Readers are advised to check the validity of this Certificate by either referring to the BBA’s website (www.bbacerts.co.uk) or contactingthe BBA direct (Telephone Hotline 01923 665400).

1 The Building Regulations 2000 (as amended) (England and Wales)The Secretary of State has agreed with the British Board of Agrémentthe requirements of the Building Regulations to which cladding systemscan contribute in achieving compliance. In the opinion of the BBA,

Eurocell 125 Shiplap Cladding, if used in accordance with the provisions ofthis Certificate, will meet or contribute to meeting the relevant requirements.Requirement: A1 Loading

Comment: The product is acceptable for use as set out in sections 7.2 to7.4 and 9.1 to 9.5 of this Certificate.

Requirement: B4(1) External fire spread

Comment: The cladding has a fire propagation index (I) of 13.9 and itsacceptability for use is as set out in sections 10.1 to 10.5 ofthis Certificate.

Requirement: C2(a)(b)(c) Resistance to moisture

Comment: The product does not form a watertight or airtight facing. Toachieve a waterproof barrier a breather membrane must beprovided. See sections 11.1 to 11.4 of this Certificate.

Requirement: L1(a)(i) DwellingsRequirement: L2(a) Buildings other than dwellings

Comment: The insulation values of the product and the cavity formedbetween the planks and the backing wall will reduce theoverall U value with reference to Tables 1 and 5 ofApproved Document L1. See section 12 of this Certificate.

Requirement: Regulation 7 Materials and workmanship

Comment: The product is acceptable. See section 14.1 of this Certificate.

Eurocell Profiles LtdFairbrook HouseClover Nook RoadAlfretonDerbyshire DE55 4RFTel: 01773 842100 Fax: 01773 842199e-mail: trevor.raybould@eurocell.co.ukwebsite: www.eurocell.co.uk

AgrémentCertificate

No 01/3784Second issue*

Designated by Governmentto issue

European TechnicalApprovals

EUROCELL 125 SHIPLAP CLADDINGFaçade légère en PVCVerkleidung

Product

Regulations• THIS CERTIFICATE RELATESTO EUROCELL 125 SHIPLAPCLADDING, PVC-UECLADDING PLANKS.• The product has been assessedfor use externally on buildingsas a decorative and protectivefacing fixed horizontally on thefollowing substrates:(a) timber stud walls with or

without sheathing(b) brick or block masonry walls.• It is essential that the productis installed in accordance withthe manufacturer’s instructionsand the Design Data andInstallation sections of thisCertificate.

CI/SfB

(47) Nn7

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2 The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004

In the opinion of the BBA, Eurocell 125 Shiplap Cladding, if used inaccordance with the provisions of this Certificate, will satisfy orcontribute to satisfying the various Regulations and related Mandatory

Standards as listed below.Regulation: 8 Fitness and durability of materials and workmanshipRegulation: 8(1) Fitness and durability of materials and workmanship

Comment: The product is acceptable. See section 14.1 and theInstallation part of this Certificate.

Regulation: 9 Building standards — constructionStandard: 1.1(a)(b) Structure

Comment: The product can contribute to satisfying this Standard withreference to clause 1.1.1(1)(2) as set out in sections 7.2 to 7.4and 9.1 to 9.5 of this Certificate.

Standard: 2.4 CavitiesStandard: 2.6 Spread to neighbouring buildingsStandard: 2.7 Spread on external walls

Comment: The product can contribute to satisfying these Standards withreference to clauses 2.4.2(1)(2), 2.6.4(1)(2) and 2.7.1(1)(2)

respectively as set out in sections 10.1 to 10.5 of thisCertificate.

Standard: 3.10 Precipitation

Comment: The product can contribute to satisfying this Standard withreference to clause 3.10.1(1)(2) but does not form a watertightor airtight facing. To achieve a weatherproof barrier abreather membrane must be provided. See sections 11.1 to11.4 of this Certificate.

Standard: 3.15 Condensation

Comment: Provided there is provision for adequate drainage andventilation behind the cladding, and a breather membrane isincorporated, as required, the product can contribute tosatisfying this Standard, with reference to clause 3.15.4(1).See sections 7.7 and 11.1 to 11.4 of this Certificate.

