If you are looking to install any type of cladding, including
composite cladding, it is important to think about how fire resistant it is and to understand the fire rating of each type. Fire-rated cladding refers to cladding types that have been rigorously tested and classified for how they behave in a fire situation. This includes how quick they are to burn, how much smoke they produce, and whether they create flaming droplets.
Different materials can have different fire ratings, with some making good fire-resistant cladding or completely fire-proof cladding. Here, we’ll look at how the rating system works, relevant regulations, and whether you can get fire-rated composite cladding.
What is Fire Rated Cladding?
Fire-rated cladding is cladding that has been tested and classified based on its performance against a real fire. It is rated using a European system called Euroclass that measures how combustible the cladding is, as well as additional safety elements, including how much smoke it produces and whether it creates flaming droplets in a fire.x
Cladding with a high fire rating is fire resistant, though it may not be entirely fireproof. Cladding that rates highly will be designed to slow the spread of fire as much as possible to maximise safety. It is also likely to produce relatively low volumes of smoke and minimal or no flaming droplets.
Common Types of Fire Rated Cladding
Each type of cladding material comes with a fire rating. The table below shows the typical fire ratings for a number of common types of cladding.
| Material |
Fire Rating |
| Aluminium and Steel |
Class A (non-combustible) |
| Fibre Cement |
Class B |
| uPVC and PVC |
Class C (Class B in some cases) |
| Untreated Timber and Composite Cladding |
Class D (Class E in some cases) |
Metal Cladding
Metal cladding, which is typically made of aluminium or steel, will often receive the highest Class A rating. This means that these materials do not burn, contribute to fire, or produce smoke or flaming droplets. Steel and aluminium are mainly used for high-rise buildings. In the UK, fire regulations require cladding on residential buildings over a certain height (typically 11m) to have high fire ratings.
Timber Cladding
Untreated timber cladding typically has a fire rating of Class D. However, timber can be specially treated to improve its fire resistance. Treated timber cladding might therefore be a good option for those looking for extra safety.
Composite Cladding
Composite cladding has a fire rating of Class D or E, but some options are designed to be more fire resistant. Dino Decking’s composite cladding is rated Cfl-s1, meaning that it has high flame resistance with limited spread and low smoke emissions.
Fiber Cement Cladding
Fiber cement cladding tends to be Class B and can be a good choice for non-residential buildings.
uPVC Cladding
Cladding made of uPVC (plastic) tends to have a rating of Class C, but some types can be Class A. You should always check the manufacturer specifications, including fire ratings, before buying.
Understanding the Fire Rating System
The European fire rating system, which also covers the UK, is known as Euroclass. It grades combustibility, smoke propagation and the production of flaming droplets. A1 is the best, being non-combustible or fireproof, while Grade F is the worst.
| Grade (European Class) |
Definition |
Smoke Propagation |
Flaming Droplets |
| A1 |
Non-combustible |
– |
– |
| A2 |
Non-combustible (Limited) |
s1-s3 |
d0-d2 |
| B |
Combustible – contribution to fire is very limited |
s1-s3 |
d0-d2 |
| C |
Combustible – contribution to fire is limited |
s1-s3 |
d0-d2 |
| D |
Combustible – contribution to fire is medium |
s1-s3 |
d0-d2 |
| E |
Combustible – contribution to fire is high |
E-d2 |
E-d2 |
| F |
Combustible – easily flammable |
F |
F |
What are Smoke Emissions?
Smoke can be very dangerous during a fire, so smoke production is an important part of the tests and grading. A1-graded cladding does not produce smoke, but other materials are graded from s1 (low smoke propagation) to s3 (high smoke propagation), with smoke propagation being the movement of smoke through a building during a fire.
| Smoke during combustion process |
What this means |
| s1 |
Low smoke production |
| s2 |
Moderate smoke production |
| s3 |
High smoke production |
What Are Flaming Droplets?
This part of the test checks for flaming droplets or particles that continue to flame for longer than 10 seconds when they reach the ground. It records these ‘droplets’ in the first 10 minutes of the test and goes from d0 (no flaming droplets or particles) to d1 (limited flaming droplets) and d2 (significant flaming droplets).
| Flaming droplets |
What this means |
| d0 |
No flaming droplets or particles |
| d1 |
Limited flaming droplets or particles |
| d2 |
Significant flaming droplets or particles |
Benefits of Fire-Resistant Cladding
There are a number of clear benefits to using fire-resistant cladding, with high-fire-rated composite cladding or cladding of other materials increasing the safety of the installation.
1. Compliance with UK Regulations
Firstly, cladding applied to a residential building must comply with certain safety standards. Using fire-rated cladding helps manage compliance, especially on taller buildings that have strict requirements for any cladding that is installed.
2. Maximum Safety
Fire-rated cladding is important for keeping occupants of a house or outbuilding safe. In the event of a fire, cladding with high fire ratings could provide people with crucial extra time to evacuate, or limit the fire until emergency services can arrive.
3. Long-Term Durability
The materials used in fire-rated cladding are often stronger and more durable, which means that the cladding might also last longer.
What are the Rules for Installing Fire-Proof Cladding on Houses?
If you are thinking of installing cladding, it’s important to understand any rules that you must follow with regard to fire-rated cladding.
Perhaps the most important applies to taller residential buildings of 11m or over. Generally, any cladding on these buildings in the UK must have a Class A1 or A2-s1, d0 rating.
Buildings under 11m – which includes the average house in the UK – do not require fully non-combustible cladding, but must meet certain safety standards. For example, cladding must be Class B or better if it is less than 1m away from your property line. This is to stop the spread of fire if one occurs. If the building or outbuilding is more than 1m away from the property line, then you have more flexibility.
Additionally, if you wanted to use combustible cladding on a house that is very close to a neighbouring property, this could class as an ‘Unprotected Area’. If the total ‘unprotected’ surface is too high for your distance from the property boundary, you would have to switch to a non-combustible material (Class A1 or A2) or move the whole structure with cladding further away.
What are the Rules for Installing Fire Proof Cladding on Outbuildings?
The rules for installing fire-rated cladding on outbuildings depend on the outbuilding’s size as well as its location.
Small Outbuildings
Separate or detached mall outbuildings with an internal floor surface area of less than 15m² are typically exempt from UK Building Regulations. It is still recommended to use fire-rated cladding even if this is not a strict requirement due to insurance costs and overall safety.
Large Outbuildings
Larger outbuildings with an internal floor space of 15m² to 30m² are slightly different. They are still generally exempt, but if the structure is within 1m of the property boundary, then the walls and any cladding must be constructed of materials of limited combustibility.
Garages
Garages that are attached to a house are treated as part of the main building and must follow the same regulations as the rest of the house. It’s also worth noting that internal doors between a garage and house generally need at least 30 minutes of fire resistance (FD30), as they are considered to serve as a fire exit.
Find Fully Fire-Rated Composite Cladding at Dino Decking Today
If you’re considering cladding for your home or outbuildings, composite material can have a lot of benefits. It is tough and durable, very resistant to weather and rot, and has a sleek and stylish aesthetic. It is also far easier to maintain than timber cladding, which generally needs regular painting or treating. You can also combine it with composite decking for a cohesive look and theme.
Dino Decking’
s composite cladding is also designed to be fire resistant and has been fully tested according to UK regulations. Our composite cladding can be the perfect choice for houses or outbuildings alike.
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