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Is Cladding Fireproof?

Cladding is becoming a popular addition to houses because it enhances aesthetic appeal while improving insulation, among many other benefits. While these are selling points for most people, there is always a lingering question, “Is cladding fireproof?”

Most cladding materials offer some fire resistance. Of course, some will be better than others. There is a fire rating scale ranging from A to F to describe how combustible the material is.

At The Gutter & Cladding Company, we are a family-run business with 20 years of experience helping homeowners and businesses choose the most appropriate cladding option for their property. We are installers of several types of cladding, making us experts at it.

In this blog, we run through the fire resistance of cladding.

Is Cladding Fireproof? What Homeowners Need to Know

The different types of cladding have different fire resistance. This means that there are better-suited options for various scenarios.

With this in mind, when considering adding cladding to your home, there are several safety factors you should think about. These include:

Flammability of materials – how easily will they ignite and spread the fire?
Smoke and toxic fumes – how much smoke will be generated should it go up in flames? Some materials can release hazardous gases when burnt.
Regulatory compliance – you will want to make sure that materials and cladding installation meet Building Regulations and other compliance requirements.

But how do you know how flammable each cladding material is?

Fire Ratings

When discussing combustibility and fire safety of cladding, there is a universal fire rating system used. So, to be able to pick the best cladding for your property, you will need to understand the codes used to discuss the fire safety of each material.

Euroclass System – combustibility is described by a letter ranging from A to F. A is non-combustible, and F is easily flammable.
1. Subcategories – the rating goes further to describe the smoke production and flaming droplets or particles.
2. S1 demonstrates little smoke produced, and S3 shows substantial smoke production.
3. d0 shows no droplets, and d2 means high production of droplets.
British Standards – cladding also needs to meet British Standards (BS 476)
1. Class 0 – achieved by materials with a class 1 surface spread of flame and also meet propagation criteria.
2. Class 1 – indicates the highest level of surface spread of flame performance, with flames spreading no further than 165mm within 10 minutes.

Fire Safety Regulations

You will likely remember the role that cladding played in the Grenfell Tragedy. This brought to the forefront cladding flammability, meaning strict restrictions and regulations now must be met.

Building Regulations Approved Document B regulates the fire safety of cladding and building improvement.

Key aspects include:

High-Rise Buildings (Above 18m) – regulations now ban combustible materials on the external walls of residential buildings taller than 18 metres.
Euroclass A1 or A2 Requirement – cladding materials must achieve at least an A1 (non-combustible) or A2-s1, d0 (limited combustibility, minimal smoke, no flaming droplets) rating under BS EN 13501-1.
Fire Safety Assessments – building owners of high-risk properties must undertake safety reviews and remediation where necessary.
EWS1 Form (External Wall Survey) – required for mortgage lenders to assess whether cladding on high-rise buildings is fire-safe.

So, which cladding option is best for your property?

Best Fire-Resistant Cladding Options for You

With a basic answer to your question, “Is cladding fireproof?”

Fibre Cement Cladding

Fibre cement cladding, such as Hardie Plank & Cedral Cladding, is some of the most fire-resistant cladding available.

They have a rating of A2-s1, d0, which means it is non-combustible, with minimal smoke or fire droplet production.

On top of this, they are highly durable, low maintenance and weatherproof.

uPVC & Composite Cladding

uPVC and composite cladding are both affordable options, making them popular for homes in the UK.

However, they have a lower fire resistance, being more flammable and producing more smoke and fire droplets.

Composite cladding typically has a fire rating of C-D, while uPVC has a lower rating of D-E.

Timber Cladding

Timber cladding has an aesthetic appeal as it brings a natural look to a building. But, it needs a fire retardant treatment to make it somewhat fire resistant.

Because of this, it is best suited in locations with a lower fire risk.

Why Is Professional Installation Important For Fire Resistance?

Professional installation is vital to ensure the cladding system reaches its maximum fire resistance. This is for a number of reasons:

Ensuring fire breaks & barriers – fire resistance barriers must be installed between the cladding panels to prevent fire from spreading.
Proper fixings & sealants – incorrect installation of sealants and fixings can create gaps that allow fire to get behind the cladding and spread.
Ventilation & moisture control – proper installation reduces condensation, which can degrade the fire-resistant properties over time.
Compliance with Building Regulations – certified installers ensure the fitting meets UK fire safety laws and Building Regulations.

Get A Quote For Fireproof Cladding

So, now you know the answer to “Is cladding fireproof?”

Some are more fire-resistant than others, meaning it is down to you to choose the best option for your property.

Fire ratings will help you understand the properties of each type of cladding, and professional installations will ensure that they meet legal requirements, health and safety standards and Building Regulations.

At The Gutter & Cladding Company, we are cladding experts with over 20 years of experience. If you are unsure which cladding is best for your house or are looking for a team to install cladding, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We work with several cladding brands, including:

This means we offer all types of cladding, so you have a wide choice to find the perfect option for your property.

Call our accredited team today for a free quote on 01202 470044 or complete our online contact form to request a callback.

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