Areas we cover
Managing the safety and integrity of a building’s exterior requires a methodical approach to technical assessment. Cladding Testing and Replacement in Bexley is a critical process for property managers, local authorities, and residents who need to ensure their buildings comply with the latest UK building regulations and fire safety standards.
Cladding testing in Bexley
The external wall system of a high-rise or multi-storey building is a complex assembly of components, including the outer rainscreen, insulation, cavity barriers, and structural fixings. When these systems fail—whether due to combustible materials, poor installation, or simple age-related deterioration—the implications for life safety and property value are significant. Professional intervention is required to move from uncertainty to a compliant, safe solution.
In the context of Bexley’s diverse property landscape—ranging from modern riverside developments to established social housing blocks—cladding testing is the first step in identifying latent risks. This process involves a forensic examination of the External Wall System (EWS) to determine exactly what materials have been used and how they have been installed.
If the testing reveals that the materials do not meet current safety standards (such as non-compliant ACM or HPL panels) or that the installation is missing critical fire-stopping measures like cavity barriers, a replacement strategy is developed. This is not always a "one-size-fits-all" solution; the goal is to provide a technically sound remedy that ensures long-term building performance.
The landscape of building safety in the UK has shifted dramatically. Property professionals in Bexley must now navigate a stringent set of requirements designed to prevent the rapid spread of fire across building envelopes. The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced new roles, such as the Principal Accountable Person, and extended the liability periods for defective work.
For any building over 18 metres (or seven storeys), and increasingly for buildings between 11 and 18 metres, the scrutiny on cladding systems is intense. Testing is no longer optional for many; it is a statutory necessity to ensure the safety of the "Golden Thread" of building information. Cladding Testing and Replacement in Bexley projects must be documented meticulously to prove that the materials used are of limited combustibility (typically Euroclass A1 or A2-s1, d0).
Modern assessments are often conducted under PAS 9980. This code of practice provides a methodology for competent professionals to carry out a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW). Rather than just looking at the cladding panels in isolation, PAS 9980 looks at the holistic risk of the building, including its height, use, and the complexity of its escape routes.
This approach allows for more nuanced decisions. In some cases, a building may not require a full, expensive replacement if the overall risk can be managed through other remedial measures. However, where high-risk materials are present in a configuration that facilitates fire spread, full recladding is usually the only viable path to compliance.
While fire safety is the primary driver for many Cladding Testing and Replacement in Bexley enquiries, other technical failures can be just as damaging to a building’s health. Façades are subject to extreme weather, wind loads, and thermal expansion, all of which can lead to system failure over time.
Cavity barriers are designed to close the gap between the cladding and the inner wall in the event of a fire. If they are missing, incorrectly sized, or installed backwards, they fail to prevent the "chimney effect" that allows fire to race up the side of a building. Cladding Testing frequently reveals that these invisible components are the weakest link in the system.
In Bexley’s climate, rainscreen systems are designed to manage water. However, if the vapour permeable membrane is damaged or if the joint seals have perished, water can penetrate the insulation. This reduces thermal efficiency and can lead to the corrosion of the structural steel frame or the rot of timber substructures.
Many buildings constructed prior to recent regulation changes used PIR (polyisocyanurate) or PUR (polyurethane) foam insulation. While these materials have good thermal properties, they are highly combustible. Replacing these with mineral wool or other non-combustible alternatives is a core component of most remediation projects.
We do not guess what is behind a façade; we investigate. The process of Cladding Testing and Replacement in Bexley starts with a non-intrusive visual survey, often followed by intrusive "opening up" works. This is the only way to verify the as-built construction against the original architectural drawings.
Our teams remove specific panels at various heights and locations (such as around windows and floor levels) to inspect the internal composition. We look for:
• Material samples: Taking small sections of panels and insulation for laboratory testing.
• Fixing checks: Ensuring the rails and brackets are not suffering from galvanic corrosion.
• Barrier alignment: Checking that fire breaks are tightly fitted against the substrate.
• Moisture levels: Using probes to check for dampness behind the rainscreen.
The data gathered during this phase is compiled into a comprehensive report. This document acts as the roadmap for the building owner, clearly stating what is safe, what can be repaired, and what must be replaced. It provides the evidence needed to secure funding, such as through the Building Safety Fund (BSF) or the Cladding Safety Scheme.
