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 .
The fire classes stipulated in BS EN 13501
PPC 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 twitter : @ surfaceworldmag AUGUST 2021
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