At Cedral we recognise the importance of understanding the characteristics and features of building materials when specifying them for your project.
With building material combustibility a key focal point during the specification stage, Cedral has a long-standing commitment to ensuring our fibre cement slate materials comprehensively meet the fire performance classification A2-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1:2018.
Here, we delve deeper into the meaning behind the EN 13501-1 fire classification to give you a clearer picture of the standard of our fibre cement slate materials.
What does “reaction to fire” mean?
Reaction to fire focuses on the behaviour of the materials when exposed to heat or fire.
What is the European standard of fire safety?
The Euroclass system is recognised as the standard of fire safety across Europe. It classifies the reaction to fire, as well as evaluates multiple aspects such as ignitability, flame spread, heat release, smoke production and propensity for producing flaming droplets/particles. The system was introduced by the European Union in 2000 to remove trade barriers between individual member states and ensure consistent quality levels.
Our Cedral materials meet the European standard EN 13501-1.
How is the Euroclass system broken down?
The European classification standard EN 13501-1:2018 ranks construction materials in seven classes with regards to their fire behaviour: A1, A2, B, C, D, E and F. The same document also gives a classification of these materials with regards to smoke development (s1, s2 and s3) and the formation of flaming droplets/particles (d0, d1 and d2).
The designations are:
1. Fire Behaviour
The reaction to fire classification determines how much a material contributes to the behaviour of fire. A2-s1,d0 is of limited combustibility, while at the other end of the scale, an F rating is easily flammable.
A full breakdown can be found below:
- A1 = non-combustible materials
- A2 = very limited combustibility
- B, C, D = ranges from very limited to medium contribution to fire
- E, F = high contribution to fire
2. Smoke Development
The ‘s’ part of the classification refers to the total smoke emitted during the first 10 minutes of exposure to fire:
- S1 = little or no smoke
- S2 = quite a lot of smoke
- S3 = substantial/heavy smoke
3. Formation of Flaming Droplets/Particles
The ‘d’ part of the classification relates to the number of flaming droplets and particles that are produced within the first 10 minutes of fire exposure.
The index is below:
- D0 = no droplets
- D1 = some droplets
- D2 = quite a lot
Cedral’s A2-s1,d0 fire performance classification means our materials are classed as limited combustibility, emit little or no smoke and produce no flaming droplets or particles within the first 10 minutes of fire exposure.
This means our materials do not contribute to the formation or spread of a fire.
When choosing roofing slates that need to meet the demands of the current fire performance requirements, Cedral’s dedicated technical and specification team can offer expert support to architects, designers and contractors from the initial design concept through to build completion and beyond.
In conclusion, the best way to ensure fire safety is to solely use A2-s1,d0 materials or above, such as Cedral.
For our official fire substantiation documentation please contact our technical advisory team on techuk@etexgroup.com or 01283 501505.
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