Monthly Archives: July 2025
A Complete Guide to Fire-Rated Cladding
The need for fire-rated cladding that offers both fire safety and fire performance is more critical than ever. With regulations tightening and expectations rising, selecting the right cladding system can make all the difference.
What is Fire-Rated Cladding?
Fire-rated cladding is designed to slow the spread of fire, providing crucial time for evacuation and emergency response. It’s an essential feature for buildings of all types, especially high-rise structures, residential buildings, offices, hospitals, and other public spaces. Fire-rated cladding systems are tested and certified to meet stringent fire safety standards, including BS EN 13501-1, which provides the framework for fire performance classification of construction materials.
The Importance of A1-Rated Cladding
A1-rated cladding is classified as non-combustible, offering the highest level of fire resistance. This rating means the material does not contribute to the spread of fire, smoke, or toxic gases, making it a reliable choice for architects, developers, and contractors focused on fire safety.
Metalline’s A1-rated cladding is specifically engineered to meet these high standards, ensuring peace of mind for building owners and occupants. Designed to integrate seamlessly with modern façade systems, our A1-rated cladding combines safety with aesthetic versatility, making it suitable for both functional and decorative applications.
Why Choose A1-Rated Cladding for Your Project?
- Enhanced Safety: A1-rated cladding minimises fire risks, helping to protect lives and property.
- Compliance with Regulations: As building codes evolve, A1-rated cladding ensures compliance with fire safety legislation.
- Durability and Longevity: Fire-rated materials are built to last, providing long-term value for any project.
- Design Flexibility: A1-rated cladding is available in a wide range of finishes and colours, allowing for creative freedom without compromising on safety.
How Fire-Rated Cladding Enhances Building Performance
Beyond fire resistance, fire-rated cladding offers excellent weatherproofing, insulation, and acoustic performance. Paired with a well-designed subframe system, such as Metalline’s innovative rainscreen cladding solutions, these systems create high-performing façades that meet modern building demands.
At Metalline, we specialise in manufacturing A1-rated cladding systems that combine cutting-edge technology with stunning design. Our solutions are rigorously tested and trusted by architects and contractors across the UK for delivering superior performance.
Ready to Specify?
If you’re planning your next project and need expert guidance on selecting the right cladding solution, get in touch with our team here.
Alternatively, you can explore our Facade Engine Specification Tool to help specify the right solution for your project
Understanding A1 Fire Rated Cladding: Why Non-Combustibility Matters in Modern Construction
Fire safety has become a critical concern in modern construction, especially for high-rise and public buildings. As part of the solution, A1 Fire Rated Cladding stands out due to its non-combustible properties, making it one of the safest choices for both residential and commercial projects.
What is A1 Fire Rated Cladding?
A1 Fire Rated Cladding is classified as non-combustible under the European fire classification system, meaning it does not contribute to fire growth or spread when exposed to extreme heat or flame. Materials like aluminium and other non-combustible components fall under this category, offering unmatched safety in construction applications.
Why Non-Combustibility Matters
The main advantage of Fire Rated Cladding is that it ensures the material does not contribute fuel to a fire, an essential feature for fire-rated cladding used in high-risk environments like high-rise buildings. UK building regulations require non-combustible cladding for structures over 18 metres in height, making fire-rated building materials a key player in modern safety standards..
Applications in High-Rise and Public Buildings
The stringent requirements for fire resistant cladding in high-rise and public buildings make fire-rated cladding indispensable. By incorporating Fire Rated Cladding, developers can meet regulatory requirements while ensuring the highest level of fire safety, preventing catastrophic events and enhancing building resilience.
For any construction project where fire safety is paramount, Fire Rated Cladding offers unmatched protection. Its non-combustible nature makes it an essential material in the design of high-rise and public buildings, ensuring compliance with modern fire safety regulations while providing peace of mind.
Ready to Specify?
If you’re planning your next project and need expert guidance on selecting the right cladding solution, get in touch with our team here.
Alternatively, you can explore our Façade Engine Specification Tool to help streamline your decision-making process.
Enhancing Fire Safety with Retrofit Non-Combustible Cladding and Rainscreen Systems
Fire safety remains a critical concern, particularly for older buildings constructed before modern regulations came into force. Retrofitting these structures with non combustible cladding is a vital step in improving safety, ensuring regulatory compliance, and extending the lifespan of a building. This article explores the importance of non combustible rainscreen systems in retrofit projects and how they contribute to safer, more resilient buildings.
Why Retrofit with Non Combustible Cladding?
Many legacy buildings still feature outdated materials that do not comply with current fire safety standards. Retrofitting with non combustible cladding addresses this issue by offering a fire-safe, regulation compliant alternative. Since the introduction of stricter building regulations, such as banning combustible materials on the external walls of high-rise residential buildings, the use of non combustible rainscreen cladding has become essential.
Aluminium non combustible cladding systems not only prevent the spread of fire, protecting occupants and neighbouring properties, but they also enhance structural durability and performance over time.
