The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is now demanding hard, verifiable evidence for every external material. Balcony systems are under particular scrutiny because they combine multiple components, interfaces, and potential points of fire spread. Projects are stalling not because teams chose the wrong products but because they cannot prove compliance to the level now expected.
For decking, the requirement is clear: materials must be non-combustible and supported by certified test data, classification reports, and complete system information. Designers must present unambiguous A1 or A2-s1,d0 evidence under EN 13501-1. Anything short of this will be rejected at the Gateway review.
The issue catching out many design teams is the assumption that ‘A2’ on a brochure is enough. The BSR expects to see the actual classification report, substrates tested, test dates, adhesive or coating details, and confirmation that the installed board is identical to the sample tested. If any element differs, compliance quickly falls apart.
Far more than the board itself is now in scope. Drainage layers, clips, fixings, pedestals, and edge details must also be proven non-combustible. If any one component does not meet A1 or A2-s1,d0, the whole balcony system risks non-compliance. This is where most delays are occurring.
Visit our BSR Hub for more insights.
How MyDek fits into this new environment
MyDek’s A1 and A2-s1,d0 decking ranges come with complete classification reports and supporting documentation suitable for BSR submission. System components are specifically selected to eliminate combustible elements at interfaces where failures are most likely to occur. Our team can provide the detailed evidence packs required for Gateway submissions, including classification reports, fixing schedules, uplift checks, drainage compliance to BS 8579, and structural calculations. Designers using this information early in the process are finding smoother planning and fewer Gateway queries.
When to involve specialists and how specialist input prevents redesign
Fire and façade specialists should be engaged at the concept design stage, before planning. This ensures that the fire strategy is defensible, balcony risks are addressed, and all external materials can be evidenced properly. MyDek can support with indicative build-ups, compliance notes, and the evidence trail required for fire statements and later Gateway submissions.
Early engagement offers:
- Development of robust fire statements during the planning stage
- Clear demonstration of regulatory intent to the BSR
- Early identification of façade or balcony risks
- Smoother compliance with Gateway 2, avoiding late redesigns
- Improved coordination with BS 8579 standards for balcony drainage and structural/wind-uplift performance.
MyDek’s Building Safety Regime Hub: The Fastest Way to Get Clarity on the Building Safety Act
MyDek has created this comprehensive hub to provide information on the key aspects of the Act and its implications. These have been grouped into the Gateways 1–3 and the Golden Thread.
We’re supporting clients through every stage of the building safety process. At Gateway 1, we help articulate your fire strategy for balcony and terrace systems, supplying technical notes and compliance statements aligned with current BSR expectations.
At Gateway 2, we can provide full material specifications, test evidence, and detailed drawings to support regulatory approval.
Throughout, we assist with documentation management to maintain the Golden Thread. Contact our experts for this support.