FIRE RATED FACADES
Fire safety is a primary consideration when specifying cladding. Fire-rated facades protect both people and buildings, meet regulatory requirements, and provide full design freedom.
At Nordic Facades, we supply fire-safe wooden facade and aluminium facade systems developed by Nordisk Profil, a Danish manufacturer with more than 30 years of experience in high-performance architectural cladding. All systems are tested, CE-marked, and comply with UK and EU fire regulations.
Assumptions and risk assessment
Facade systems delivered by Nordic Facades are designed with passive fire protection in mind.
We ensure that we know every material and system parameter that make up the facade solutions we deliver, everything is properly documented and we complete thorough risk assessments throughout. This is all part of the fire safety planning process offered by Nordic Facades.
In order to ensure accurate and valid documentation, the facade solution must be tested as it is used (BR18 End Use), due to design, dimensions, material properties and surface areas affecting the fire-technical properties.
The fire technical terminology, for the facade of the building, is in BR18, divided as a 2-stage sealing, as:
1. External wall surfaces (the load-bearing facade)
2. Rain screen (the visible facade), where there is also variation in requirements and instructions.
The fire technical documentation is a snapshot, and it is therefore important that at the same time there is documentation for long-term effects, that the wood is classified EXT (Exterior applications) and that the fire retardant remains in the wood for the lifespan of the wood - often specified as EN16755 test and documentation.
We have End Use tests and fire technical documentation on all of our facade solutions according to EN 13501-1 and EN 13823.In collaboration with DBI, we have also carried out, tested and passed the Reaction-to-fire facade test according to ISO 13785-1.
Fire technical sparring is part of our everyday life with documentation via test reports, classification reports and full scale facade tests as part of our DNA.
Fire technical sparring partner
Nordic Facades are specialists in fire classes, requirements, regulations and documentation requirements for facade solutions with wooden slats.
We act as a professional sparring partner for fire advisors, architects, contractors, builders and installers.
We can offer advice and guidance on:
• Review of and professional sparring on brand strategy report
• Possibilities for material selection and design in relation to fire class requirements
• Fire engineering regulations regarding the main facade and climate screen
• The building's fire class based on risk class and method for documenting fire safety
• Facade cladding options and variables in relation to BR18
Necessary fire technical documentation of:
• Pre-accepted solutions
• Comparative analysis
• Fire engineering dimensioning
• Indicative fire test
Why does fire safe facade cladding matter?
Regulations around fire proof cladding for buildings have tightened significantly following high-profile incidents that demonstrated how quickly poorly specified facades can become dangerous.
Current standards demand full material traceability, independent third-party testing, and compliance with UK building regulations. This means selecting systems with real-world fire test results, transparent supply chains, and manufacturers who can back up their claims with proper documentation.
From specification to installation
We ensure that specifications, testing, and installation remain consistent throughout every project. All deliveries include accurate fire technical documentation, which eliminates any gaps between specification and reality.
Full design freedom without compromise
Meeting strict fire requirements does not mean sacrificing architectural vision. The patented solutions from Nordisk Profil offer full flexibility alongside proven fire performance.
Clean lines and hidden fixings
All systems feature no visible screws or brackets, clean lines, and architectural flexibility in both wood and aluminium. The Mount, Click, Fix installation concept delivers precise, consistent results with full control over thermal movement in all components.
Wooden facade systems with proven fire performance
Wooden facades are often assumed to be too risky for strict fire requirements, but with proper treatment and system design, wood achieves excellent fire classifications.
The Woodfac system from Nordisk Profil is the only wooden facade solution on the market that is End Use tested and approved in accordance with BR18. It achieves B-s1,d0 and B-s2,d0 classifications depending on wood type, tested as a complete installed assembly rather than as isolated components.
Burnblock fire retardant
All wooden slats are treated with Burnblock, a Cradle to Cradle certified fire retardant. Burnblock is 100% natural, biodegradable, non-toxic, and VOC-emission-free. It is the only fire retardant on the market with full accreditation, approval, and classification according to EN16755.
Aluminium facade systems built for longevity
Aluminium's inherent properties provide natural resistance to fire spread and exceptional durability. The Napsu Click and Alufac Panel systems use Greenline aluminium, which is 100% recycled and requires only 5% of the energy used to produce primary aluminium.
These systems are not fire-classified in the same manner as Woodfac, but aluminium's non-combustible nature and low maintenance requirements make it well-suited to high-rise and commercial projects. With an expected lifespan of more than 70 years, they offer a long-term solution for projects with demanding performance requirements.
What to look for when specifying fire-safe cladding
Not all fire-rated facade systems are equal. Consider these key factors when evaluating options.
End Use testing and system-level certification
Individual materials may perform well in isolation but behave differently in a complete facade assembly. Look for systems tested as they will actually be installed on a building, not as separate components.
Independent fire testing
Projects require EN 13501 classifications and documented test reports, not marketing claims. For wooden facades, verify whether the system is BR18 approved.
CE marking
CE marking confirms that the product meets EU standards and has been assessed by a notified body.
Manufacturer transparency
A reliable manufacturer provides full technical documentation, EPD reports, and installation guidance.
Working with the right partner
Selecting the right system involves more than material selection alone. It requires working with suppliers who understand the specific requirements of each project.
Nordic Facades supports architects, contractors, and developers across the UK and Ireland with:
- Professional fire technical sparring
- Specification advice and material selection support
- Sample delivery
- Full technical documentation and fire test reports
- Review and guidance on fire strategy reports
- Advice on fire engineering regulations for main facades and climate screens
All services include local support backed by a manufacturer with more than 30 years of R&D and product development.
Contact us for technical advice, samples, or to discuss your project requirements.