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Building owners and property managers in the London Borough of Brent face unique challenges regarding the safety and longevity of high-rise structures. Cladding Testing and Replacement in Brent is a critical process for ensuring that residential tower blocks, commercial hubs, and multi-storey developments meet stringent UK fire safety standards and structural requirements. Whether dealing with the legacy of non-compliant materials or addressing the natural degradation of a building envelope, a systematic approach to investigation and remediation is essential.
Cladding testing in Brent
At CladdingTesting.com, we provide the technical expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of external wall systems. Our role is to move beyond guesswork, providing factual, data-driven assessments that determine whether a façade requires minor repairs, targeted remediation, or a complete replacement. In an urban environment as densely populated as Brent, managing these projects requires an intimate understanding of logistics, resident safety, and the evolving regulatory landscape following the Building Safety Act 2022.
Cladding Testing and Replacement in Brent refers to the professional evaluation and subsequent physical upgrading of a building's external wall system. This process identifies combustible materials, structural failures, or moisture-related defects and replaces them with compliant, high-performance alternatives like A1 or A2-s1, d0 rated panels and mineral wool insulation.
Brent is home to a diverse array of architecture, from the regeneration zones around Wembley to established residential blocks in Kilburn and Willesden. The density of these areas means that any façade failure—whether a fire risk or a structural defect—poses a significant threat to both the building’s inhabitants and the public. Cladding Testing and Replacement in Brent is not merely a legal checkbox; it is a fundamental aspect of modern estate management.
Modern building envelopes are complex, multi-layered systems. When one component fails, such as a missing cavity barrier or a deteriorating sealant joint, the entire system's performance is compromised. In Brent’s high-rise environment, the pressure from wind loads and exposure to the elements can accelerate the deterioration of poorly installed or low-quality cladding systems.
Since the introduction of stricter fire safety legislation, many buildings in Brent have been found to contain combustible materials within their external walls. This often includes Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) with a polyethylene core or High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) panels. Identifying these materials through professional testing is the first step toward securing a building’s future and achieving a satisfactory EWS1 (External Wall System) rating.
However, fire safety is not the only concern. We also investigate the presence and condition of cavity barriers. These are essential components designed to stop the spread of fire and smoke through the voids behind the cladding panels. If these were incorrectly installed or are missing entirely, the building fails to meet safety standards, regardless of the cladding material used.
Property professionals should not wait for a crisis to assess their building's exterior. There are several indicators that a building requires professional investigation. While fire safety is the most prominent reason for Cladding Testing and Replacement in Brent, structural and functional issues are equally important for the building's longevity.
When these signs appear, CladdingTesting.com conducts a detailed analysis to determine the root cause. It is important to distinguish between surface-level wear and systemic failure. Our goal is to provide a clear technical picture so that building owners can make informed decisions about the necessary level of intervention.
Testing is a systematic exercise in data collection. We do not rely on visual inspections alone, as the most critical components of a façade are hidden from view. A comprehensive assessment in Brent typically involves several stages of technical investigation.
An intrusive inspection involves the removal of specific cladding panels to view the buildup behind them. This allows our specialists to inspect the insulation material, the sheathing board, and the fixing system. We look for evidence of corrosion in the metal rails and ensure that the cavity barriers are made of the correct material and fitted tightly against the substrate.
During this process, we take samples of the cladding panels and insulation. These samples are then sent to accredited laboratories for testing. This determines their combustibility rating according to European standards (Euroclasses). This empirical data is vital for engineers and surveyors when they are drafting a remediation report.
In addition to physical sampling, we may use infrared thermography to identify areas of significant heat loss or moisture retention. This non-destructive method helps us map out problems that might not be visible during a standard intrusive test. In the damp climate of the UK, identifying "cold bridges" where condensation might form is essential for preventing long-term structural decay and mould growth.
One of the most frequent questions we encounter is whether a building needs a total reclad. At CladdingTesting.com, we advocate for a proportionate response. The solution should always match the scale of the defect discovered during the testing phase.
If the majority of the external wall system is compliant and structurally sound, localised repairs may be sufficient. This could include replacing a small number of damaged panels, resealing joints to prevent water ingress, or tightening fixings that have become loose over time. Repairs are often the most cost-effective way to extend the life of a building envelope while ensuring it remains weather-tight.
Remediation is a middle-ground approach. It involves making significant changes to an existing system to bring it up to code without necessarily stripping the building to its skeleton. For example, if the cladding panels are safe but the cavity barriers are missing, we can perform targeted work to install the barriers. This approach is common in Brent for buildings where specific defects have been identified but the overall system is largely functional.
Full replacement, or recladding, is necessary when the existing system poses a significant fire risk or has failed structurally beyond the point of repair. This involves the total removal of the external façade, including panels, combustible insulation, and often the support grid. We then install a modern, fully compliant system designed to meet current building regulations and improve the building's thermal efficiency.
Cladding testing in Brent
Working on tall buildings in Brent presents specific logistical and technical hurdles. As the height of a building increases, so do the risks associated with wind pressure, fire spread, and access. Our expertise in Cladding Testing and Replacement in Brent is specifically tailored to these high-stakes environments.
Selecting the right access method is crucial for both the safety of the workers and the convenience of the residents. Depending on the building's height and surrounding space, we may utilise:
- Mast Climbers: Ideal for heavy-duty work and providing a stable platform for multiple workers.
- Cradle Systems: Effective for very tall buildings where ground space for scaffolding is limited.
- Traditional Scaffolding: Often used for lower-rise sections or where complex shapes require bespoke access.
- Rope Access (Abseiling): Primarily used for initial testing and minor repairs to minimise the footprint on the ground.
