Why Non-Combustible Pedestals Are Now Essential Components

Previously viewed as specialist products, non-combustible pedestals and pads are now going to be essential components with regards to ensuring compliance with fire regulations affecting the construction industry which are now significantly more stringent.

A Ban On Non-Combustible Pedestals

Following the Grenfell fire,  amended regulations are now in place which bans the use of combustible materials in certain building projects.

For the first time, balconies are now counted as part of the external wall and classified as a “specified attachment”. For building works which commenced after 20^th February 2019, the following now applies:

The construction of either:

new buildings which are:

• over 18m, and
• in which people sleep; or

for the refurbishment of existing buildings where:

• changing the cladding would result in lower safety (i.e. recladding over concrete), or
• the building is changing in use

then the new legislation indicates that all components of the wall must be individually tested as non-combustible (European Classification A2-s1, d0 (limited combustibility material) or A1).

What Is The Effect?

These updated regulations mean that combustible materials are no longer permitted on the external walls of new buildings or material alterations to the buildings covered by the regulations.

The Regulations require that materials which form part of the external wall or specified attachment have to achieve the requirements of European Classification A2-s1, d0 or A1 (Classified in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009 entitled “Fire classification of construction products and building elements). There are limited exceptions, such as door frames and doors, electrical installations, certain parts of roofs, window frames and glass.

Introducing The MetalPad

At Wallbarn, we are pro-actively reacting to the changes in fire safety regulations to ensure compliance with our products.

Based upon our ASP design to help distribute weight effectively, we are currently developing a steel adjustable pedestal which will be a Class A1 product. Further details will be announced shortly.

Designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of both commercial and residential projects, our Class A1 product will be a fully adjustable stainless steel pedestal to provide durability, strength & versatility where it is needed most.

Key Advantages Include:

• Suitable for paving slabs and timber decking
• Superior quality
• Suspended system
• Fully adjustable

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

Using stainless steel to ensure extreme temperature tolerance, we are developing this bespoke product from scratch and it will be subject to extensive independent testing to ensure that it is fit for purpose.