At Raaft we know that safety – in all its aspects - is a priority for every responsible landscape designer. And safety from the ravages of fire is most certainly the top priority of all.

With the spectre of Grenfell on everyone’s mind, fire safety is quite rightly under scrutiny as never before. Across the entire built environment sector, product manufacturers have a responsibility to review their products and if changes are needed, to make them before another terrible tragedy occurs.

That’s why we’ve been thinking about how we can make Raaft products even safer. To analyse each product and if necessary make changes to the design and manufacture so we can guarantee absolute confidence to anyone who specifies, installs or has to live with them.

We’ve also been talking with our customers, asking them what would give them the assurance they need to continue using our products. This is the result.

fire rated tower block

The New Raaft Fire-resistant Terrace System

For a roof terrace to be truly fire-resistant, every single component must comply with European Classification (Euroclass) A1 or A2-S1, D0 in accordance with BS EN 13501-1: 2018 + A1: 2009.

From the pedestals and frame that hold everything up and in place, to the choice of decking material, planters and furniture, there isn’t a detail we haven’t overlooked. And to give our customers the assurance that they are making the right choice, we have not only met but exceeded the legal requirements.

Starting from the bottom up, we have designed new height-adjustable pedestals that are not only manufactured from fire-resistant metal but also avoid the need of plastic or wooden shims to get the terrace fame level and sturdy.

The modular Raaft terrace system uses a combination of extruded aluminium joists and bracing struts to create a lightweight, strong and Class A fire-resistant frame.

This frame is designed to securely hold Raaft porcelain decking – a durable, naturally Class A-rated material that offers an authentic woodgrain effect without the fire risk of timber – or porcelain tiles that echo the beauty of natural stone at a fraction of the weight. To prevent wind uplift in exposed locations, these can also be held in place unobtrusively with fire-resistant stainless steel clips.

Raaft planter systems are also designed to give maximum strength and stability, minimal weight loading and Class A fire-resistance. Their fire-resistance is also unaffected whether they are manufactured in CorTen weathering steel or powder coated.

fire rated aluminium joists and pedestals

Safety, Beauty and Versatility

And yet despite all this attention to safety, we have a product that exudes elegant design and high quality manufacturing. A high-end finish suited to the most demanding and high-specification projects, compatible with roof terraces, roof decks and inset balconies.

Our porcelain decking and tiles are hardwearing, will never rot or decay and are anti-slip even when wet, but the fine detail of their woodgrain or stone effect surfaces wouldn’t look out of place in a grand interior.

We have also designed the Raaft terrace system to be as versatile as our customers need it. The modular construction enables a terrace to be designed and installed easily around existing roof structures, while a choice of three joist heights – 30mm, 50mm and 80mm – and height-adjustable pedestals make it easy to compensate for differing roof levels and obstacles and to create a level, stable base across even the largest roof area.

Raaft planters are manufactured in a range of finishes that can be used to either blend in with their surroundings or explode in a burst of colour. With its natural rust-coloured patina, CorTen weathering steel is perfect for a natural, organic feel that blends with soil and wood bark or to extend the industrial look of bare brick and weathered concrete. Powder coated finishing – matched to any standard RAL colour code – can likewise be coordinated with nearby window frames or cladding, or used to introduce contrasting colours that make a statement.

Inject Italian flair with porcelain decking and tiles

Explore the possibilities of Raaft bespoke steel planter systems

Be inspired by our projects

fire rated terrace

Fire Safety: Consult a trusted roof terrace expert

At Raaft, we offer Class-A Fire Rated roof terrace systems designed for life. Our range of recycled terrace products come in many different styles, colours and finishes to suit your regulatory needs so you can build what’s right for your space. See the endless possibilities available to you with the Raaft terrace system and talk to a technical expert with experience of industry best practice to begin your roof terrace journey.