Fire-Rated Solid Composite Decking Exceeds NZBC Requirements

Fire test results for building materials are becoming an important part of the specification process. Projects will often come to a halt if certain materials don't meet New Zealand Building Code requirements for fire safety.

So, to ensure a streamlined specification and to reduce hold-ups with RFI's, BiForm has had its solid composite decking fire-rated and have made this information available for architects and specifiers.

Critical Radiant Flux quantifies the radiant energy a fire needs to sustain flame propagation on a specific material. The lower the CRF result, the greater the tendency of the material to spread flame. As stipulated by the NZBC, open pathways, exit ways and fire exits require a minimum Critical Radiant Flux result of 2.2 k/Wm².

Testing has shown that the BiForm composite decking rating of 5.7 k/Wm² exceeds the NZBC requirement by a wide margin. This also applies to the requirement in the Verification Method C/VM2 — Framework for Fire Safety Design.

When specifying decking for areas where fire safety is important, for example, where users are likely to smoke cigarettes, BiForm has the test results to justify specification. BiForm Solid Composite Decking’s fire safety properties were the key reason for its specification and use at Auckland International Airport’s Smoking Area.

The architect for the project, Michael Parkin of Jasmax Architects, prioritised fire-safety when specifying a decking product. It was decided that composite decking products available in New Zealand would be fire tested which included setting each board alight. It was found that BiForm Solid Composite Decking burned the slowest of all options and was deemed the most suitable for the job.

BiForm FORM 130 Solid Composite Decking

BiForm

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BiForm solid composite decking is an environmentally friendly decking option.

NZ-Owned Business

Post-Consumer Recyclable Content

This 130mm x 19mm board will be more appropriate for, but not limited to residential outdoor decking options, as well as commercial applications where suited.

BRANZ have appraised BiForm Wood Plastic Composite Decking to be used as an alternative exterior decking material for decks designed and constructed in accordance with NZS 3604.

FORM 130 Solid Composite Decking Board has been used most often in the construction of public viewing platforms. It is also used with either the concealed fixing system or predrilled and top fixed for traditional decking.

In the opinion of BRANZ, if it is designed, used, installed, and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of Appraisal No. 680 (2015), BiForm's WPC Decking will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2, & B1.3.4. BiForm's WPC Decking meets the requirements of loads arising from self-weight, imposed loads, and impact [i.e. B1 3.3 (a), (b), (j)]
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (b) 15 years. BiForm's WPC Decking meets this requirement.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. Biform's WPC Decking meets this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.

Biform's WPC Decking has been appraised as an alternative solution in terms of New Zealand Building Code compliance.

BiForm FORM 140 Solid Composite Decking

BiForm

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BiForm solid composite decking is an environmentally friendly decking option.

NZ-Owned Business

Post-Consumer Recyclable Content

BRANZ have appraised BiForm Wood Plastic Composite Decking to be used as an alternative exterior decking material for decks designed and constructed in accordance with NZS 3604.

FORM 140 Solid Composite Decking Board has been used most often in the construction of public viewing platforms. It is also used with either the concealed fixing system or predrilled and top fixed for traditional decking.

In the opinion of BRANZ, if it is designed, used, installed, and maintained in accordance with the statements and conditions of Appraisal No. 680 (2010), BiForm's WPC Decking will meet the following provisions of the NZBC:

Clause B1 STRUCTURE: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2, & B1.3.4. BiForm's WPC Decking meets the requirements of loads arising from self weight, imposed loads, and impact [i.e. B1 3.3 (a), (b), (j)]
Clause B2 DURABILITY: Performance B2.3.1 (b) 15 years. BiForm's WPC Decking meets this requirement.
Clause F2 HAZARDOUS BUILDING MATERIALS: Performance F2.3.1. Biform's WPC Decking meets this requirement and will not present a health hazard to people.

Biform's WPC Decking has been appraised as an alternative solution in terms of New Zealand Building Code compliance.

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