Standard: 6.2 Building insulation envelope

Comment: The thermal resistance of the product and the cavity formedbetween the planks and the backing wall can contribute tosatisfying the required U value with reference to clause 6.2.1(1)(2)

to 6.2.3(1)(2). See section 12 of this Certificate.(1) Technical Handbook (Domestic).(2) Technical Handbook (Non-Domestic).

3 The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000In the opinion of the BBA, Eurocell 125 Shiplap Cladding, if used inaccordance with the provisions of this Certificate, will satisfy orcontribute to satisfying the various Building Regulations as listed below.

Regulation: B2 Fitness of materials and workmanship

Comment: The product is acceptable. See section 14.1 of this Certificate.Regulation: C4 Resistance to ground moisture and weather

Comment: The product does not form a watertight or airtight facing. Toachieve a weatherproof barrier a breather membrane must beprovided. See sections 11.1 to 11.4 of this Certificate.

Regulation: D1 Stability

Comment: The product is acceptable for use as set out in sections 7.2to 7.4 and 9.1 to 9.5 of this Certificate.

Regulation: E5 External fire spread

Comment: The product has a fire propagation index (I) of 17.6 and itsacceptability for use is as set out in sections 10.1 to 10.5 ofthis Certificate.

Regulation: F2 Building fabric

Comment: The insulation values of the planks and the cavity formedbetween the planks and the backing wall will reduce theoverall U value. See section 12 of this Certificate.

4 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (as amended)Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland)1995 (as amended)

Information in this Certificate may assist the client, planning supervisor,designer and contractors to address their obligations under these Regulations.See sections: 6 Delivery and site handling (6.3) 8 Practicability of

installation and 15 General (15.4).

Technical Specification

5 Description5.1 Eurocell 125 Shiplap Cladding is a protectiveand decorative white PVC-UE cladding plank andmatching trims for external use (see Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1 Eurocell 125 Shiplap Cladding

5.2 The planks are composed of a cellular PVC-Ucore beneath an impact modified, outer weatheringPVC-U skin. The trims consist of extrusions andinjection mouldings in impact modified PVC-U.

5.3 The plank’s characteristics are given in Table 1.

Table 1 Characteristics of plank

Characteristics (units) Nominal value

Standard length (m) 5

Cover width (mm) 125

Thickness (mm) 6

Thickness of rigid outer surface (mm) 0.5

Nominal weight (kgm–1) 0.64

Average density (kgm–3) 0.55

5.4 The planks are manufactured by co-extrudinga high-impact PVC-U compound onto a foamablePVC-U compound, cooling and forming to sectionand finally cutting to length. Cellular PVC-U (PVC-UE)is formed during the process by the evolution ofgas from sodium bicarbonate. A clear, protective,polyethylene film is applied to the outer face of theextrusion before the board is cut to length.

5.5 The trims are manufactured by conventionalextrusion and injection moulding techniques.

5.6 Continuous quality control is exercised duringmanufacture, including checks on the cellularplanks for the following:• appearance• colour• dimensions• weight per metre• impact strength.

Figure 2 Trims

5.7 Flat-headed, stainless steel A4 cladding pins(30 mm long by 2.2 mm shank diameter) areused to fix cladding planks to timber battens(secret fixing) and fixing trims are required.Stainless steel nails (25 mm long) are also used forfixing trims.

6 Delivery and site handling6.1 Standard five metre lengths of the extrusionsare delivered to site sealed in polyethylene sleeves.Pack quantities vary according to profile size.

6.2 All packaging bears the Eurocell product code.

6.3 Unloading should be carried out by hand toavoid damage to the components, which shouldbe stored flat, in their protective wrapping, on aclean, level surface. Stacks must not exceed onemetre in height and should be restrained to preventcollapse. To avoid damage it is recommended thatadditional protection is provided when the planksare stored in the open.

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Design Data

7 General7.1 Eurocell 125 Shiplap Cladding is suitable forhorizontal fixing as a decorative and protectiveexternal facing over a timber stud or masonry wall.

7.2 The designer should ensure that thestrength and integrity of the intendedsubstrate is commensurate with that required

of the cladding system (see sections 7.3 and 7.4).