A major concern for managing agents is the cost and duration of works. At CladdingTesting.com, our philosophy is to recommend the most proportionate response. We do not automatically default to full replacement if a safe, localized repair is possible.
Full replacement is generally required when the core materials of the façade pose an unacceptable risk of fire spread. This includes the presence of unmodified ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) or high-risk HPL (High-Pressure Laminate). It is also the preferred route when a façade has reached the end of its functional life and the cost of ongoing repairs exceeds the investment of a new, high-performance system.
Cladding testing in Bexley
Executing Cladding Testing and Replacement in Bexley on a high-rise residential block is a significant logistical challenge. The building remains a home for hundreds of people while the exterior is essentially stripped back to its bones and rebuilt. This requires a specialist approach to site management.
Choosing the right access method is vital for safety and efficiency. We evaluate several options:
• Mast Climbers: Ideal for tall, linear elevations, providing a stable platform for heavy material handling.
• Traditional Scaffolding: Offers full-wrap access but can be more intrusive for residents and carries higher security risks.
• Cradle Systems: Useful for targeted repairs or inspections on very tall structures where ground space is limited.
Occupied buildings require a high level of sensitivity. Our project sequencing is designed to keep windows accessible for as long as possible and to ensure that the building remains weather-tight throughout the transition. We focus on clear communication, ensuring residents understand the timelines for noise-intensive works and the safety protocols in place during the construction phase.
When replacing cladding, the choice of new materials is governed by both aesthetics and Class A fire ratings. For projects in Bexley, we focus on materials that offer longevity and low maintenance while meeting the strict requirements of the Building Regulations (Amendment) 2018.
Every material is assessed for its interoperability with the existing structure. We ensure that the new system does not exceed the load-bearing capacity of the original frame and that it improves the overall U-value (thermal performance) of the building envelope.
One of the most common points of failure in Cladding Testing and Replacement in Bexley is not the panel itself, but the "interface." This refers to where the cladding meets windows, balconies, rooflines, and ground-floor exits. If these areas are not handled with precision, the building will suffer from leaks and drafts.
Our technical team pays special attention to flashing details and the continuity of the air barrier. When we replace cladding, we often find that the original window flashings were inadequate. By correcting these details during the recladding process, we provide a holistic upgrade that extends the building's lifespan by decades.
We understand that Cladding Testing and Replacement in Bexley involves multiple stakeholders. Whether you are a Managing Agent responsible for a portfolio of blocks or a Housing Association officer tasked with a regional upgrade, you need clear data to make informed decisions.
We work alongside:
• Surveyors: To provide the technical data required for condition reports.
• Fire Engineers: To ensure that the proposed remediation meets the specific fire safety strategy of the building.
• Legal Teams: To provide evidence for potential litigation against original developers or for insurance claims.
• Resident Associations: To explain the technical necessity of the works in plain English.
Our methodology follows a clear, logical progression to ensure no detail is overlooked. This systematic approach reduces risk for the building owner and ensures a compliant outcome.
We review O&M manuals, fire strategy documents, and previous survey reports. This allows us to identify "known unknowns" before we even arrive on site.
Using a combination of drones for visual inspection and specialist teams for intrusive testing, we map the current state of the building. We document every defect, from missing fire socks to cracked panels.
We present a range of options, from localized cladding repairs to full replacement. Each option is costed and assessed for its impact on the building’s safety rating and insurance premiums.
During the replacement phase, we maintain a rigorous quality control process. Every cavity barrier is photographed before it is covered by a panel, creating a digital record of compliance. This "as-built" evidence is crucial for the final sign-off by Building Control.
The cost of Cladding Testing and Replacement in Bexley can be significant. However, the cost of inaction—including soaring insurance premiums, unsaleable flats, and, most importantly, the risk to life—is far higher. We assist clients in navigating the complex world of cladding finance.
In many cases, the Building Safety Fund or the Cladding Safety Scheme can provide the necessary capital for remediation. Our detailed testing reports are designed to meet the high evidence bars set by these funds, streamlining the application process for building owners.
Once a recladding project is complete, the focus shifts to long-term maintenance. A new façade is an asset that must be protected. We provide comprehensive maintenance manuals that outline the cleaning regimes and periodic inspections required to keep warranties valid.
Regular inspections of the rainscreen joints, drainage channels, and fixings ensure that minor issues are caught before they become major problems. By treating the building envelope as a dynamic system rather than a static wall, owners can avoid the need for large-scale interventions in the future.
