Fire Rated Cladding: EN 13501-1 Reaction To Fire Testing
A1 and A2-s1, d0 fire rated rainscreen cladding panels, as certified by EN 13501-1
Get in touch today
EN 13501-1 fire testing forms an essential part of Finish Facades’ thorough testing procedures before our panels can be delivered to clients.
At Finish Facades, we prioritise the safety of all of our cladding. In the event of a fire, knowing the materials within the walls of your home will not ignite when exposed to fire or rapidly increase the fire's growth is essential.
Our rainscreen cladding panels are tested on an individual basis to ensure they achieve an A1 or A2-s1, d0 fire classification, alongside being CWCT tested, through UKAS approved testing centres. This unique offering provides our clients with the highest level of assurance that their panels are designed for the unexpected as well as the day-to-day.
What is EN 13501-1?
EN 13501-1 is a European Standard which assesses the reaction of construction products to fire, including cladding panels and the individual elements within this.
The standard measures the spread of flame; ignitability; production of smoke; heat release; and capability to produce flaming droplets or particles.
What are the Requirements of EN 13501-1?
The standard utilises a classification system ranging from A1 to F to classify the performance of the panel, with A1 and A2-s1, d0 fire ratings necessary for materials in buildings above 11m.
Fire Rating Classification System
The EN 13501-1 certification is based upon a classification system measuring the cladding panel on its level of combustibility, smoke production, and capability to produce flaming droplets - all of which can aid the spread of fire and increase the risk of harm.
The standard utilises an ascending alphabetical scale of combustibility (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, and F). On this scale, A1 represents a non-combustible cladding material, and F represents a highly combustible material.
Following this classification, smoke production is further measured by an ascending scale of S1, S2 and S3, where S1 produces little to no smoke and S3 produces a substantial amount of smoke.
The certification is complete with D0, D1 and D2, which represent the capability to produce flaming droplets, where D0 means no droplets are produced and D3 produces many droplets.
The highest EN 13501-1 classification would appear as A1.
The expert Finish Facades team works with you to determine the right materials for your cladding, with our testing procedures ensuring they perform as expected.
Featured Case Study
(Heathrow) Premier Inn Reclad
An ambition to deliver a transformational identity to the Premier Inn company, with the supply of.1.5Million reclad, 2,500sqm of 3mm solid Aluminium recess fix panels to replace current ACM panels.
When considering external cladding, bear in mind it is required to undergo fire performance testing, as outlined under the latest Euroclass (BS EN 13501-1) standards. This is to ensure the safety of the cladding, which, for example, is particularly important for high-rise buildings.