7.3 Brickwork or blockwork walls should beconstructed in the conventional manner in accordancewith one of the following technical specifications:• BS 5628-1 : 1992 and BS 5628-3 : 2001• The Building Regulations 2000 (as amended)

(England and Wales), Approved Document A1/2,Part C, Section 1

• The Small Buildings Guide, for use inconjunction with, or as an alternative toMandatory Standard 1.1 (clause 1.1.1)(1)(2) ofThe Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004

• The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland)2000, Technical Booklet D Structure.

(1) Technical Handbook (Domestic).(2) Technical Handbook (Non-Domestic).

7.4 Timber stud walls should be constructed inaccordance with BS 5268-2 : 2002 andBS 5268-6.1 : 1996, and preservative treated inaccordance with BS 5268-5 : 1989. Studdingand framing should be adequately supported bynoggings to ensure rigidity.

7.5 When used over a sheathed timber stud frameor over a masonry substrate, the cladding shouldbe fixed to preservative-treated, good quality timberbattens measuring not less than 25 mm by 38 mm,rigidly fixed to the studding (not unsupportedsheathing), or masonry substrate at 600 mm centresor closer. Where a CCA (copper/chrome/arsenic)preservative is used, care should be taken to ensurethat sufficient time is allowed for the completefixation of the CCA preservative (approximatelyseven days) before the cladding is fixed.

7.6 Cellular PVC-U has a similar coefficient ofthermal expansion to that of conventional rigidPVC-U. To avoid distortion in service, care shouldbe taken not to install the cladding in extremes oftemperature (ie below 5°C or above 25°C) and toallow adequate gaps for expansion.

7.7 In accordance with BS 8200 : 1985,a continuous 10 mm ventilation pathway(25 mm recommended by the manufacturer)

must be maintained behind the cladding, withventilation slots giving a minimum of 5000 mm2 permetre run at the top and bottom of the installation.This will also satisfy the NHBC requirement (seeNHBC Standards, Chapter 6.2 : 2002) for aminimum 10 mm cavity behind cladding installedover timber sheathing. To comply with the

requirement of Zurich Building Guarantee TechnicalManual, Section 4 Superstructure, Sub-sectionExternal walls — timber frame (pages 189 and190) for cladding installed over timber sheathing,however, a minimum 19 mm cavity is required.

8 Practicability of installationThe cladding can be installed easily under normalsite conditions provided the work is carried outaccording to the guidance given in sections 15and 16. Care is needed when installing longlengths of cladding above ground-floor level.

9 Strength and stabilityWind loading

9.1 Under wind loading, the most likelymode of failure of the cladding will be bynail withdrawal under wind suction.

9.2 When installed in accordance with therequirements of this Certificate, onto battens at600 mm spacings, the cladding can withstanddynamic wind pressures not exceeding 1750 Pa.

9.3 The permissible dynamic wind pressure maybe increased by reducing batten spacing. This isparticularly recommended at the corner of buildingsand in exposed locations. In common with allcladding, the adequacy of a proposed installationshould always be checked by a qualified engineer,who should include in the check the adequacy ofthe fixing of battens to the substrate, not covered bythis Certificate.

9.4 The cladding should not be taken into accountwhen designing a timber stud wall to resist rackingforces.

Resistance to impact9.5 The cladding is not recommended for use atground-floor level where severe impacts may occur.It is suitable for use above ground-floor level inlocations where it is unlikely to be subjected toimpact from thrown or kicked objects.

10 Behaviour in relation to fire10.1 When tested to BS 476-6 : 1989,the cladding material has achieved a firepropagation index (I) of 13.9 with

sub-indices (i1), (i2) and (i3) of 5.5, 7.4 and 1.0,respectively.10.2 When tested in accordance with BS 476-7 :1997, the co-extruded material has achieved aClass D1Y rating.

10.3 Although the spread of flame across thesurface of PVC is limited, the material does tend tochar and may fall away when exposed to fire. Dueconsideration should always be given to anycombustible materials behind the cladding, whichmay become exposed in the event of fire. Wherenecessary, cavity barriers should be incorporatedbehind the cladding as required under the relevantBuilding Regulations.

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10.4 When determining the minimum distancebetween the sides of a building and the relevantboundary, any area of wall (with the appropriatefire resistance) covered by cellular PVC-U claddingis counted as an unprotected area amounting tohalf the actual area of the cladding.

10.5 Subject to the provisions given insection 10.4, the cladding is suitable for use onexternal walls other than those requiring a Class 0external surface (eg external walls less than onemetre from a relevant boundary).

