Technical Hub Cladding Standards Explained

A plain-English reference for the standards, regulations and terms that come up when specifying cladding in the UK — what each one covers, and which of our systems it applies to.

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Standards & regulations covered

Cladding systems explained

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Specification guidance

2026

Content reviewed & current

What Is the Technical Hub?

Cladding specification involves a lot of reference codes and standards — Approved Document B, BS 8414, EN 13501-1, and so on. This page pulls the ones that matter most into one place, explains what each one actually covers in plain English, and links through to the system pages where it applies in practice.

This isn’t legal or regulatory advice — always confirm the specific requirements for your building with your project’s fire safety and building control professionals. It’s here to help you understand the terms you’ll come across while planning a project, so conversations with us (or anyone else) are easier to have.

How to Use This Page

If you already know which system you’re interested in — composite, wall, metal, roof, rainscreen, panels or industrial cladding — the regulations that matter most for that system are covered in detail on its own page, with a fire-performance and installation section specific to it. Use this hub when you want the bigger picture, or when a term comes up that you want explained without wading through a full technical document.

Need help with a specification?

Tell us about your project and we’ll help you work through which standards apply and which system fits. We review every enquiry within one working day.

Fire Safety Standards

Fire regulations explained

Approved Document B

The UK Building Regulations guidance covering fire safety, including requirements for external wall construction. Applies to every cladding system, with specific provisions depending on building height, use and classification.

Applies to all systems

BS 8414 & BR 135

BS 8414 is the full-scale fire test method for external wall cladding systems. BR 135 sets out the classification criteria used to interpret the test results. Commonly referenced for panel and rainscreen systems on relevant buildings.

Composite, Rainscreen, Panels

EN 13501-1

The European standard for classifying the fire performance of construction products, including cladding panels. This is where classifications like A1, A2-s1,d0 and B-s1,d0 come from.

Composite, Metal, Panels

Building Safety Act 2022

Introduced new legal duties for building owners, developers and contractors, particularly on higher-risk buildings, following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Applies across all cladding projects, with additional duties on relevant higher-risk buildings.

Applies to all systems

Product & Installation Standards

Panel & system standards explained

BS EN 14509

The standard for factory-made insulated sandwich panels, covering thermal performance, structural properties and testing requirements. Referenced for insulated wall and roof panel systems.

Panels, Wall, Roof, Industrial

CWCT TN68

Technical guidance from the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology on the fire performance of cladding systems, particularly ventilated facades. Widely referenced across the industry alongside the statutory regulations.

Rainscreen, Wall

Work at Height Regulations 2005

UK health and safety legislation covering safe working at height, requiring measures such as edge protection, safety netting or harness systems on roof and high-level facade work.

Roof Cladding

BBA Certification

Third-party certification from the British Board of Agrément, confirming that a product or system has been independently assessed against relevant performance criteria. Many of the systems we install are BBA-certified.

Composite, Panels, Wall

FAQ

Common technical questions

What does A2-s1,d0 mean? +

It’s a fire classification under EN 13501-1. “A2” means the material is limited-combustibility, close to fully non-combustible. “s1” means very low smoke production, and “d0” means no flaming droplets or particles. It’s one of the classifications commonly required on relevant buildings above certain height thresholds.

What’s the difference between Class A1 and A2 fire ratings? +

Class A1 materials are fully non-combustible, such as solid steel, aluminium or stone. Class A2-s1,d0 materials are classed as limited-combustibility — not entirely inert, but performing close to A1 in a fire test. Both are commonly accepted on relevant buildings, depending on the specific project requirements.

Do I need a fire risk assessment for a cladding project? +

This depends on the building. Many projects are guided by a fire risk assessment carried out by a qualified fire safety professional, particularly where the building doesn’t clearly fall under the higher-risk categories. We can point you toward what’s likely to apply, but this assessment should be carried out by a suitably qualified third party.

What is a “relevant building” under UK fire regulations? +

It’s a term used in Building Regulations guidance to describe buildings that fall under specific external wall fire safety provisions, generally based on height, use and other characteristics. Whether a specific building counts as “relevant” affects which cladding requirements apply, and should be confirmed with building control or a fire engineer.

Who is responsible for cladding compliance on a project? +

Responsibility is shared between the building owner, the principal designer, the principal contractor and, since the Building Safety Act 2022, specific duty-holders on higher-risk buildings. As the cladding contractor, we’re responsible for installing to the agreed specification and providing the relevant system documentation — the overall compliance sign-off sits with the project’s building control and fire safety route.

Where can I find the fire rating of a specific Faclade system? +

Each system page has a “System at a Glance” panel and a dedicated regulations section covering the fire ratings typically available for that system. For a rating confirmed against your specific building, get in touch and we’ll advise based on your project details.

Have a specific technical question?

Tell us about your project and we’ll help you work through the right specification. Our team reviews every enquiry within one working day.

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