Addressing cladding issues can feel like an overwhelming task for property owners and managers. The regulatory environment is complex, and the technical requirements are demanding. However, by breaking the process down into testing, investigation, and planned remediation, the path to a safe building becomes clear.
At CladdingTesting.com, we provide the technical expertise and practical experience needed to manage these projects from start to finish. Whether you are dealing with a small apartment block or a major high-rise development, our focus remains the same: identifying the problem, explaining the risks, and delivering a solution that ensures the long-term safety of the building and its occupants.
If you are responsible for a building and have concerns about its external wall system, the first step is a professional assessment. Cladding Testing and Replacement in Bexley is not just a regulatory hurdle—it is a vital investment in the safety and future of the borough's built environment.
Cladding testing in Bexley
Last updated
Services
For building owners and property managers across the United Kingdom, cladding replacement has shifted from an aesthetic or maintenance consideration to a critical matter of safety, compliance, and asset protection. The complexity of modern external wall systems means that replacing a façade is no longer a simple construction task; it is a multi-disciplinary engineering project that requires a deep understanding of fire dynamics, structural load, and building regulations.
Recladding a house is the process of removing a building’s existing external wall covering and replacing it with a new, compliant system. In the UK, this work is typically undertaken to resolve issues involving water ingress, structural deterioration, thermal inefficiency, or fire safety non-compliance in multi-storey residential blocks.
A PAS 9980 assessment is a formal methodology used to evaluate the fire risk of external wall systems on multi-storey residential buildings. Introduced by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in early 2022, it provides a structured framework for competent professionals to determine whether a building’s cladding and wall construction pose an acceptable or unacceptable risk to life safety. Rather than focusing solely on whether materials are combustible, the assessment considers the entire wall assembly and how a fire might spread across the building envelope.
Understanding the safety and compliance profile of a building’s exterior is now a central requirement for property professionals across the United Kingdom. A FRAEW assessment is a specialised technical evaluation of the external wall construction of a multi-storey, multi-occupied residential building. Its purpose is to assess the fire risk contributed by the wall system and determine whether remediation or mitigation is necessary to ensure resident safety.
A cladding survey is a comprehensive technical assessment of a building's external wall system, designed to identify material composition, installation quality, and structural integrity. It involves a systematic investigation of the façade—including panels, insulation, cavity barriers, and fixings—to determine compliance with building regulations and assess the need for repair, remediation, or replacement.
Understanding the internal composition of a building’s facade is a critical requirement for modern property management. An intrusive cladding survey is a detailed physical investigation where specialist engineers open up specific sections of an external wall system to inspect hidden components. Unlike visual inspections, these surveys provide definitive evidence regarding the presence of combustible materials, the adequacy of cavity barriers, and the structural integrity of fixing systems.
An external wall survey is a comprehensive technical assessment of a building’s outer envelope, designed to evaluate the safety, compliance, and physical condition of the entire façade system. This professional inspection identifies defects in cladding materials, insulation, cavity barriers, and structural fixings to ensure the building meets current UK fire safety regulations and performance standards.
The EWS1 survey (External Wall System) is a technical assessment process designed to evaluate the fire safety of a building's external wall construction. Introduced by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), it results in an EWS1 form that confirms whether the cladding, insulation, and cavity barriers meet specific safety criteria or if remediation is required to mitigate risk. This process is essential for residential high-rise buildings, particularly those over 11 metres, to facilitate mortgage lending and ensure resident safety.
Cavity barrier remediation is the technical process of identifying, correcting, or replacing defective fire-stopping measures within the external wall systems of a building. It ensures that the "cavity"—the gap between the structural wall and the external cladding—is properly compartmentalised to prevent the rapid spread of fire and smoke. In the UK, this work is essential for aligning high-rise and multi-storey buildings with current Building Regulations and fire safety standards.
Fire stopping remediation is the systematic process of identifying, repairing, or replacing failed and non-compliant fire protection measures within a building's service penetrations, joints, and cavities. In the context of the external building envelope, this specifically involves restoring the integrity of cavity barriers and fire breaks to prevent the spread of smoke and flame through the facade system.
Rainscreen cladding remediation refers to the systematic process of investigating, repairing, or replacing external wall systems that have failed to meet safety, structural, or weather-performance standards. In the UK, this typically involves addressing non-compliant combustible materials, defective cavity barriers, or water ingress issues in high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings.