11 Air and water penetration

11.1 The cladding is not airtight, watertightor water-vapourtight. When used on timberstud walls the product must be backed by a

breather membrane acting as a vapour-permeablewater barrier, incorporated behind the claddingunder the supporting battens. This barrier must meetthe requirements of BS 4016 : 1997 and have avapour resistance of less than 0.6 MNsg–1 whencalculated from the results of tests carried out at25°C and a relative humidity of 75%, inaccordance with BS 3177 : 1959.

11.2 Where the cladding is used as a decorativefacing attached to weathertight masonry walls, awater barrier is not necessary as the amount ofwater that will penetrate the cladding will be smalland will not have an adverse effect on the wall.

11.3 If the cladding is used in the renovation of amasonry wall which is structurally sound but notfully weathertight, the use of a vapour-permeablewater barrier is advisable.

11.4 Provision must always be made to allowwater that has penetrated behind the cladding todrain away.

12 Thermal insulation

An improvement in U value (thermaltransmittance) of the external wall will beobtained by the use of the system, due in

part to the cellular structure of the foam and in partto the air space between the cladding and thebacking wall.

13 Maintenance13.1 The cladding can be washed with waterand detergent. Solvent-based cleaners should notbe used.

13.2 Replacement of a damaged section can becarried out but may require the temporary removalof undamaged planks above the damaged area.

13.3 Paints can cause premature embrittlement ofPVC-U products and the application of dark coloursto PVC-U cladding could lead to a risk of thermaldistortion. Therefore, painting of the product is notrecommended.

14 Durability14.1 Accelerated weathering tests andlimited natural exposure trials indicate thatthe cladding is as durable as conventional

rigid PVC and will retain adequate impactresistance for a period of 20 years.

14.2 The cladding will retain its decorative functionfor the service life of the product with only minorchanges in surface appearance. However, stainingwill result from contact with creosote or bitumen.

Installation

15 General15.1 The substrate for Eurocell 125 ShiplapCladding should be checked to ensure that it is asprescribed in section 7.2.

15.2 On non-weatherproof substrates a vapourpermeable water barrier must be installed behindbattens and cladding (see sections 11.1 and 11.3).

15.3 Installation should not be carried out inextremes of temperature (between 5°C and 25°Cis recommended).

15.4 The components are easy to work usingnormal woodworking tools for cutting, drilling andshaping. Handsaws should have a fine-toothedblade. Hand-held and bench-mounted power toolswith a carbide tipped blade should be run atspeeds similar to, or higher than, those normallyused for timber (see also section 8).

15.5 When using power tools to cut or shape theproduct it is recommended that eye protection anda coarse-particle dust mask is used.

15.6 Expansion gaps of 5 mm should beprovided at the ends of each 5 m plank.

15.7 Adequate provision should be made fordrainage and ventilation behind the cladding (seesections 7.7 and 11.4). For horizontal cladding,horizontal battens are not recommended at thetop/bottom of either the installation or window/door openings, where they may restrict ventilationand drainage. Similarly, the use of horizontal trimsat the base of the cladding must not reduce theventilation opening below 5000 m2 per metre run(see section 7.7).

15.8 Where butt joints are made between planks,the ends of both planks should be fixed to battens.

15.9 Window head and other protrusions shouldbe protected by a suitable weatherproof membraneor flashing.

16 ProcedureThe cladding must be installed in accordance withthe instructions laid down in the manufacturer’sliterature. Typical installation details are shown inFigure 3.

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Figure 3 Installation details

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Technical Investigations

The following is a summary of the technicalinvestigations carried out on Eurocell 125 ShiplapCladding.

17 Tests17.1 Tests were carried out on planks todetermine:• voidage• thickness of layers• density• overall thickness• impact resistance (BS 7619 : 1993) of unaged

and UV aged material• appearance after UV ageing• simulated wind-load bending• impact resistance (cladding panel)• flexural strength and modulus of elasticity.

17.2 Tests were carried out on trims to determineheat reversion.

18 Investigations18.1 Permissible dynamic wind pressures werecalculated from the simulated wind-load bendingtest and nail withdrawal data.

18.2 An examination was made of data relating to:• behaviour of the cladding in fire• colour stability.

18.3 The manufacturing process was examined,including the methods adopted for quality control,and details were obtained of the quality andcomposition of the materials used.

