The MCRMA (Metal Cladding & Roofing Manufacturers Association) has published new guidance specifically to help installers understand their role in the process of ensuring fire protective ‘capable members’ are properly integrated into the metal cladding system on boundary elevations.
Guidance Document GD42A ‘Guidance for Installers relating to ‘Boundary’ Elevations involving Capable Members’, which is available to read and download at the MCRMA website, was developed collaboratively by technical specialists working within a variety of member companies.
GD42A supplements another more detailed guidance document on this topic, GD42, which was produced by the MCRMA in 2025. This was developed with reference to the ‘Technical Specification for Boundary Elevations’ document published by the BCSA (British Constructional Steelwork Association) to provide generic guidance, together with more detailed technical guidance, for the specifier and the steelwork designer and supplier. The objective with GD42 was to provide the metal building envelope sector as a whole with best practice to be able to work more knowledgably and efficiently with steelwork contractors and ensure the BCSA’s guidance is correctly applied.
Best practice guidelines for reducing the potential spread of fire
GD42A is installer focused, designed to ensure they are fully informed and aware of the process for incorporating capable members into cladding on boundary elevations. Under updated industry-wide best practice guidelines, these elevations require that the cladding system is able to support its own weight in the event of a fire, reducing the potential of fire spreading to neighbouring sites.
As a result, a capable member, which is typically formed of a hot-rolled, intumescent coated or otherwise protected structural beam, needs to be incorporated into applicable elevations at the design stage and manufactured and applied correctly from manufacture to installation.
Delivering cladding projects that meet fire resistance standards
Carlton Jones, Director of the MCRMA, commented, “When the BCSA Technical Specification for Boundary Elevations came into effect in July 2025, it stipulated the need for capable members within the wall construction to ensure the cladding remains ‘hung’ in place in the event of a fire. To ensure these critically important fire resistant elements are correctly integrated, however, everyone in the supply chain needs to understand why they are needed, how they should be incorporated and who is responsible for them.
“It is crucial that installers are fully in the picture with regard to capable members to deliver cladding projects that meet the fire resistance standards set, and protect their interests. Although they don’t have any design responsibility for capable members, correctly informed installers can identify discrepancies between the steelwork provided and the boundary design requirements. GD42A even includes a matrix to show where responsibilities are at different stages of the capable member integration, so installers can address any issues when they are tasked with installing the cladding and know who to consult.”
To read and download the GD42 and GD42A guidance documents, go to the Technical & Resources section of www.mcrma.co.uk
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For over 30 years, the MCRMA has been the leading trade association for the metal building envelope sector. The association represents companies involved in the manufacture, supply, inspection, and support of products and systems for industrial, commercial, and warehouse buildings.
As a trusted authority, MCRMA:
✓ Works closely with industry bodies and standards committees to develop best practices.
✓ Is an active member of key organisations, including the Construction Products Association, the Institute of Roofing, and the Advisory Committee for Roof Safety.
✓ Ensures that members operate at the highest standards in quality, safety, and sustainability.
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