Timber look linings & claddings and the BCA

Timber-look linings and claddings are always a popular choice with architects and designers for both internal and external applications as it has the ability to create warmth, add character as well as deliver a premium finish. However, with the recent changes to the BCA, you might be thinking that your timber-look options are limited when you require a group rated on non-combustible option.

In order to comply with the BCA, any building product must satisfy the performance requirements by either:
Complying with Deemed-to-satisfy Provisions; Formulating a Performance Solution; or a combination of the two.

Internal Wall & Ceiling Linings

For Internal linings, the relevant deemed-to-satisfy provision requires that a wall or ceiling system must comply with the relevant group number specified in Table 3 of Specification C1.10 of the BCA. The table outlines what group number is required based on a number of conditions, including building class and whether the area is sprinklered or has fire extinguishers. Make sure you check out our Wall & Ceiling Lining Materials Group Rating Calculator that has been developed based on the information in specification C1.10. It is an easy and quick way to determine which group rating you need and you can search by building class and class number.

To achieve a group rating that complies with the BCA, suppliers need to undergo fire testing in accordance to AS 5637 (see our article on the facts of group fire ratings). Of course, if a supplier does not have current group rating for their product, then a performance solution with a Fire Engineer could be formulated.

External Wall or Attachments

With recent changes to the BCA around external claddings, it is always advisable to consult a fire engineer to seek exact confirmation of the requirements for your project. However, in basic terms, all external walls and attachments for buildings greater than two or three storeys in height (depending on Classification), are required to be non-combustible (as fire tested in accordance to AS 1530.1) or deemed non-combustible in accordance with BCA Clause C1.9.

Under Clause C1.9, part (e) it states that certain materials may be used wherever non-combustible materials are required which includes fibre cement, gypsum and pre-finished metal sheeting having a combustible surface finish not exceeding 1 mm thickness and where the Spread-of-Flame Index of the product is not greater than 0.

So what are your timber-look lining and cladding options?

Atkar Group have been undergoing significant fire testing on our range of products, including those with timber veneers or timber-look foils, so that our customers can achieve the timber-look in both internal and external applications and still comply with the BCA.

Below we have listed an overview of the timber-look products we have available for internal and external applications. For full details on the exact product substrate, finish and open-area percentages, please click on the product. We also have non timber-look options in our range that have acvhieved a group rating or are non-combustible materials.

Internal Linings – timber look

Fire Tested AS/NZ 5637 – Group 1 Rating

• DesignerWood Aluminium with timber-look finish
• Au.diSlat FR MDF with timber-look Inluxe Image* ^{Certificate pending}
• Au.diMicro Gypsum with timber Inluxe Micro veneer
• Au.diStyle FR MDF with timber-look Inluxe Image
• Au.diStyle FR MDF with timber veneer

Fire Tested AS/NZ 5637 – Group 2 Rating

• Au.diPanel FR MDF with timber Inluxe veneer* ^{Certificate pending}
• Au.diPanel FR MDF with timber-look Inluxe Image
• Au.diSlot FR MDF with timber-look Inluxe Image
• Au.diMicro FR MDF with timber Inluxe Micro veneer* ^{Certificate pending}
• Au.diTile FR MDF with timber Inluxe veneer* ^{Certificate pending}
• Au.diTile FR MDF with timber-look Inluxe Image

Fire Tested AS/NZ 5637 – Group 3 Rating

• Au.diPanel MDF with timber Inluxe Veneer
• Au.diPanel/Tile/Groove Plywood with Hoop pine, Goldcore or Birch
• Au.diSlot MDF with timber Inluxe Veneer
• Au.diTile MDF with timber Inluxe Veneer
• Au.diMicro MDF with timber Inluxe Micro
• Au.diGroove MDF with timber Inluxe Veneer
• Au.diGroove FR MDF with timber-look Inluxe Image

Non-Combustible Options

• DesignerWood FC with timber-look finish
  • Meets BCA Deemed to Satisfy provision C1.10 & C1.9 (e)(iv).

External Cladding – timber-look

Non-Combustible BCA Compliant Options

• DesignerWood Aluminium with timber-look finish
  • Meets BCA Deemed to Satisfy provision C1.10 & C1.9 (e)(v).
  • AS/NZ 1530.3-1999: Spread of flame – Index 0
• DesignerWood FC with timber look finish
  • Meets BCA Deemed to Satisfy provision C1.10 & C1.9 (e)(iv).

If you have any enquiries around Group Ratings or would like to view our certificates then please contact our Architectural Team on 1300 333 833 or enquiries@atkar.com.au

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