It’s no surprise that architects in the UK are leaning towards the use of fenestration and cladding panels in buildings. While the aesthetic qualities are any building’s dream, it’s the added protection and building safety that make them stand out.
One in particular that’s become a mainstay in the industry is the aluminium composite panel. It’s one of the most common and has gone through different advancements, leading to its improved quality and performance.
One advancement that aluminium cladding UK owners will be particularly happy about is the fire resistance that these panels have. This has made buildings stronger and improved their durability. So, what else have the aluminium cladding panels brought to buildings? How exactly have they improved fire safety in buildings?
The Role of Aluminium Cladding in Providing Fire Resistance
Stability and safety have become two of the most important factors in any building project. With the ever-changing nature of building facades, it’s vital to give high priority to safety before any building can be seen as viable.
At the top of the list of safety requirements include fire safety, structural safety, weather resistance, accident resistance, and so on. However, one can easily point out that fire safety and resistance are at the pinnacle of this list.
Essence of Fire Safety Offered by Cladding Innovation
Fire safety is a non-negotiable factor of any building and, as such, must be taken seriously during any building process. It’s not just about the materials and building process; there need to be checks to ensure that building panels follow fire safety guidelines.
As you know, aluminium cladding makes up a significant part of the building process. Hence, its fire-resistant quality is an innovation that transforms building facades for the better. But at the same time, there should be a complementary effort to make the entire building comply with the best fire safety practices.
For instance, there are three ways fire safety can be ensured:
- Firstly, the overall design, including the installation and pattern of cladding panels, should be done to ensure active and passive fire safety measures
- The provision of materials and systems that allow for active response to fire emergencies
- Finally, a process of evacuation that’s safe and easy to adopt by the building occupants
These are crucial to ensuring fire safety, but the design, in particular, is pivotal to a building’s fire safety and resistance.
Testing the Aluminium Cladding Panels for Building Safety
One vital tip for effective building processes is to always test the materials, systems, and designs for their level of fire safety. It’s not just regular testing, as every district has its building code and regulations regarding fire safety, which need to be strictly followed.
The essence of this testing is to be sure that the aluminium cladding panels, alongside every other aspect of the construction process, meet the fire safety requirements. Doing so will reduce the risk of accidents while still adding a touch of style and function to the building’s facade.
