In recent years, ceramic decking has emerged as a top choice for homeowners, architects, and contractors seeking durable, low-maintenance, and fire-resistant solutions for residential projects. Among the leading products in this category is EXADECK, an innovative extruded porcelain decking system offered by Fire Deck.
With increasing awareness of fire safety, homeowners are turning to ceramic decking to help limit fire spread. This is an especially important factor for those in high-rise buildings with balcony or rooftop space, where they wish to enjoy views of the city or coast. A1 fire rated decking provides peace of mind but also allows homeowners to seamlessly integrate safety with style, ensuring they can relax and enjoy panoramic skyline views while knowing their outdoor spaces are built to last. Additionally, by choosing a sustainable decking option, homeowners are contributing to a greener environment without compromising on aesthetics or durability. The manufacturing process behind EXADECK further aligns with these values of safety, sustainability and style.
The Rise of Fire-Rated Decking in Residential Projects
Safety has become a paramount concern in residential construction, especially regarding fire hazards. Homeowners and professionals are increasingly prioritising materials that offer high fire resistance. EXADECK stands out with its Class A1 fire rating, which is the highest possible, ensuring minimal fire spread and providing peace of mind for families.
Understanding Ceramic Decking
Ceramic decking, particularly extruded porcelain options like EXADECK, offers a unique blend of aesthetics and performance. These decking boards are thicker than traditional porcelain tiles, typically around 26mm in depth, and are designed with internal cavities to reduce weight while enhancing strength. This structure not only mimics the appearance of natural timber but also provides superior durability.
Durable Decking That Withstands the Elements
One of the standout features of ceramic decking is its exceptional durability. Unlike wood or composite decking boards, extruded porcelain is vitrified, resulting in a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. This means it remains unaffected by moisture, preventing issues like warping, splintering, or rot. Additionally, the material is frostproof and weatherproof, making it ideal for various climates.
Low Maintenance Decking Solution
Ceramic decking is an excellent choice for those seeking a beautiful outdoor space without constant upkeep. The vitrification process not only enhances durability but also makes the surface scratch-resistant and easy to clean. There's no need for sealing, staining, or regular treatments, allowing homeowners to enjoy their decks with minimal effort.
A1 Fire Rated Decking That Lasts
Our decking is made using high-performance, non-combustible materials that are carefully selected to resist fire, while the production process minimises waste and reduces environmental impact.
The manufacture of tiles by the extrusion process entails 6 main phases:
- Kneading: The mixing of the raw materials with water, up to 40% of which are recycled from previous productions.
- Shaping: Using vacuum pressure, the kneaded material is pushed through the extrusion nozzle, this process is widely used to make special tile pieces like steps or swimming pool boarders
- Drying: Hot air is used to remove moisture content.
- Cooking: The firing process bonds the materials at the molecular level, creating a non-combustible surface that can withstand extreme temperatures, including direct flames, without spreading fire.
- Glazing: the glazing phase that follows the firing process further contributes to the decking’s resilience. The glaze adds a protective layer that enhances the board's resistance to scratches, stains, and UV damage. This makes the decking incredibly easy to maintain, preserving its sleek appearance for years. The glazing also makes the surface more resistant to water absorption, reducing the risk of damage from rain or spills and ensuring that the decking remains safe and sturdy even in high-moisture environments.
- Rectifying: The rectifying process ensures that the tiles are consistently straight and square, which is crucial for achieving a seamless and secure installation.By rectifying the edges, the decking boards also fit together more easily, reducing the risk of gaps or uneven joints. This process enhances the overall aesthetic of the decking, ensuring a sleek and professional finish.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
In today's eco-conscious world, the lifecycle and environmental impact of building materials are crucial factors. EXADECK addresses these concerns by incorporating recycled material into its production. The manufacturing process also emphasises sustainability, recycling residual water and adhering to ISO 14001 standards to minimise environmental impact and reduce carbon footprints. Moreover, the design allows for easy disassembly, enabling boards to be recycled or reused, further contributing to environmental conservation.
Aesthetic Appeal Without Compromise
While performance and durability are essential, aesthetics play a significant role in material selection. Ceramic decking offers the natural look of timber without the associated drawbacks. EXADECK features high-definition woodgrain designs with 17 variations per colour, ensuring a realistic and non-repetitive appearance. A UV-resistant matte glaze prevents colour fading, eliminating the need for treatments or colour restorers.
Installation of EXADECK
Installing ceramic decking is straightforward, especially with systems like EXADECK. For uneven terrains, adjustable pedestals with aluminium or timber rails can create a level platform. Boards are typically arranged in linear or staggered layouts and secured using specialised clips. Cutting the boards to fit specific spaces is achievable with a wet diamond blade, allowing for customisation to suit various design preferences.
Safety Beyond Fire Resistance
Beyond its superior A1 fire rating, ceramic decking offers excellent slip resistance, a critical safety feature for outdoor spaces. Every kind of decking is put through a PTV test for slip resistance. Landscapers and homeowners should be sure to assess the ratings for the barefoot and shoe pendulums within these test reports. Look for a good slip rating of R11 or higher, which equates to a PTV test score of 34–51. Slip resistance is higher for materials like ceramic that are solid, non-porous, and absorb less water. EXADECK has an R12 slip rating at PTV 66.
The increasing popularity of ceramic decking in residential projects is well-founded. Products like EXADECK offer a harmonious blend of safety, durability, low maintenance, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. As homeowners, architects, and contractors continue to seek materials that meet stringent safety standards without compromising on design or functionality, EXADECK ceramic decking stands out as a premier choice for modern outdoor living spaces.
For more information on EXADECK and other fire-rated decking solutions, visit our FIRE DECK Website or contact our expert team at 01264 311 113.