Aluminium decking is the right solution to resolve PAS 9980 and EWS1 concerns on balconies

PAS 9980 was introduced by former Housing Minister Michael Gove MP to replace the Consolidated Advice Note. The thinking behind this new guideline was to bring a much-needed common sense approach to the chaotic minefield that was EWS1 and the building safety crisis. Sadly, though, this outcome so far remains to be seen. That said, it has eased some of the burden on building owners and property managers, who have found some clarity and understanding of the process and required stages.

The strict and ever-changing landscape of Building Regulations and British Standards has made it difficult for people across the construction industry and property ladder alike. Architects and developers must ensure that all buildings fall within the current regulations upon completion, and with these under rigorous review post-Grenfell, this is no easy feat.

Published in December 2019, EWS1 saw a complete ban on combustible materials within the external envelope of buildings over 18 metres in height. This affected thousands of buildings across the country and with it, many leaseholders facing a high level of uncertainty. If a building failed an EWS1 survey, it can leave the residents unable to sell their homes that could be considered dangerous should a fire ensue, but the number of buildings above 18m was a relatively low amount, nationally speaking.

EWS1 was derailed by the launch of the Consolidated Advice Note in January 2020 which stated that buildings under 18m would also need review, meaning all multi-occupancy buildings would see the consequences of this decision. This increased the already immense demand on the Chartered Fire Engineers, the only suitably qualified individuals to carry out such inspections with only 300 adequately experienced in the country, and led to a collosall logjam with many thousands of buildings now affected.

PAS 9980 has been specifically developed for trained fire engineers and other competent building professionals undertaking a fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW). These individuals are responsible for determining situations where external wall constructions of existing blocks of flats have not been shown to resist fire spread adequately or where required to inform the fire risk assessment.

Using a risk-based process, finally there is an element of “common sense” available and for buildings that are clearly a low risk, pragmatic decisions can now be quickly made. There have been reports, however, that lenders and professional indemnity insurers remain relatively risk-averse, although the imminent launch of a Government-backed PII scheme might finally counter that.

AliDeck offer sound peace of mind through off the shelf, fully compliant, non-combustible materials that can be used within a balcony. As balconies are a key part of the external envelope and are designated as “specified attachments”, compliance with Building Regulations is essential. Our aluminium decking board, soffit cladding, and balustrade systems are fire rated to A2-s1, d0 standards and capable of passing any EWS1 or FRAEW survey.

By switching to aluminium balcony materials, a huge hurdle is immediately overcome. Made out of 67% recycled aluminium, the futureproof design benefits include a 60-year life expectancy, which is far greater than the more traditional timber or composite decking. It also requires far less maintenance, outside of regular cleaning.

Many building owners and property managers have already made the switch, with the aluminium decking and balcony component market currently booming within the UK & Ireland. These customers have been conscientious and forward thinking in their decision making, preventing future remediation project when costs may unexpectedly thrust upon them.

If you would like to speak to us regarding a future project or any of the above regarding EWS1 & PAS9980, please feel free to contact us on 01622 235 672 or via email info@alideck.co.uk.