18.4 The practicability of installation was assessed.

Bibliography

BS 476-6 : 1989 Fire tests on building materialsand structures — Method of test for firepropagation for productsBS 476-7 : 1997 Fire tests on building materialsand structures — Method of test to determine theclassification of the surface spread of flame ofproducts

BS 3177 : 1959 Method for determining thepermeability to water vapour of flexible sheetmaterials used for packaging

BS 4016 : 1997 Specification for flexible buildingmembranes (breather type)

BS 5268-2 : 2002 Structural use of timber —Code of practice for permissible stress design,materials and workmanshipBS 5268-5 : 1989 Structural use of timber —Code of practice for the preservative treatment ofstructural timberBS 5268-6.1 : 1996 Structural use of timber —Code of practice for timber frame walls —Dwellings not exceeding four storeys

BS 5628-1 : 1992 Code of practice for use ofmasonry — Structural use of unreinforced masonryBS 5628-3 : 2001 Code of practice for use ofmasonry — Materials and components, design andworkmanship

BS 7619 : 1993 Specification for extrudedcellular unplasticized PVC (PVC-UE) profiles

BS 8200 : 1985 Code of practice for design ofnon-loadbearing external vertical enclosures ofbuildings

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Conditions of Certification

19 Conditions19.1 This Certificate:(a) relates only to the product that is named,described, installed, used and maintained as setout in this Certificate;(b) is granted only to the company, firm or personidentified on the front cover — no other company,firm or person may hold or claim any entitlement tothis Certificate;(c) is valid only within the UK;(d) has to be read, considered and used as awhole document — it may be misleading and willbe incomplete to be selective;(e) is copyright of the BBA;(f) is subject to English law.

19.2 References in this Certificate to any Act ofParliament, Regulation made thereunder, Directiveor Regulation of the European Union, StatutoryInstrument, Code of Practice, British Standard,manufacturers’ instructions or similar publication,are references to such publication in the form inwhich it was current at the date of this Certificate.

19.3 This Certificate will remain valid for anunlimited period provided that the product and themanufacture and/or fabrication including allrelated and relevant processes thereof:(a) are maintained at or above the levels whichhave been assessed and found to be satisfactoryby the BBA;

(b) continue to be checked as and when deemedappropriate by the BBA under arrangements that itwill determine; and(c) are reviewed by the BBA as and when itconsiders appropriate.

19.4 In granting this Certificate, the BBA is notresponsible for:(a) the presence or absence of any patent,intellectual property or similar rights subsisting in theproduct or any other product;(b) the right of the Certificate holder to market,supply, install or maintain the product; and(c) the actual works in which the product isinstalled, used and maintained, including thenature, design, methods and workmanship of suchworks.

19.5 Any recommendations relating to the use orinstallation of this product which are contained orreferred to in this Certificate are the minimumstandards required to be met when the product isused. They do not purport in any way to restate therequirements of the Health & Safety at Work etcAct 1974, or of any other statutory, common lawor other duty which may exist at the date of thisCertificate or in the future; nor is conformity withsuch recommendations to be taken as satisfying therequirements of the 1974 Act or of any present orfuture statutory, common law or other duty of care.In granting this Certificate, the BBA does notaccept responsibility to any person or body for anyloss or damage, including personal injury, arisingas a direct or indirect result of the installation anduse of this product.

In the opinion of the British Board of Agrément, Eurocell 125 Shiplap Cladding is fit for itsintended use provided it is installed, used and maintained as set out in this Certificate.Certificate No 01/3784 is accordingly awarded to Eurocell Profiles Ltd.

On behalf of the British Board of Agrément

Date of Second issue: 16th January 2006 Chief Executive

British Board of AgrémentP O Box No 195, Bucknalls LaneGarston, Watford, Herts WD25 9BAFax: 01923 665301

©2006For technical or additional information,contact the Certificate holder (seefront page).For information about the AgrémentCertificate, including validity andscope, tel: Hotline 01923 665400,or check the BBA website.

e-mail: mail@bba.star.co.ukwebsite: www.bbacerts.co.uk

*Original Certificate issued on 18th January 2001. This amended version includes new national Building Regulations,revised British Standards and Bibliography and changed Conditions of Certification.