What Makes Non Combustible Rainscreen Systems the Ideal Choice?
Metalline’s UNITY range of non combustible rainscreen cladding, including UNITY DF, UNITY X-TRU, and UNITY SF offers exceptional safety and design benefits. These A1-rated cladding systems are certified for the highest level of fire resistance, providing crucial protection in retrofit applications.
Key advantages of UNITY aluminium panels include:
- A1 fire rating for maximum non combustibility
- Lightweight and easy-to-install systems, reducing structural load
- Exceptional durability, with resistance to weathering and corrosion
- Low maintenance requirements
- Multiple finishes and colours for improved aesthetic flexibility
The Retrofit Process
Retrofitting a building with non combustible rainscreen cladding begins with a full assessment of the existing façade, structural elements, and potential fire hazards. After selecting the appropriate A1-rated UNITY panels, outdated or unsafe cladding is professionally removed and replaced. The retrofit process also integrates essential fire safety measures such as cavity barriers, firestops, and ventilation systems.
Once installation is complete, comprehensive fire testing and certification ensure that the upgraded building meets all relevant safety and performance standards.
A Long-Term Investment in Safety and Compliance
With Metalline’s advanced A1-rated non combustible rainscreen systems, property owners, architects, and contractors can confidently meet today’s strict fire safety regulations without compromising on style or functionality. Delivering a proactive investment in safety, sustainability, and the long term value of a property.
Ready to Retrofit with Confidence?
Contact Metalline today to find out how our innovative cladding solutions can improve the safety, appearance, and compliance of your retrofit project.
In need of some help creating a facade specification, use our free Facade Engine software.
The Role of Insulated Panels in Modern Fire Safety
Fire safety remains a top priority in modern construction, particularly as regulations become more stringent and demand for non-combustible materials grows. In this landscape, insulated panels, especially insulated spandrel panels, play a vital role in ensuring both thermal performance and structural integrity while meeting fire safety standards. This article explores the benefits of using insulated panel solutions and spandrel panels on building façades, particularly for high-rise and public sector projects.
Key Benefits of Insulated Panels on Building Façades
1. Fire Performance
Fire-rated insulated panels, including spandrel panels, are engineered to meet the strictest fire safety regulations. Products like Metalline’s ULTIMA aluminium insulated panel range offer A1 or A2 fire-rated performance, making them ideal for high-rise buildings where non-combustibility is critical. These fire-rated spandrel panels help prevent the spread of flames and smoke, safeguarding occupants and ensuring regulatory compliance.
2. Thermal Performance
The high-performance insulation core of an insulated panel contributes significantly to energy efficiency. When combined with aluminium outer sheets, these panels offer robust protection and can be tailored to meet specific project needs, including u-value targets and environmental objectives.
3. Environmental Performance
Aluminium insulated panels are an eco-conscious choice for modern construction. Their BREEAM certification underlines their sustainability credentials, helping buildings achieve higher environmental ratings without compromising on performance or design.
Compliance with UK Building Regulations
In the UK, regulations stipulate that external cladding on buildings over 18 metres must be non-combustible. Metalline’s ULTIMA insulated panels meet these requirements with A1 or A2-s1, d0 classifications under BS EN 13501-1. These certifications make them a reliable choice for architects, developers, and contractors looking to ensure compliance and protect public safety.
ULTIMA Non-Combustible Aluminium Insulated Spandrel Panels
Metalline’s ULTIMA range of insulated spandrel panels represents one of the most rigorously tested cladding systems available today. These spandrel panels offer exceptional fire resistance, structural performance, and aesthetic flexibility, making them ideal for both new builds and refurbishment projects.
Key Features of ULTIMA Panels:
- Fire-Rated Performance: Achieves A1 and A2 classifications for maximum fire safety.
- Structural Integrity: Designed and tested for high wind load and impact resistance.
- Design Versatility: Available in anodised, powder-coated, and custom finishes to complement any architectural style.
- Extensive Testing & Certification
All ULTIMA insulated panel systems are tested to BS EN 13501-1 fire safety standards. In addition to fire testing, they undergo rigorous structural assessments, including wind pressure resistance up to 4500Pa. These features make ULTIMA spandrel panels ideal for performance-led façade solutions in both public and private sector developments.
Why Choose Insulated Panels for Your Next Project?
Whether you are designing a high-rise residential development or retrofitting a public building, insulated panels and spandrel panels deliver essential advantages:
- Maximum fire protection
- Excellent thermal insulation
- Compliance with UK building codes
- Environmental sustainability
- Architectural flexibility
For construction projects where fire safety, design, and regulatory compliance are critical, Metalline’s ULTIMA insulated spandrel panels provide a trusted, high-performance solution.
Explore the full ULTIMA range here: Insulated Panels
Get in Touch
To learn more about our range of insulated panels and how they can enhance your project’s safety and efficiency, contact our team at sales@metalline.co.uk or call 01543 456 930.
In need of help to create a facade specification, try our free Facade Engine tool.