Higher risk building cladding remediation is the technical process of identifying, removing, or upgrading non-compliant external wall systems on buildings that meet specific height or occupancy criteria under UK law. In the United Kingdom, this primarily concerns residential buildings over 18 metres or seven storeys in height, where the presence of combustible materials presents a significant risk to life safety. Remediation is not merely a cosmetic update; it is a complex engineering and legal requirement designed to ensure that the building envelope prevents the spread of fire and meets the
The safety of a building’s external wall system is a critical concern for property owners and managers across the United Kingdom. Following changes in legislation and building regulations, many structures have been identified as having hazardous façade materials that require immediate attention. Unsafe cladding removal is the systematic process of identifying, stripping, and replacing external wall components that pose a significant fire risk or fail to meet current compliance standards.
Cladding water ingress refers to the uncontrolled penetration of moisture through a building's external wall system into the internal structure or cavity. This failure in the building envelope typically occurs due to defective seals, poor installation of flashing, damaged panels, or systemic design flaws. Left unaddressed, it leads to structural decay, insulation failure, and compromised internal environments.
Spandrel panel remediation is the technical process of investigating, repairing, or replacing the non-vision infill panels located between the glazed areas of a building's façade. These panels, often found in curtain walling and ribbon window systems, are critical for maintaining the thermal performance, moisture resistance, and fire safety of the external wall envelope.
Ensuring the structural integrity of a building’s exterior requires more than just inspecting the visible panels. The cladding subframe replacement process involves the systematic removal and renewal of the hidden metal or timber framework that secures the rainscreen to the building structure. This work is essential when the original grid has suffered from corrosion, systemic installation defects, or fails to meet modern fire safety standards for high-rise residential and commercial properties.
ACM cladding remediation refers to the professional process of identifying, assessing, and addressing the fire safety and structural risks associated with Aluminium Composite Material panels on a building's exterior. This systematic approach involves determining whether panels require localised repair, specific safety upgrades, or a complete replacement of the external wall system to meet current UK building regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022.
Aluminium cladding remediation refers to the systematic process of investigating, repairing, or replacing aluminium-based external wall systems that have been identified as defective, non-compliant, or deteriorating. This technical intervention ensures that the building envelope meets current UK Building Regulations, particularly regarding fire safety, structural stability, and moisture management.
In the wake of evolving fire safety regulations in the UK, combustible insulation replacement has become a priority for building owners and property managers. The presence of flammable materials within an external wall system poses significant risks to life safety and property value. Addressing these issues requires a systematic approach to identification, technical assessment, and remedial execution.
External wall insulation remediation is the process of inspecting, repairing, or replacing a building's external insulation system to ensure it meets modern fire safety, thermal performance, and structural standards. This specialist intervention addresses systemic failures in EWI systems, such as water ingress, delamination, or the presence of combustible materials that no longer comply with UK Building Regulations, specifically for buildings over 11 or 18 metres.
HPL cladding remediation refers to the systematic process of investigating, removing, or modifying external wall systems that incorporate High-Pressure Laminate panels. In the UK, this work is typically driven by the need to ensure building safety and compliance with the Building Safety Act and updated Fire Safety Regulations. The process involves identifying combustible materials, assessing the risk to the building envelope, and implementing engineered solutions to achieve a non-combustible or fire-safe finish.
Metal cladding remediation refers to the professional process of identifying, investigating, and resolving defects within metal-based building envelope systems. It encompasses a range of actions from localised repairs and component replacement to full-system overhauls. This process ensures the structure remains weather-tight, aesthetically sound, and fully compliant with current UK fire safety and building regulations.
Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the landscape of building safety in the United Kingdom changed permanently. A cladding fire safety survey is now a fundamental requirement for the management of high-rise and multi-storey buildings. These technical assessments are designed to identify combustible materials, verify the presence of adequate fire-stopping, and ensure the entire external wall system meets current life-safety standards.
A cladding inspection is a technical assessment of a building’s external wall system to evaluate its condition, safety, and regulatory compliance. It involves a systematic review of the outer skin, insulation, cavity barriers, and structural fixings to identify defects such as material deterioration, water ingress, or non-compliant fire-safety components. This process provides building owners with the data required to plan repairs, remediation, or full replacement.
A cladding investigation is a technical assessment of a building’s external wall system to identify defects, material composition, and compliance with safety standards. This process involves physical inspections, intrusive testing, and material analysis to determine if the façade is structurally sound, fire-safe, and performing as intended.
