Why the Fire-Rated MetalPad EX Is Ideal for Safe, Durable Rooftop Decks and Terraces

Designing a rooftop deck or terrace in the UK involves far more than choosing attractive decking boards or stylish outdoor furniture. Safety, compliance, structural integrity and long-term durability all sit at the heart of successful rooftop design — especially when working above an occupied building. This is why choosing the right support system matters just as much as choosing the visible surface material. One of the most advanced solutions available today is the MetalPad EX, a fully fire-rated metal pedestal system designed by Wallbarn to offer outstanding stability, resilience and compliance in challenging environments.

Whether you are a contractor working on a large commercial roof terrace or a homeowner seeking a safe, long-lasting residential rooftop space, the MetalPad EX provides exceptional peace of mind. This blog explores why this product has become the go-to option for creating safe, strong and dependable rooftop decking and paving systems across the UK.

To learn more about the system itself, you can also view the product directly here:
MetalPad EX

Fire Safety on Rooftops: Why It Matters More Than Ever

In recent years, building regulations and fire safety standards in the UK have become increasingly strict — and rightly so. Fire safety on any elevated structure is incredibly important, especially when the decking or terrace is installed above residential areas or businesses. Materials used in external wall systems and roof-level platforms must demonstrate a high fire-resistance performance to reduce the risk of fire spreading across a building.

Traditional plastic or composite pedestals, while suitable for many ground-level applications, cannot always meet the demands of high-risk areas or buildings that require strict adherence to non-combustible material requirements. This is where the MetalPad EX stands apart. Manufactured entirely from metal, the system is specifically designed for environments where fire safety cannot be compromised.

What Makes MetalPad EX Different?

The MetalPad EX is a fully fire-rated metal pedestal, engineered to deliver the highest level of stability and safety under decking or paving. Unlike typical adjustable pedestals made from polypropylene or other polymer blends, the MetalPad EX uses strong, durable metal components that are resistant to flame, heat and structural deformation.

Key Advantages Include:

• Outstanding fire performance suitable for applications where non-combustible materials are required

• High load-bearing strength to support paving slabs, stone, tiles and decking systems

• Durability in high-footfall environments, making it suitable for both commercial and residential properties

• Weather, heat and impact resistance, ensuring long-term stability in the UK’s varied climate

• Precision height adjustment to achieve perfect levelling on uneven rooftop surfaces

These qualities make the MetalPad EX an exceptional choice for rooftop areas where long-term performance, compliance and safety are essential.

Perfect for Rooftop Installations Across the UK

Rooftop decks and terraces are becoming more popular across major UK towns and cities — from London and Manchester to Birmingham and Brighton. With space at a premium, many property owners are looking upwards to create functional outdoor areas. However, rooftop projects require expert planning and materials that can withstand high exposure to weather, temperature fluctuations and the unique challenges of height.

MetalPad EX excels in these environments because:

1. It Meets Fire-Rated Requirements for Rooftop Use

Many roofs now fall under regulations requiring the use of non-combustible materials for external terrace construction. MetalPad EX satisfies these requirements without compromising on versatility or ease of installation. Installers can create raised paving or decking systems that comply fully with fire-safety legislation — something that cannot always be achieved with plastic pedestal systems.

2. It Performs Brilliantly in Harsh Weather

Rooftop environments can be intense. In summer, surfaces can heat dramatically; in winter, wind exposure and freezing temperatures can place enormous stress on support systems. MetalPad EX is engineered to withstand these conditions without warping, cracking or deteriorating. This ensures the terrace remains structurally sound all year round.

3. It Ensures Excellent Stability for Paving and Decking

Due to the height of rooftop structures, movement or instability cannot be tolerated. MetalPad EX provides a strong, unmoving support structure that keeps slabs and decking securely in place. This minimises risk during high winds, reduces vibration, and helps ensure the surface feels solid underfoot.

Reduced Risk, Greater Peace of Mind

Any project above ground level carries inherent risks, and choosing a fully fire-rated system dramatically reduces these. By opting for MetalPad EX, UK contractors and property owners gain:

• Increased compliance with building regulations

• Reduced liability risks

• Confidence that the support system will not fail under heat or flame

• A longer lifespan for the entire terrace structure

The stability and fire performance of MetalPad EX make it particularly suitable for projects involving:

• Blocks of flats

• Communal roof gardens

• Hotels and commercial rooftop bars

• Office roof terraces

• Residential penthouses and balconies

• Public buildings requiring strict fire-safety compliance

A Long-Term Solution with Lower Lifetime Costs

While metal fire-rated pedestals can be seen as a premium product, they often reduce long-term costs thanks to their durability. Unlike plastic pedestals, which may degrade under UV exposure or in extreme heat, MetalPad EX offers a much longer working life. There is minimal risk of cracking or failure, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements.

Additionally, because the system resists weathering so effectively, the decking or paving installed above it experiences less movement and fewer pressure points — helping the visible surface last longer too.

Ideal for Both Paving and Decking Systems

The versatility of MetalPad EX allows installers to use it beneath:

• Porcelain tiles

• Stone paving

• Concrete slabs

• Timber decking

• Composite decking

• Fire-rated decking systems

Its adjustable height range, combined with its exceptional load-bearing capacity, provides the freedom to design rooftop terraces with creative layouts, stepped levels and precise junctions with doors, windows or wall upstands.

Why UK Installers Prefer MetalPad EX

Feedback from contractors across the UK highlights several reasons for choosing the MetalPad EX:

• Ease of installation — despite being a metal system, it is designed to be user-friendly

• Consistency of performance — reliable under both static and dynamic loads

• Excellent levelling capability — essential for rooftop drainage falls

• Compliance confidence — especially for projects requiring non-combustible materials

When working on a rooftop, installers need to trust the pedestal system completely. The MetalPad EX provides that trust.

Final Thoughts: Safety and Strength from the Ground Up

A rooftop terrace should not only look beautiful — it must be safe, stable and built to last. The MetalPad EX delivers on every one of these requirements, offering a fire-rated, metal-based pedestal system that provides exceptional performance across a wide range of UK installations. Its durability, high load capacity, weather resistance and compliance with strict fire-safety standards make it the perfect foundation for modern rooftop decking and paving projects.

To explore the full MetalPad EX system, you can visit the official product page here:
MetalPad EX