Government allocating £1 Billion to Removing Dangerous Cladding.
With the UK Government allocating £1 billion in funding to remove unsafe cladding, understanding what makes cladding "dangerous" has never been more critical. As the construction industry moves forward with safer, innovative products, the definition of dangerous cladding remains a pressing issue for builders, developers, and property owners alike. Here’s a closer look at what defines dangerous cladding, the role of fire safety in these determinations, and how products like FastClad can offer a solution.
What Makes Cladding Dangerous?
Dangerous cladding typically refers to external façade materials that pose a high risk in terms of fire safety, durability, and structural performance. Following the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy, regulatory bodies have taken a closer look at cladding systems, particularly in terms of combustibility and flammability. Materials that do not meet stringent fire safety standards for high-rise buildings or that could fail under certain environmental conditions should be considered unsafe.
The primary factors that contribute to dangerous cladding include:
Combustibility:
Which is the amount of energy released by a cladding material which may in turn cause a anther material to combust (flash over). The test method EN13823 was updated in 2020 to ensure that the test was rigorous enough not to allow unscrupulous manufacturers to gain certification for dangerously flammable materials.
Flammability:
Materials that can rapidly propagate fire pose a significant risk, especially in densely populated or tall structures.
Insufficient Testing: Products that have not been rigorously tested for high-stress conditions (e.g., exposure to extreme temperatures or prolonged UV radiation) which may degrade or become hazardous over time.
Improper Installation:
Even high-quality materials can pose risks if not installed according to specifications and poor workmanship.
Unsuitable Application:
Materials that are safe for low-rise applications but installed on high-rise buildings may not meet fire safety or performance standards. Secondly materials that are installed outside of their Field of Application may be rendered uncertified, falling outside the scope of the certificate issued.
Ensuring Façade Safety: Choosing Certified Products
The government’s investment in cladding removal also places importance on what should replace dangerous materials. FastClad, developed by Advanced Construction Systems, offers a certified solution with its A2-rated product line for high-rise applications and general-purpose cladding options for low-rise buildings.
FastClad’s A2-s1,d0 rating means it meets the fire resistance requirements for tall buildings, making it a safe choice in cladding for environments where fire risk is a concern. Additionally, the product’s lightweight design offers flexibility in various architectural applications, while maintaining durability and meeting rigorous testing requirements.
Certification and Application: FastClad as a Solution
Certifications play a crucial role in ensuring that cladding systems are safe and suited to their intended applications. FastClad has undergone extensive testing and achieved BBA Certification, validating its suitability for both aesthetic and structural uses. This certification confirms the product's durability and performance, making it reliable for residential buildings, hospitals, and educational institutions over 18 meters in height, with a Field of Application that allows any clay brick manufactured to EN 771-1 to be used.
Using certified systems like FastClad can alleviate many of the concerns surrounding cladding safety, especially when replacing older, uncertified materials. The range of applications for FastClad, which includes traditional brick cladding look its design, means it can be adapted for use in projects of different scales and needs without compromising on safety.
The Role of Manufacturers in Ensuring Safe Cladding
The responsibility of ensuring cladding safety doesn’t fall solely on the government; manufacturers play a vital role. Advanced Construction Systems, through their commitment to quality and certification, supports the shift toward safer building practices. By rigorously testing products and maintaining transparency about their applications, manufacturers can offer architects and contractors reliable options that meet current safety standards and contribute to a safer built environment. It also falls to manufacturers like us to offer installation guidance, training and site inspections to ensure that the installation is fully compliant.
Building a Safer Future with Certified Cladding
As the government moves forward with its plan to remediate unsafe cladding, industry professionals must align with certified products that meet regulatory standards. FastClad’s A2-rated product line, backed by BBA Certification, presents a compliant, aesthetically flexible, and structurally sound choice. By prioritising certified cladding systems, property developers and contractors can not only comply with updated building codes but also contribute to safer, more resilient communities.
For more information on selecting safe and suitable real brick cladding, explore Fastclad products learn about what sets quality cladding materials apart from others in the market.