Fire Rated Composite Cladding

Following the tragedy of Grenfell Tower in June 2017, the subject of cladding in construction has become a hot topic across the UK. Many are asking questions, and very few are willing to answer them. That’s why we’re here – we want to lay out the facts. So, let us walk you through why composite cladding fire rating is so important, and what it means to us to be a supplier of safe, low-rise appropriate composite cladding.

Fire-safety is designated by different grades to determine how flammable a material is, as well as how long it takes to ignite. Most standard plasterboard, for instance, is classed as a ‘half hour’ board. As the name suggests, this means it’ll provide protection from a fire on the other side for half an hour. Based on these timed observations, grades are given to materials depending on their ability to spread a fire. The higher the grade, the less it will contribute to the growth of a blaze.

Given the confusion surrounding fire safety, it’s understandable that conscientious residential homeowners are reluctant to embrace cladding as an alternative exterior décor option. All composite cladding products are combustible to a degree, largely due to the wood used within them. To address these concerns head on, we’ve developed a composite cladding board that’s suitable for homes, garden rooms, and low-rise developments alike.

Complete with a clear fire rating, our composite cladding catalogue offers a level of transparency that we’re truly proud of. For example, our Classic composite cladding range is Class C fire-rated, while our Deluxe and Slatted composite cladding ranges are Class D fire-rated. In most cases, this means that NeoTimber® composite cladding can be used for buildings under 11m in height.

The heights at which a material of “Class-C” or “Class-D” fire rating classification can be used include all low-rise residential builds, garden rooms, and single-storey properties. This means you can go ahead and choose NeoTimber® composite cladding with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect should disaster strike. Hopefully, that’ll never happen. But, if it does, you now have a much better understanding of how our composite cladding faces fires.

Choose from one of the three premium NeoTimber® cladding ranges for your home and garden.