In recent years, changes to Part B Building Regulations have been introduced to ensure external cladding remains safe for use. It is crucial that installers are aware of these developments, which include:
In 2018, the UK government announced it would ban in England the use of combustible cladding products on all new schools, hospitals, care homes, student accommodation and residential buildings, as well as refurbishment projects above 18m tall. Any existing buildings that undergo a change of use must also have external walls that are compliant with this change.
In 2020, the UK government announced a review into whether to extend the ban to include residential buildings over 11m tall.
If you’re an installer, it’s vital that you ensure the external cladding you use complies with all the latest regulations.
External cladding on buildings over 18m tall
Cladding on projects over 18m tall must achieve a European classification of Class A1 or A2. This classification system assesses the quality of building materials in the event of fire.
The European classification (Euroclass) says:
“Building work shall be carried out so that materials which become part of an external wall, or specified attachment, of a relevant building are of European Classification A2-s1, d0 or A1, classified in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009.”
Under BS EN 13501-1, classes A1 and A2 are defined as:
Class A1: products having no contribution to fire and will therefore not contribute at any stage of the fire, including the fully developed fire.
Class A2: products having no significant contribution to fire and will therefore not significantly contribute to the fire load and the fire growth in a fully developed fire.
These updated regulations apply to buildings with a storey at least 18 metres above ground level and which “contains one or more dwellings; contains an institution; or contains a room for residential purposes, but does not include a room in a hostel, hotel or boarding house.”
The use of the term ‘institution’ means the regulations cover some residential schools, care homes and hospitals, sheltered accommodation, student residences or other institutional accommodation blocks. Hostels, hotels or boarding houses are excluded, unless they are subsequently turned into residential accommodation (i.e. student housing).
External cladding on buildings under 18m tall
Eurocell’s innovative composite cladding system Coastline complies with current regulations for buildings under 18m tall.
Horizontal Coastline fire testing performance meets the standards of BS EN 13501 and it offers a Euroclass fire rating of D-S3, d2. It can be safely and compliantly used on structures below 18m in height, provided additional regulatory stipulations are adhered to, such as it being one metre from a boundary.
Coastline is available in six New England colours, offers 10 years of weatherproof performance, is easy to fit, and is manufactured with a composite material that offers minimal contraction and expansion – whatever the weather.
Eurocell's Shiplap UPVC cladding also provides an attractive, low-maintenance and weather resistant cladding option. It can be used to replace timber cladding, conceal problem areas of brickwork, or add an interesting new feature to a property.
Available in shiplap or open-V styles, it is designed for easy installation with a simple clip-together fitting system. The range of colours and realistic woodgrain finishes means installers can create a truly eye-catching property. Shiplap UPVC cladding is colour matched to Eurocell’s windows, doors and roofline products for a consistent look across any property.
Browse Coastline and Shiplap cladding today.