Phoenix answers your most frequently asked decking questions for balconies, flat roofs, patios, terraces, pools, porches & gardens. We have developed our FAQ section so that you can find all of the supportive information about our Phoenix systems to assist you with your decking project. Our team of decking specialists are always on hand to answer your questions; we understand that sometimes talking through project requirements is the best way to resolve questions.
At Phoenix we want to answer all your questions clearly. We want to ensure that you have all the guidance and advice you need to make the very best choice of products for your project.
Both A1 and A2 Rated products fall into the ‘non-combustible’ category and can be specified in high rise buildings. There are however slight differences between A1 and A2.
A1 Rated materials cannot contribute to a fire at all, including a fully developed fire.
A2 Rated materials, on the other hand, may produce no contribution to fire but such materials do have potential to produce some smoke or flaming droplets. For example, paint or finishes on the core material may create smoke or droplets in extreme heat or naked flames. This is then followed by an additional classification for smoke and droplets.
When comparing A1 and A2 Rated materials, the key difference is the production of smoke and must be considered at the design stage of your project.
Both A1 and A2 materials are classified as non-combustible – and as such can be specified for external and specified attachments like balconies.
Along with A1 and A2 you will see other classes of products:
Combustability - A2FL means non-combustable (FL signifies a specific floor test).
Smoke Emission - S1 (S1 is Best - S3 is Worst).
Architects, designers and specifiers designing & working on a ‘specified attachment’ such as a balcony, walkway, terrace, roof etc, it’s very important to understand which different materials are Class A Fire-Rated.
The following materials/products from Phoenix all fall into the A-rated category:
XDECK (Porcelian)
CDECK (Fibre Cement)
Adek (Aluminium)
Wallbarn Substructures
The basic answer is Yes. Class A materials must be used in "specified attachedments".
Defined in BS 8579:2020 and the ‘Guide To The Design of Balconies and Terraces’, the ban on combustible materials refers to a ‘specified attachment’ on a building.
Balconies are attached to an external wall of a building, so they fall into the category, meaning you must ensure it is constructed and finished in Class A building materials.
This means that regardless of structure height, when you are working on these "specified attachments", Class A Rated materials must be used.
Flooring and decking products in the UK are tested using BS7976-2:2002 standard and Pendulum tester.
More information can be found on the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) website here: Assessing the Slip Resistance of Flooring
Introduction to BS 8579 2020 Guide to the design of balconies and terraces
All XDECK systems come with a 30 year warranty.
Lifespan expectancy is 50 years.
For small projects, XDECK is normally held in stock in the UK.
For larger construction projects, XDECK is normally made to order with lead times of 4-6 weeks.
The XDECK system has Fire Classifications of A1.
XDeck is an extruded tile with strong anti-slip properties (R11) and excellent stain resistance.
XDECK is fully compliant to British Standard (balcony construction) BS 8579.
CDECK is tested to meet and exceed BS7976-2:2002 using the Pendulum tester.
CDECK is fully compliant to British Standard (balcony construction) BS 8579.
All CDECK systems come with a 15 year warranty.
All FUSION systems come with a 15 year warranty.
For small projects, FUSION is normally held in stock in the UK.
For larger construction projects, Fusion is normally made to order with lead times of 8-12 weeks.
FUSION is a Wood/PVC composite and is not a Fire-Rated classifed product. Suitable for gardens, boardwalks, marinas and walkways at ground level.
FUSION has a high grip surface that provides excellent resistance to slip in both dry and wet areas.
All Adek systems come with a 30 year warranty.
For small projects, ADeck is normally held in stock in the UK.
For larger construction projects, ADeck is normally made to order with lead times of 4-6 weeks.
Adek has a fire rating of A2FL-S1/ A2, s1-d0.
Both Comfort Grip and Enhanced Grip boards have been tested in accordance with HSE guidelines and are categorised as having low slip potential in both wet and dry conditions. The Enhanced Grip range of boards offers a 19.5% increase in grip (in wet conditions) in comparison to the Comfort Grip due to its low profile raised ridge.
Adek has been developed in accordance with BS 8579:2020 code for balconies.
All Wallbarn systems come with a 15 year warranty.
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Wallbarn offer A1, A2 and standard plastic decking solutions. To find the product that best suits your project please contact us.
With a wide range of elegant Class A1 and A2 Fire-Rated decking solutions & traditional composite decking, Phoenix will have the perfect product and finish for your project.
