Fire-rated decking: Understanding fire ratings

When it comes to creating safe and beautiful outdoor spaces, fire-rated decking is an essential consideration. 

At Raaft®, we understand the importance of fire safety in terrace design, especially for commercial and high-rise residential buildings.

Let's explore the concept of fire ratings and how they apply to decking materials.

What are fire ratings?

Fire ratings are standardised classifications that indicate how well a material can resist fire. These ratings are crucial for ensuring the safety of building occupants and minimising property damage in case of a fire.

In the UK, fire ratings for building materials are primarily based on the European classification system defined in BS EN 13501-1. Here are the main fire ratings used in the UK:

Euroclass ratings

The Euroclass system is the most important classification for external flooring and building materials. It assigns ratings based on combustibility:

• Class A1: Completely non-combustible materials
• Class A2: Materials with very limited combustibility
• Class B: Some contribution to fire spread
• Class C: Minor contribution to fire spread
• Class D: Medium contribution to fire spread
• Class E: Significant contribution to fire spread
• Class F: Easily flammable materials

Specific applications

For certain applications, additional classifications are used:

Roofing Materials:

• BROOF(t4): Highest performance for external fire exposure to roofs

Flooring Materials:

 Suffix 'fl' is added to the Euroclass rating (e.g., A2fl)

Fire-rated decking materials

At Raaft®, we offer fire-resistant solutions for outdoor terraces, including:

• Atria® Porcelain Tiles: Our extruded porcelain decking boards are not only aesthetically pleasing but also fire-resistant.  These tiles provide a safe and stylish option for various outdoor applications
• Preventa® Class A Fire-Rated System: This modular terrace system is designed to meet the highest fire safety standards. It combines fire-resistant materials with innovative design to create safe and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Benefits of fire-rated decking

Choosing fire-rated decking for your terrace project offers several advantages:

1. Enhanced Safety: Fire-resistant materials help slow the spread of flames, providing crucial time for evacuation in case of a fire.
2. Compliance with Regulations: Many building codes require fire-rated materials for certain applications, especially in commercial and multi-story residential buildings.
3. Durability: Fire-rated materials are often more resistant to other forms of damage as well, potentially increasing the lifespan of your terrace.
4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your outdoor space is constructed with fire safety in mind can provide reassurance to both property owners and occupants.

Raaft®'s commitment to fire safety

At Raaft®, we prioritise safety without compromising on style. Our innovative system combines height-adjustable steel pedestals with aluminium support joists that work seamlessly with our high-performance porcelain decking.

This system is designed to be non-combustible, meeting all UK building regulations and fire safety reviews.

Fire-rated decking from Raaft®

Understanding fire ratings is crucial when selecting materials for your outdoor spaces. By choosing fire-rated decking options from Raaft®, you can create beautiful terraces that prioritise safety and comply with building regulations. 

Whether you're working on a residential rooftop or a commercial courtyard, fire-rated decking provides the perfect blend of aesthetics and safety for your project.

Contact the experts at Raaft® today. We’re always happy to help and answer any questions you may have.