Introducing The MetalPad – Our Class A1 Fire Rated Pedestal

Wallbarn have pro-actively reacted to the changes in fire safety regulations to ensure compliance with our products.

The Standards could not be clearer, to meet BS EN 13501-1 2018 (fire classification of construction materials) the products must be non-combustible. The European Commission Decision 96-603-EC sets out what materials can be categorised as Class A.

With claims by other businesses that the headpieces and baseplates used with their ‘non-combustible’ pedestals will be made of rubber and plastic, we believe that it is important to ensure that there can be no doubt whatsoever that our range of fire-rated, non-combustible pedestals will be Class A1 compliant. No ifs, no buts, no interpretation.

Leading The Way

The industry reaction to the changing legislation relating to requirements for the use of non-combustible pedestals has resulted in designs and specifications which are vague, to say the least.

As such, we are leading the way with regards to industry innovation in the area of non-combustible pedestals.

Developing A Galvanised-Steel Adjustable Class A1 Fire-Rated Pedestal

Using galvanised steel to ensure extreme temperature tolerance, we have developed this bespoke product from scratch and we are fully confident that it is fit for purpose.

This non-combustible, fully adjustable, Class A1 pedestal has been specially designed for high-rise balconies, terraces and flat roofs. 

Key Benefits

• Non-combustible to BS EN 13501-1
  (Fire classification of construction products & building elements)
• No plastic or rubber components
• Designed for exterior applications
• Made from 2mm thick galvanised steel 
• Solid stem for superior weight tolerance
• Over 1,000kg loading per pedestal
• 150mm diameter circular base plate
• Millimetre-precise height adjustment
• Bespoke headpieces for paving and decking
• Heights range from 30mm up to 258mm.

Complies fully with draft British Standard BS 8579

Offering a similar base to our universal pedestal, we will provide different headpieces for both decking and paving to ensure maximum versatility.

Durability and Effectiveness

At Wallbarn, we do not believe in compromising in the quality and durability of our products and utilise a large, circular metal baseplate with a smooth underside, which will help ensure effective weight distribution that will not compromise the non-combustible qualities of the MetalPad.

All our products are designed with durability and effectiveness in mind. With such serious consequences should these fire-rated pedestals fail, we strongly believe that there are no grey areas with regards to legislation and no room for interpretation.

What Has Changed?

Previously, building regulations in the UK state that any material used for filler or insulation on high-rise buildings must be of ‘limited combustibility’.

However, these regulations will be amended so that only materials classed as ‘A1 or A2’ under the European Reaction to Fire classification system, will be allowed.

Making the Adjustment

Based upon our ASP & Universal pedestal design to help distribute weight effectively, we are currently developing a steel adjustable non-combustible pedestal.

Designed and manufactured in the UK from 100% galvanised steel, our forthcoming range of class A1 rated non-combustible pedestals will help to ensure complete compliance with new fire safety legislation.

Reacting To Significant Changes

Combustible materials will be banned from the exterior of new residential tower blocks above 18m as well as schools, care homes and hospitals, the government has announced. Only materials rated Class A1 or A2 can be included on high rise balconies in the future. There is even talk that these rules will apply to any building over 11 metres.

Currently, building regulations in the UK state all insulation and filler materials for cladding on high-rise buildings must be of ‘limited combustibility’.

It is understood that the only materials that will now be allowed are those classed as A1 or A2 under the European Reaction to Fire classification system, which includes materials such as metal, stone and glass which rarely contribute to fires, or plasterboard, which makes no significant contribution.

This measure – which was lobbied for by campaigners and the RIBA  and in light of the Hackitt report on building fire safety – will usher in a regulatory change that will signal a major upheaval in the building industry.

* For more on the definitions of class A1 and A2, please click here for the full details.

For more information, please visit the dedicated area on our website by clicking here.