BS EN 13501-1 Reaction to Fire, sometimes known as the Euroclass, and BS EN 13501-5 External Fire Exposure to Roof Tests, have become the relevant standards reference in Approved Document B for England relating to the fire performance of building materials - for roofs and walls but also in relation to internal surfaces, components within systems and around junctions of compartment walls, roofs, floor slab edges and walls.
BS EN 13501-1 lists a material’s reaction to fire classification, otherwise known as Euroclass, under three matrices: reaction to fire A-F, smoke growth rate s1 - s3, and propensity to create burning droplets d0- d2.
Testing
Most important is the distinction between Non-Combustible (Class A1), Limited Combustibility (Class A2) and Combustible products (Class B - F and unclassified). One of the important tests in defining Non-Combustible is a Calorific Value test, measured to BS EN ISO 1182:2020 and BS EN 1706:2018. In order to achieve a non-combustible classification products must have a calorific value of under 2.0MJ/kg, along with other requirements. For a product to achieve A2 limited combustibility it must have a calorific value of under 3.0MJ/kg, along with other criteria.
Specifically for England, compliance with Building Regulations under Approved Document B, section B4, requires wall cladding materials of all buildings above 18m in height to use products that are at least Euroclass B-s3,d2 or better for all areas of the walls above 18m. For further information please contact CA Group Technical Department, or refer to Approved Document B, section B4, Table 12.1 (for England published 2010, latest revision 2024). For guidance on compliance with building regulations in the UK developed regions please contact CA Group Technical Department.
BS EN 13501-5 relates to roof systems, and addresses the risk of fire spread from adjacent buildings. Many metal roofing systems are likely to fall into the B ROOF (t4) category making them appropriate for use at the junctions of a roof with a compartment wall (so long as the construction and products also comply with the requirements of Approved Document B (Section B3 Diagram 8.2).
Working closely with our supply chain partners, designed with the end-user in mind, we’ve developed a core range of products that integrate to form one of the UK’s most advanced built-up roof and wall systems on the market. Available with the CA Group Complete Assurance Guarantee for 25, 30 or 40 years complete system guarantee.
Our in-house team of construction experts are on hand to help with CA Group product information and any aspect of design, specification, application and performance-related queries you may have.
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