HMG Polyester Products Achieve Highest Fire Rating

HMG have long supplied their Qualicoat-approved polyester powder coatings for use in the construction industry and architectural markets. Fire resistance testing has moved on over the years, and the latest EU and UK regulations require that only non-combustible materials may be used for exterior wall systems, particularly buildings including apartment blocks, care homes and student accommodation over 18m in height (11m in Scotland and Wales). 

The reaction to fire of a material is categorised according to EN 13501-1, and only those achieving Class A1, or Class A2-s1,d0 are considered suitable for relevant architectural buildings. Because of practical limitations in the use of powder coatings, most particuarly the requirement for a minimum dry film thickness for architectural powder coatings above 60 microns, Class A1 almost certainly cannot be achieved, leaving the highest fire rating for a coating as Class A2-s1, d0. 

A recent testing regime, carried out by WarringtonFire, has confirmed that all HMG’s polyester coatings meet this standard. 

“Having our entire polyester range formally tested and approved gives specifiers the freedom to express their designs and choose from the extensive range of finishes and colours available from the stocked range, or from our tailor-made solutions.” explained Robert McIlorum, Sales Manager at HMG Powder Coatings Ltd. 

A full classification report is available for download from the website. 

To request more information, or order coatings that meet the UK Building Regulations 2018, please contact your local HMG representative.