Composite Decking
Aluminium Decking
Why Does Aluminium Decking Work?
The origins of Aluminium
Aluminium is probably the most versatile material with a wide range of applications but where does aluminium actually come from?
Aluminium is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s crust at 8.23% by mass, falling behind oxygenand silicon.
It is the most abundant metal. It is somewhat surprising then that aluminium was not discovered until relatively late in human history. Aluminium occurs naturally only in compounds, never as a pure metal.
Removing aluminium from its compounds is quite difficult. An inexpensive method for producing pure aluminium was not developed until 1886.
It occurs in many different minerals. Aluminium is extracted from bauxite, a complicated mixture of compounds consisting of aluminium, oxygen and other elements are the primary commercial source for aluminium.
Large reserves of bauxite are found in Australia, Brazil, Guinea, Jamaica, Russia and the United States.
Today it is the most widely used metal in the world after iron. It is used in the manufacture of automobiles, packaging materials, electrical equipment, machinery and building construction and, in this study, decking.
Aluminium is also ideal for beer and soft drink cans and foil because it can be melted and reused or recycled.
Building Regulations and Aluminium Decking
The latest updated building regulations set out that all the components of the walls, decks, balconies in building above 18m must be tested as non-combustible (European Classification A2-s1, d0 or A1).
Non-combustible materials include concrete, metal, stone and ceramics. Materials are classed as non-combustible when they do not contain any material which could burn when exposed to fire.
Composite and wooden decking products are no longer feasible under the new regulations since they do not fall under the Euroclass system categories A2-s1,d0 rated or class A1.
The A1 and A2 ratings are from EN13501-1, they are called Euroclass ratings. The classification for each section is determined by the outcome of a series of tests.
The Euroclass system comes from BS EN 13501 (Reaction to fire). We are interestedin BS EN 13501-1 Classification using data from reaction to fire tests in accordance with the requirement from Approved Document B
You can find all the latest fire safety approved documents here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b
The tests for floorings are actually exactly the same as for any other materials except that for floorings there is no test for the flaming droplets component (because a floor cannot form droplets as there is nowhere for molten material to drop to).
We cannot use fl ratings for Aluminium decking because the droplets would be an issue for fire spread and so this component of the test is important, therefore for Aluminium decking we must test to EN 13501-1.
Aluminium Decking and High Rise Buildings
Prior to 2018, Approved Document B did not explicitly place any specific requirements on balcony decking. This created a highly contentious point since arguably the functional requirement, coupled with the guidance in Approved Document B where over 18m in height (unless they were close to a boundary) buildings were permitted to use materials which were Euroclass C (in accordance with EN 13501-1) or national class 1 or better.
Essentially timber decking would not achieve these requirements and plastic decking planks certainly would not. There were no other obvious material selections available (aluminium decking did not exist for these applications) and so builders were using the commonly available materials (timber to begin with).
Building control bodies knew this and were accepting these materials and hence this interpretation of the regulations. In 2016 and even before this, serious concerns were raised by prominent figures such as Holland Shipp and David Crowder of the BRE about combustible materials used in the construction of balconies.
Read the full article here: https://files.bregroup.com/bre-co-uk-file-library-copy/filelibrary/Fire%20and%20Security/FI—Fire-safety-and-balconies-July-16.pdf
In 2018 Approved Document B was updated in response to the recommendations made by Dame Judith Hackitt following the tragic events of the Grenfell fire.
The UK Housing Secretary recently announced that the government was investing an unprecedented £5 billion into building safety. They will fully fund the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding on residential buildings of 18m or above (6 storeys).
Innocuous activities can cause balcony fires. Smoking on balconies has been proved to be the most common, particularly for tenants who are not allowed to smoke in their apartment.
Carelessly discarded smoking materials can easily land on balconies below and ignite balcony decking surfaces and materials stored on balconies. Items which are often seen on balconies which can contribute to fire include cardboard, suitcases, plastic garden furniture and artificial grass. The very nature of balconies means that any fire on a balcony is well ventilated and easily spread by wind so in a matter of seconds a balcony fire can spread upwards and across an entire elevation of a building.
The necessity to use new construction materials for high-rise balconies also offers the challenge to manufacturers and specifiers to ensure that the system complies with the standard for high rise balconies.