Curtain wall systems are among the most complex elements of a building’s exterior. These non-structural outer coverings, typically comprising aluminium frames, glass infill panels, and spandrel sections, are designed to protect the structure from the elements while providing aesthetic appeal. However, when these systems fail due to age, poor installation, or material degradation, the result is often water ingress, thermal inefficiency, or structural instability. Curtain wall remediation is the professional process of identifying these failures and implementing targeted engineering solutions to
Balcony cladding remediation is the technical process of identifying, managing, and rectifying safety and structural defects within the external wall systems surrounding balconies. In the United Kingdom, this often involves addressing non-compliant combustible materials, inadequate fire stopping, and failed waterproofing interfaces that pose risks to life safety and building longevity.
A breather membrane replacement is a specialist remediation process involving the removal of existing external wall layers to install a new, high-performance water-resistant but vapour-permeable layer. This critical component protects the building’s primary structure and insulation from moisture ingress while allowing internal water vapour to escape, preventing interstitial condensation and structural decay.
Cladding bracket replacement is a technical remedial process involving the removal of failed or non-compliant support components within a building's external wall system and installing new, structurally sound fixings. This intervention ensures the façade remains securely attached to the primary structure, maintains required cavity depths, and meets modern fire safety standards. It is typically required when inspections reveal structural fatigue, significant corrosion, or the presence of combustible components within the "helping hand" bracket system.
Cladding rail replacement is the process of removing and renewing the structural framework that secures external façade panels to a building’s primary structure. This infrastructure, often hidden behind the visible rainscreen, is critical for managing wind loads, supporting the weight of the cladding, and ensuring the fire safety performance of the external wall system.
Parapet cladding remediation is the technical process of assessing, repairing, or replacing the external façade elements located at the topmost edge of a building’s wall system. These areas, known as parapets, serve as critical junctions between the roof and the external wall, requiring precise fire stopping, structural integrity, and weatherproofing to ensure the safety of the entire building envelope.
Fire barrier remediation is the technical process of correcting, repairing, or replacing failed cavity barriers and fire stops within a building’s external wall system. This specialist work ensures that in the event of a fire, the concealed gaps behind cladding panels do not act as chimneys that allow flames and smoke to spread rapidly across the facade.
Brick slip cladding remediation refers to the systematic process of investigating, repairing, or replacing decorative thin-clay brick veneers that have failed due to structural issues, moisture ingress, or non-compliance with fire safety regulations. This technical intervention ensures the external wall system meets current UK Building Regulations, specifically regarding thermal performance and fire resistance for multi-storey buildings.
Fibre cement cladding remediation refers to the systematic process of identifying, testing, and correcting defects in external wall systems that use fibre-reinforced cementitious panels. This professional intervention addresses issues ranging from structural instability and moisture-related degradation to fire safety non-compliance, ensuring the building envelope meets current UK Building Regulations and British Standards.
GRC cladding remediation refers to the systematic process of identifying, testing, and rectifying defects in Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) facade systems. This process encompasses everything from localised structural repairs to comprehensive GRC cladding replacement where panels have reached the end of their service life or fail to meet modern safety standards.
External wall systems using pre-fabricated units are a staple of modern UK construction. Insulated panel replacement refers to the systematic removal and substitution of composite or sandwich panels that no longer meet thermal, structural, or fire safety standards. This process is essential for maintaining the building envelope’s integrity and ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act and updated Building Regulations.
SFS remediation refers to the professional investigation, structural repair, or full-scale replacement of Steel Framing Systems (SFS) within a building’s external wall. In the UK, this process is typically required when the light gauge steel framing—which provides the structural skeleton for the façade—is found to be corroded, incorrectly installed, or failing to meet modern fire safety and thermal performance standards. A successful remediation strategy ensures the structural integrity of the building envelope while ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act and updated Building Regulat
In the complex hierarchy of an external wall system, the sheathing board occupies a critical position. Often hidden behind the decorative cladding and insulation layers, it serves as the primary structural skin of the building’s frame. When this component fails due to moisture ingress, structural movement, or fire safety non-compliance, sheathing board replacement becomes a technical necessity to ensure the long-term viability and safety of the property.
