Events in the UK and elsewhere have drawn attention to the fire performance of materials used to manufacture cladding panels and other elements used in building façades. This has led to clients and their representatives requiring GRC manufacturers to test their particular GRC material for fire performance. A wide variety of results has led to questions being asked about the validity of the fire test reports published by the GRCA. In response, the following statement has been prepared based on a review of test data submitted by GRC manufacturers.
Test data from fire tests to EN1182 and EN1716 demonstrate that GRC manufactured with a pure acrylic co-polymer (P grade GRC) generally falls within the permissible range of a Class A1 material according to the criteria set out in Table 1 of EN13501-1:2007+A1:2009. However, some P grade GRC’s have been classified as A2. All tests are subject to experimental tolerance. According to the data seen by the GRCA, no sustained flaming has occurred in any test but some have yielded sufficient smoke to trigger the additional test according to EN13823. In this case, the individual GRC automatically falls within class A2.
An A2 material is classified as having “limited combustibility” and has “no significant contribution to fire growth”. According to the “Application Criteria” defined in EN13501, class A2 materials may be used in wall and ceiling applications.
The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 which came into force in England in December 2018 states, “Subject to paragraph (3) 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”.
(Note: s1 = Smoke Growth Rate (SMOGRA) less than 30m2/s2,
d0 = No flaming droplets or particles in accordance with EN 13823 within 600 seconds)
Paragraph (3) simply defines excluded materials such as cavity trays, roof elements, doors and frames, electrical installations, insulation and waterproofing below ground, intumescent and fire stopping materials, membranes, seals, gaskets, fixings, sealants and backer rods, thermal break material, window frames and glass.
It should be noted that the specification and interpretation of fire test methods is the subject of ongoing development and refinement. Changes in associated legislation may also occur.
The above statements are based on current knowledge available in England and may not be relevant in other countries. The International GRCA is doing its utmost to monitor the situation and provide Members and their clients with up to date information. Nevertheless, it is recommended that all GRC manufacturers, designers and clients satisfy themselves as to the suitability of GRC in their specific application.
Fire Test Classification Reports relating to GRC / GFRC are available for download below: