A specifier’s guide to Adek and the Building Safety Act 2022

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced stricter rules for external building elements like balconies, walkways, and terraces. Since the Act came into force, specifiers have faced more stringent requirements around materials used for buildings, particularly high-rises.

Aluminium decking is naturally non-combustible and boasts high strength and durability. It’s also low-maintenance, making it a smart choice for residential and commercial projects that need to adhere to these regulations. This guide lays out why aluminium deck systems are the clear choice for specifiers of projects that prioritise fire safety, durability, and sustainability.

How the Building Safety Act affects decking

To recap, the Act had the following implications on deck board choice:

Non-combustible materials are required above 11m. Before the Act, only buildings 18m or more in height required non-combustible decking. Since the Act came into force, balconies and terraces over 11m high must use fire-safe materials.
Decking used for flooring must achieve fire ratings of A1fl or A2fl‑s1 classification under BS EN 13501‑1. Our blog, An overview of specifying high-rise balcony decking, goes into more detail about what these fire ratings represent.
Regulations apply to wider components that make up the decking system. They include subframes, pedestals, and drainage channels (if they contribute to fire spread), so it’s best practice to specify an entire decking system that complies, not just the boards.

Why aluminium decking complies with the Building Safety Act 2022

Aluminium is non-combustible by nature. A layer of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) forms on its surface, which acts as a barrier to oxygen. Four elements are needed to create a fire: fuel, heat, oxygen, and a chemical chain reaction. It doesn’t matter if aluminium is exposed to fuel and heat – its natural barrier to oxygen means the chemical reaction can’t take place.

Adek, aluminium decking from Ecodek

Adek is our aluminium decking system. All of the aluminium boards and most of the components (besides pedestals*) are made from 100% aluminium and are classified at A2fl-s1 & A2-s1, d0, so they meet key requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022. Adek is supported by third-party tests to BS EN 13501-1: 2018, the European standard for fire classification of construction products. Adek is compatible with NBS specifications for building control approval.

*The pedestals used within Adek are made from steel. They are tested to BS EN 13501-1: 2018 and have a A2-s1,d0 test certificate. Head to our Adek page to find out more about the decking system.

Advantages of Adek for specifiers of high-rises

Adek’s compliance with the Act is one of the core reasons it’s a go-to material for specifiers of high-rises. But that’s not all. The aluminium decking system doesn’t require any additional fire treatments – what you see is what you get, which makes it a straightforward option. It’s also highly durable, but also simple to maintain, limiting any downtime and cost caused by repairs and upkeep. And given it’s made entirely of aluminium, it’s completely recyclable at the end of life, making it a forward-thinking solution for specifications that prioritise sustainability.

How to specify aluminium decking safely

Interested in Adek? We’ve got you covered. Here’s an overview of how you can specify the aluminium decking system for your next high-rise project.

Check the height of the building. Non-combustible decking is mandatory for buildings with heights equal to, or over, 11 m. Below this threshold, we’d still recommend aluminium is used for commercial decking applications for fire-safety and future-proofing.
Opt for a full system approach. Every pedestal, bearer, fixing, support leg, end plate, and end trim is A2fl-s1 or A2, s1-d0 certified, so you can feel complete confidence in the non-combustible nature of the system.
Provide supporting documentation. From fire test reports to installation guidance, we’ve got all the supporting information and data you need to make building control approvals as smooth as possible. You’ll find these on our specifier resources page.

CPD for decking specifiers

Did you know we also run CPD sessions on non-combustible decking? Aimed at specifiers and architects, our courses are packed with all the information you need to choose the right decking for your next high-rise project. To find out more and request your CPD, please visit: CPD for fire-rated decking.

Upcoming regulatory changes to be aware of

The Act’s now been in play for years, but regulations continue to be updated and evolve. Other changes to be aware of around decking specifications for buildings include updates to Fire safety: Approved Document B. This is the building regulation in England that covers fire safety matters within and around buildings. Changes came into effect in March 2023 and included:

Making sprinklers mandatory in all new care homes (regardless of height)
Replacing national fire testing classes (BS 476) with European standards (BS EN)
Updates to Regulation 38 – upon completion, ‘responsible persons’ must be provided with enhanced fire safety information

Why Adek is the smart choice

From compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 and current fire regulations to its system-wide fire safety, Adek is a clear choice for specifiers involved in high-rise projects. Whether you’re choosing materials for a balcony, terrace, or walkway, Adek meets the necessary regulatory requirements and provides a durable decking system for years to come.