Steel cladding remediation is the process of inspecting, repairing, or replacing external metal wall systems to ensure they meet modern fire safety, structural, and thermal standards. In the UK, this work is essential for high-rise residential and commercial buildings where existing steel façades may have deteriorated or were originally installed without adequate cavity barriers and non-combustible insulation.
Terracotta cladding remediation refers to the specialist process of identifying, managing, and resolving defects within external wall systems that utilise fired-clay tiles or rainscreen panels. This technical intervention ensures that the building envelope remains structurally sound, weather-tight, and compliant with current UK fire safety regulations and Building Regulations (specifically Approved Document B).
External timber facades have long been a popular choice for UK architects and developers, offering a natural aesthetic and strong environmental credentials. However, as buildings age and regulatory standards evolve—particularly following the Building Safety Act 2022—many property owners are finding that these systems require significant intervention.
Zinc cladding remediation is the technical process of identifying, managing, and resolving defects in zinc-based facade systems. This work typically involves structural inspections, moisture analysis, and the repair or replacement of non-compliant components. Effective remediation ensures that the external wall system meets modern fire safety standards, provides weather protection, and maintains the building’s aesthetic integrity.
Cladding adhesion testing is a critical technical assessment used to determine the structural integrity of bonded façade systems. This process measures the tensile strength of the bond between the cladding material and its substrate, ensuring the system can withstand wind loads, thermal expansion, and environmental degradation. For building owners and managing agents, these tests provide empirical evidence of whether a façade remains safe or requires remedial intervention.
Professional cladding testing is a rigorous process used to evaluate the safety, integrity, and regulatory compliance of a building's external wall system. It involves physical sampling, laboratory analysis, and on-site inspections to identify material composition, fire performance, and structural stability. This technical assessment ensures that façades meet current UK building regulations and provides a clear pathway for necessary remediation or repair works.
Ensuring the structural stability of a building envelope requires more than a visual assessment of the exterior panels. Cladding pull out testing is a vital onsite procedure used to measure the physical load-bearing capacity of fixings and anchors within an external wall system. By applying a controlled tensile load to a fastener, engineers can verify that the substrate—whether it be concrete, masonry, or steel—is capable of holding the cladding system securely under environmental stresses such as wind loading and self-weight.
A cladding wind load assessment is a technical engineering evaluation used to determine the specific wind pressures a building’s external wall system must withstand. It involves calculating peak positive (pressure) and negative (suction) forces based on the building's height, location, and geometry to ensure that panels, fixings, and subframes remain structurally secure under extreme weather conditions.
Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), often referred to as fibreglass, has been a staple in the UK construction industry for decades. Its lightweight nature, versatility in moulding, and durability made it a popular choice for architectural features, decorative cornices, and modular wall panels. However, as building safety standards evolve and the long-term performance of these materials becomes clearer, many property owners now face the technical challenge of GRP cladding remediation.
Directory
Not necessarily. The decision depends on the Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW). If testing shows the materials are safe and the issues are related to minor installation defects, localized remediation or repair may be sufficient. We always look for the most practical and safe solution for each individual building.
Initial visual and drone surveys can often be completed in a few days. Intrusive testing, where we open up sections of the wall, typically takes 1-2 weeks depending on the size of the building. A full report with laboratory analysis of materials usually follows within 3-4 weeks.
Remediation refers to fixing specific problems within an existing system, such as adding missing fire barriers or replacing a small percentage of non-compliant panels. Replacement (or recladding) involves stripping the entire façade system back to the structural frame and installing a completely new, compliant system.
In the vast majority of cases, cladding replacement is carried out while the building is occupied. We use specific sequencing and external access methods to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum. Residents are usually not required to vacate their homes, although there will be periods of noise and restricted balcony use.
Yes. The data we collect during our Cladding Testing and Replacement in Bexley assessments provides the technical evidence required by a qualified professional (such as a Chartered Fire Engineer) to sign off an EWS1 form. This form is essential for residents looking to sell or remortgage their properties.
This is a common scenario. Even if the outer panels are non-combustible (like solid aluminium), combustible insulation behind them can still pose a significant risk. In these cases, the panels may be carefully removed, the insulation replaced with mineral wool, and the original panels (if undamaged) reinstalled to save costs.
Not all ACM panels are the same. "Category 3" ACM (with a polyethylene core) is highly combustible and generally requires immediate replacement. However, some ACM panels have fire-retardant or non-combustible cores. Testing is the only way to confirm which category is present on your building.
Contact Cladding Testing Service
