assess the cladding system holistically and not just the performance of the constituent parts under BS EN 13501-1 .
The predominant fire test for the whole external cladding system is BS 8414 . This provides a route to compliance for buildings over 18m that are outside the scope of Part B regulations . This requires materials to meet the performance criteria given in BRE report BR 135 which measures whether the cladding build up is deemed safe for buildings at elevated height . The test itself involves a 9m high wall with a complete cladding installation , including the fixing of panels and insulation . It is therefore a through-the-wall test
When tested to these stringent fire safety standards , PPC performs as well as anodised and pre-coated aluminium sheet material . The three images for each of the tests show the cladding after the test , then with cladding removed and then with insulation removed to show the membrane .
A blanket specification of ‘ A1 ’ restricts the choices of colour for the facade , also it will no doubt incur increased supply costs and shows a lack understanding of the standards and current best practice . But , irrespective of whether aluminium cladding is ‘ A1 ’ or ‘ A2- s1 , d0 ’ classified , the critical aspect is to ensure the
full system is specified , configured and installed correctly . This ultimately governs all safe cladding installations .
In closing , QUALICOAT UK & Ireland firmly believe that the ‘ perceived ’ reduction in risk is not necessarily mitigated by moving from ‘ A2-s1 , d0 ’ classification to ‘ A1 ’.
Members of QUALICOAT UK & Ireland believe education on the subject is required and will be approaching the relevant property stakeholders , such as insurance companies , local councils , developers and building funders . QUALICOAT UK & Ireland will make representation to protect the industry , to ensure specification freedom and to negate unnecessary surface finish costs .
A more detailed guidance note is available on the QUALICOAT UK & Ireland website .
Pre-Coat Aluminium Sheet - tested to BS 8414
The next QUALICOAT UK & Ireland members meeting takes place on 19th October 2021 , at the Arden Hotel & Leisure Club , Solihull , please contact the General Secretary , Jan Lukaszewski , via the QUALICOAT UK & Ireland website , should you wish to attend . For details on the availability of various colours and finishes contact any QUALICOAT UK & Ireland member for more information . For updated information about the use and specification of QUALICOAT in the UK and Ireland , please visit the UK & Ireland Association website at www . qualicoatuki . org
Anodised Aluminium Sheet - tested to BS 8414
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