What are the benefits of Aluminium Decking
1. Aluminium decking is fire rated
Aluminium and its alloys are the most commonly used non-ferrous metal materials and they find wide application in transport, building, packaging, general and electrical engineering.
The excellent physical and mechanical properties of aluminium alloys lead to their widespread use.
Aluminium itself is a non-combustible material with good thermal conductivity. Aluminium decking is usually made from extruded, powder-coated aluminium which dissipates heat, and if it is exposed to fire for a long period of time it will melt, not burn, preventing the spread of flames. Powder coatings will also only char, again keeping flames from moving rapidly across the surface.
2. Aluminium decking is environmentally friendly
Aluminium is a material with a reputation for being healthy and environmentally friendly.
It is quite simple: its recycling rate is estimated at 98%. It is therefore not surprising that professionals and the construction industry in general are very interested in this material, which is considered by many to be the material of our future.
The recycling process of aluminium is efficient, meaning the final product loses none of the physical properties of primary aluminium. Recycling aluminium also only uses 5% of the energy it takes to create virgin aluminium.
3. Aluminium decking is light
The main advantage of aluminium is its weight in comparison to other materials used for outdoor applications. You will therefore have no difficulty in having an aluminium balcony or terrace as the weight of the material is insignificant. Aluminium is very stable and long-lasting because aluminium is a rot proof material.
4. Aluminium Decking is Durable and Strong
Teckwood’s Aluminium decking is a lightweight metal but despite that, it is more than twice as strong as other comparable external flooring materials.
Aluminium is also extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear. It will resist scuffing, scratching, especially important on terraces and balconies where furniture might be moved about regularly.
When using a powder coated product, make sure you are using a good quality product to ensure that the coating retains its integrity.
The strength of aluminium is well proven, it is capable of withstanding multiple stresses throughout its life and you will be able to keep your deck in good condition for many years.
5. Aluminium Decking with a built in soffit
Aluminium decking boards are far more versatile than wood as they can be used to make drip-free and waterproof multi-level outdoor spaces. When boards are fitted together, the space underneath is waterproof as the drainage channel directs the water into the building rain management system.
It is the perfect innovation and solution for overhead balconies that will form the roof of a shaded patio or veranda below.
6. Aluminium Decking is Family and pet friendly
Traditional wood decks require potentially toxic chemicals to make them longer lasting whereas when using powder coated aluminium there are no harmful chemicals.
The advanced powder coating is the most eco-friendly available and will not chip away. It is also gently textured which means the surface is uniquely anti slip meaning less accidents on rainy days.
7. Aluminium Decking is Low Maintenance
Aluminium, unlike other decking options, is remarkably low maintenance. There is no need for annual staining, repairing or pest prevention.
It is also weather resistant and it does not need the upkeep of other products while still maintaining its shine, colour and scratch resistance.
8. Aluminium Decking is thermally conductive
If you are worried that you will not be able to walk barefoot on your aluminium decking, there is no need. Aluminium has ideal heat conducting properties for a balcony.
This means that it stays cool even in direct sunlight so that you can enjoy your terrace comfortably at any time of the day.
9. What to look for when buying Aluminium Decking
- Is it Class A Fire-Rated?
- Does it feature integrated water management?
- Does it have low slip-potential?
- Is there a guaranteed long-term performance?
- What are its thermal properties?
Conclusion
Aluminium is a natural Class A fire-rated material. As metal is non-combustible, it is a safe and effective option for projects where external flooring must meet strict fire safety building regulations.
A-Rated (Euroclass – non-combustible) aluminium decking will never catch fire or contribute to the spread of flame.
Teckwood’s Aluminium Decking is the strongest available in the decking range, as well as being one of the longest lasting with an extensive lifespan.
When compared with PVC, Timber or Composite decking, it is lighter, easier to clean and is resistant to expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
Aluminium is the choice for your next project. As a Contractor or architect it is crucial that the aluminium decking you choose provides ultimate safety for the end user.
For reassurance that your aluminium decking complies with Approved Document B of the building code talk to Teckwood today about their unique aluminium decking solutions on 0800 799 9082 or by email to info@teckwood.co.uk
