Harmonised approach to real-scale fire performance of facade claddings in EU is still absent. External wall claddings and their components are evaluated for reaction to fire as standalone products and assemblies to EN 13501-1 in a room fire scenario; fire resistance requirements to EN 13501-2 may comprise external wall claddings as part of the structure; and spread of fire along facades is currently not part of this harmonised system at all. Consequently European member states, which presently regulate for this characteristic, have to rely on national test methods.

 Semi-natural test methods to evaluate fire safety of external wall calddings