Martin Jamieson and Nik Teagle, Joint Managing Directors of Frameclad consider the importance of fire testing to meet the rigorous standards of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
The landscape of UK construction has changed dramatically in recent years. There has been a decisive shift toward safer, more resilient construction systems – especially in the residential sector. At Frameclad, we are at the forefront of this transformation, delivering light steel frame (LSF) solutions that are not only structurally superior but also demonstrably non-combustible and compliant with evolving safety standards.
Under the Building Safety Act 2022, buildings that are 18m or more in height (or have seven or more storeys), as well as hospitals and care homes meeting the same height threshold, and those with two or more residential units – are classified as higher-risk buildings.
As regulatory bodies, together with developers and residents, demand higher levels of fire safety, the role of rigorous fire testing has never been more crucial. Independent, third-party tests and certifications from UKAS accredited fire test centres offer a clear benchmark for performance under fire conditions and help ensure that systems specified, particularly for higher-risk buildings are fit for purpose.
Frameclad's systems undergo extensive fire performance testing in accordance with BS EN 1365, BS EN 1364 and BS 476, which assess the loadbearing and non-loadbearing performance of construction elements when exposed to fire. Our systems have achieved up to 120 minutes (two hours) fire resistance, a key requirement for many multi-storey residential buildings and a critical component in compartmentation strategies.
We have successfully conducted over fifty fire tests to date and are continuously expanding our test data with additional fire tests to cover a broader range of products and build configurations. Where necessary, we collaborate with product manufacturers and industry partners to conduct joint fire tests – further enhancing the scope of products covered within our dataset.
Why non-combustible
materials matter
Light steel frame
construction offers a distinct advantage in that steel is a non-combustible
material. Unlike timber-based alternatives, steel does not contribute to the
fire load of a building. It does not ignite, emit toxic smoke, or spread
flames, making it an ideal choice for fire-conscious construction. The
Building Safety Act and updated Building Regulations (Approved Document B) now
place a greater emphasis on the use of non-combustible materials, particularly
in residential developments above 18m. This regulatory direction is echoed by
the Future Homes Standard, which encourages not only lower carbon emissions but
also safer, more robust building methods. Light steel systems naturally align
with these principles.
Accreditation, assurance and compliance
Our systems are
backed by comprehensive third-party certification and accreditation, which
provide assurance to specifiers, main contractors and developers. We are
members of SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) and Construction Line – Gold
Standard. Frameclad was an early adopter of ISO, and we are proud to attain
ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems
and ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety. Our fire-rated systems are
fully tested and certified to meet the requirements of:
· NHBC Accepts – ensuring system suitability for residential projects seeking warranty approval
· SCI/NHBC Stage 1 and 2 Certification – confirming structural and design performance of light steel frame systems
· CE Marking – demonstrating conformity to essential safety and performance standards under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
· BOPAS – provides assurances that construction systems designed, manufactured and installed by accredited MMC providers will conform to industry best practice in terms of durability and system integrity.
These certifications demonstrate to the market that Frameclad delivers tested, reliable, proven and regulatory-compliant systems.
At Frameclad, we believe that fire safety is not an optional add-on – it is a fundamental requirement. By leveraging the natural properties of steel and validating our systems through rigorous testing and certification, we are helping to raise the bar for residential construction across the UK.
From concept through to completion, Frameclad brings together advanced manufacturing, technical expertise, competence and a deep understanding of compliance to provide an optimum solution for safer, smarter building. With a proven track record in the residential sector, our systems continue to play a key role in delivering future-ready homes – backed by structural integrity, fire resistance, thermal and acoustic performance, and design versatility.
For more information about our fire-rated systems and certifications, get in touch with our technical team or visit: www.frameclad.com and head to the download section to review our Fire Test Data.
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