The Role of Independent Testing in High-Rise Projects
When specifying for balconies, terraces and rooftop spaces, appearance is only part of the story. The real question is what happens when the decking is exposed to fire, heavy foot traffic and weather over its life cycle – that’s where independent testing is essential.
Luxura Mineral Composite Decking has undergone a series of rigorous third-party assessments designed to evaluate fire performance, slip resistance and durability. These tests provide the evidence behind the performance claims and help architects, developers and contractors make informed specification decisions.
At MyDek, we understand that certifications and test reports can often appear complex and difficult to interpret, so this article breaks down the key tests carried out on Luxura, explaining how they’re performed and what the results mean in real-world applications.
1. Reaction to Fire Classification
What is the test?
Fire performance is one of the most important considerations when specifying materials for high-rise residential developments. Reaction-to-fire testing assesses how a material behaves when exposed to heat and flame, helping determine whether it contributes to fire growth. The results are used to assign a Euroclass rating, ranging from A1 (non-combustible) to F.
Independent laboratories carry out testing in accordance with recognised European standards, assessing characteristics such as combustibility, heat release, flame spread and the generation of burning droplets. The results are then classified under EN 13501-1.
| Euroclass | Description |
| A1 | Non-combustible |
| A2 | Limited combustibility |
| B | Very limited contribution to fire |
| C | Limited contribution |
| D | Medium contribution |
| E | Significant contribution |
| F | No determined performance |
How did Luxura perform?
Luxura achieved an A1 Reaction-to-Fire Classification, the highest rating available under the Euroclass system. In practical terms, this means the material is classified as non-combustible and does not contribute to fire growth under the conditions defined by the standard. For architects, developers and contractors, this provides independently verified evidence of fire performance when specifying materials for balconies, terraces and external amenity spaces.
2. Impact Resistance Test
What is the test?
External decking can be exposed to accidental impacts throughout its service life, from dropped tools during maintenance to the movement of outdoor furniture and equipment. Impact testing helps assess whether a decking board can withstand these sudden loads without cracking, breaking or suffering structural damage.
Luxura underwent both hard-body and soft-body impact testing at the recommended installation span of 450mm. These tests simulate the different types of impact that may occur during the life of the installation.
How did Luxura perform?
Luxura successfully passed both assessments, demonstrating resistance to impacts of up to 10 Joules in hard-body testing and 34 Joules in soft-body testing. This provides confidence that the decking can withstand the types of accidental impacts commonly encountered in external environments.
3. Durability & Weather Resistance Test
What is the test?
External decking is exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions throughout its service life, including temperature fluctuations, moisture, UV radiation and everyday wear. Durability testing helps assess how a product is likely to perform over the long term when subjected to these conditions.
Luxura underwent a comprehensive durability testing programme which included freeze-thaw cycling, heat-rain exposure, soak-dry testing, warm-water testing, abrasion resistance assessments, UV weathering and chemical resistance testing. Together, these evaluations help replicate the conditions that external decking may experience in real-world environments.
How did Luxura perform?
Luxura successfully passed all durability assessments undertaken as part of the evaluation. The testing demonstrated resistance to weathering, moisture exposure, common cleaning chemicals and UV degradation, with no significant colour change recorded after 1,500 hours of UV exposure. The product was confirmed to have satisfactory durability, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance and colour integrity for its intended use.
4. BS7976 Pendulum Slip Test
What is the test?
Slip resistance is an important consideration for any external deck surface. Balconies, roof terraces and communal outdoor spaces are regularly exposed to rain, moisture and changing weather conditions, making pedestrian safety a key design consideration.
Luxura was assessed using the BS7976 Pendulum Test, which is recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as one of the most reliable methods of measuring slip potential. During testing, a weighted arm fitted with a standardised rubber slider passes across the surface, with the resulting friction used to calculate a Pendulum Test Value (PTV). Testing is typically carried out in both dry and wet conditions to provide a realistic indication of in-service performance.
How did Luxura perform?
| Pendulum Test Value | Slip Potential |
| 0-24 | High risk |
| 25-35 | Moderate risk |
| 36+ | Low risk |
Luxura achieved an average wet PTV of 40, with all recorded values remaining above the threshold for a low-slip-potential classification. For project teams, this provides independent evidence of performance in wet conditions and supports the creation of safer external environments throughout the life of the development.
5. Table Leg Test (Scratch & Surface Durability)
Furniture movement is one of the most common causes of wear on external decking, particularly in rooftop amenity spaces, hospitality environments and communal residential areas. Surface durability testing helps assess how well a decking board can withstand these everyday mechanical stresses while maintaining its appearance.
Luxura was tested in accordance with EN ISO 16581:2019, which evaluates the effect of simulated furniture movement on a surface. Specially designed furniture feet carrying loads of up to 100kg were repeatedly moved across the decking under controlled conditions. The surface was then assessed for damage, cuts, gouging, deformation and other signs of deterioration.
How did Luxura perform?
The testing concluded that Luxura demonstrated high resistance to the effects of simulated furniture movement, with no significant damage observed. No flatness deterioration, surface destruction or penetrating damage was recorded during the assessment. These results provide independent evidence of durability in environments where tables, chairs and other outdoor furniture are regularly used.
Specifying with Confidence
When specifying materials for high-rise residential developments, independent verification is increasingly important. Fire performance, slip resistance, durability and chemical compliance all contribute to the long-term safety and performance of external spaces.
Luxura’s independent testing programme provides objective evidence across each of these areas, helping architects, developers and contractors make informed specification decisions.
Most significantly, Luxura‘s A1 Reaction-to-Fire Classification demonstrates that the product is non-combustible and does not contribute to fire growth, making it a compelling solution for projects where fire safety is a key design consideration. In addition to individual test reports, Luxura has been awarded a BBA Certificate, one of the construction industry’s most widely recognised forms of third-party product certification.
By understanding what these tests measure and what the results mean, project teams can specify with greater certainty and confidence. Keep an eye out for future blogs where we will explore some of these tests in more detail.
See how aluminium and porcelain products compare with Luxura on key performance measures here.
Need supporting test documentation?
MyDek can provide fire classification reports, test certificates, specification guidance and technical support for architects, developers and contractors working on high-rise residential and commercial projects.
View our technical resources or get in touch with our team for more information.