The 2018 update to the Building Regulations Approved Document B: Fire Safety, was a high-profile regulatory reform, which introduced the use of non-combustible materials in the external walls of relevant high-rise buildings over 18m in height.
Less well known, however, is the 2022 update to Table 10.1 of the regulations, which imposed new fire performance classifications for the external surfaces (i.e. the outermost external material) of the external walls of mid-rise and low-rise residential buildings – also affecting the choice of materials used.
Below we have outlined the requirements for Residential Purpose Groups 1 and 2 (i.e. buildings where people sleep on the premises – flats and apartments, student accommodation, houses) – you may be surprised to find that they apply to more projects than you think.
Mid-rise buildings over 11m high
Regulation: External wall surfaces are required to have a reaction to fire performance of A2-s1, d0 or better, regardless of the distance from the relevant boundary.
Achieved by: Using products made from non-combustible materials when fixed to or passing through the external surface.
Good to know: Air bricks, grilles, cowls and cavity weep hole ducts are considered part of the external wall surface and Rytons has an extensive range of A1 classified options.
Low-rise buildings 11m high or less
Regulation: External wall surfaces less than 1m from the relevant boundary are required to have a reaction to fire performance of B-s3, d2 or better.
Achieved by: Using products made from non-combustible materials when fixed to or passing through the external surface as plastic cannot meet the B-s3, d2 criteria.
Good to know: Air bricks, grilles, cowls and cavity weep hole ducts are considered part of the external wall surface and Rytons has an extensive range of A1 classified options.
Rytons A1® Fire-rated Air Bricks, Grilles, Cowls and Weep Hole Ducts
Meet the requirements for fire safe ventilation components in mid-rise and low-rise buildings with Rytons extensive range of Class A1 rated external grilles, covers and weep hole ducts. Compliant alternatives to plastic, they exceed the required reaction to fire performance and are custom-made in any RAL colour to match brickwork or cladding.
For further information, or to discuss any non-combustible ventilation requirements, please do not hesitate to call our technical sales office on 01536 511874 or email admin@rytons.com.