In busy areas of Brent, managing the "footprint" of the construction site is essential. We coordinate closely with local authorities to manage skip placements, material deliveries, and pedestrian diversions, ensuring the project progresses without causing gridlock in the surrounding streets.
Most cladding projects in Brent take place while residents are still living in the building. This requires a sensitive and highly organised approach. Noise control, dust mitigation, and maintaining the privacy of residents are top priorities. We develop detailed sequencing plans that allow work to proceed efficiently while ensuring the building remains safe and habitable throughout the duration of the project.
Navigating the legal requirements of façade work is one of the most complex aspects of property management today. Since the Building Safety Act 2022, the responsibilities of the "Accountable Person" have been clearly defined. Cladding Testing and Replacement in Brent must be documented meticulously to ensure future compliance and insurability.
The EWS1 (External Wall System) process was developed to allow lenders to assess the risk of a building for mortgage purposes. While not a statutory requirement for all buildings, it has become a standard industry practice. Our testing services provide the technical data required by fire engineers to sign off on an EWS1 form. Similarly, a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) conducted under PAS 9980 is now the benchmark for assessing how a wall system might behave in a fire.
Major recladding projects usually require planning permission from Brent Council, especially if the appearance of the building is changing significantly. Furthermore, all replacement work must be signed off by Building Control. We work alongside consultants to ensure that every layer of the new system—from the vapour barrier to the final aesthetic panel—is compliant with Approved Document B (Fire Safety) and Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel and Power).
While safety is the primary driver for cladding replacement, it also presents an opportunity to significantly improve a building's environmental performance. Older cladding systems often have poor thermal properties, leading to high energy bills for residents and a large carbon footprint for the building.
When we undertake a complete cladding replacement, we can introduce high-performance non-combustible insulation, such as stone wool. This significantly reduces heat loss through the walls. For many buildings in Brent, this translates to a better Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and increased comfort for the occupants. Modern systems also provide better acoustic insulation, which is a major benefit in noisy urban environments.
We encourage the use of sustainable materials where possible. Many modern cladding panels, such as those made from fibre cement or certain metals, are recyclable at the end of their lifespan. By choosing durable, low-maintenance materials, building owners can reduce the long-term environmental impact of their property assets.
Selecting the right team for Cladding Testing and Replacement in Brent is a decision that impacts the safety of hundreds of people. This is not standard construction work; it is a highly specialised field that requires a deep understanding of fire dynamics, structural engineering, and building physics.
A general contractor may not have the specific knowledge required to identify the subtle defects that lead to façade failure. CladdingTesting.com focuses exclusively on the building envelope. This specialisation allows us to stay at the forefront of changing regulations and new material technologies. We don't just find problems; we provide the technical pathway to a solution, ensuring that once the work is done, the building is safe for decades to come.
Major remediation projects succeed through collaboration. We work closely with:
Managing Agents: To provide clear communication to leaseholders and boards.
Fire Engineers: To ensure the proposed remediation meets life-safety objectives.
Surveyors: To integrate façade works into the broader maintenance schedule of the building.
Residents: To ensure they are informed and their disruption is minimised.
The landscape of building safety is permanently changed. Ongoing vigilance and regular façade inspections are becoming the norm for responsible property management. Cladding Testing and Replacement in Brent is a significant undertaking, but it is one that offers a clear path toward safety, compliance, and peace of mind.
By identifying defects early and addressing them with technical precision, building owners can avoid the escalating costs of emergency repairs and ensure their assets remain viable in a stricter regulatory environment. Whether you are managing a single block or a large portfolio, the goal remains the same: a safe, durable, and efficient building envelope that protects the people inside and the community around it.
If you are responsible for a building in Brent and have concerns about its external wall system, CladdingTesting.com is here to help. We provide the clarity and expertise needed to navigate these technical challenges from the first sample to the final panel.
Cladding testing in Brent
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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.
The onsite duration of Cladding Testing and Replacement in Brent varies depending on the building's size. A typical intrusive inspection for a mid-size block usually takes 2 to 4 days. However, the laboratory analysis of materials can take an additional 2 to 3 weeks. We provide a preliminary report shortly after the site visit, followed by a full technical breakdown once lab results are returned.
Not all cladding is dangerous. Many systems are perfectly safe and fully compliant with regulations. The risk depends on the materials used, the height of the building, and the quality of the installation—specifically the presence of cavity barriers. Professional testing is the only way to determine the actual risk level of your specific building envelope.
In the vast majority of cases, residents do not need to move out. We specialise in "in-situ" remediation. We structure our work programmes to ensure that the building remains weather-tight and secure at the end of each working day. While there will be some noise and the presence of scaffolding or mast climbers, the building remains fully functional throughout the process.
Funding for cladding works can be complex. It may come from the original developer, the government’s Building Safety Fund (for residential buildings over 18m), or the Cladding Safety Scheme (for buildings between 11m and 18m). In some cases, costs may be recovered through service charges, though recent legislation provides significant protections for leaseholders against these costs.
Both are considered non-combustible under the Euroclass system. A1 materials (like stone, concrete, or some metals) are completely non-combustible and do not contribute to a fire at any stage. A2-s1, d0 materials (like fibre cement or some coated metals) have very limited combustibility and produce little to no smoke or flaming droplets. Both are generally acceptable for use on high-rise buildings in the UK.
An EWS1 form must be signed by a qualified professional, such as a chartered member of a relevant professional body (like RICS or the Institution of Fire Engineers). The process starts with the testing and investigation phase we provide. Once we have established the makeup of the wall, a fire engineer uses that data to assess the risk and issue the certificate.
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