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For building owners and property managers in Havering, the integrity of the external wall system is a priority that balances resident safety with long-term asset value. Cladding Testing and Replacement in Havering involves a technical journey from initial risk assessment to the physical remediation of façade components. This process is governed by stringent UK building regulations, particularly for high-rise residential buildings exceeding 11 or 18 metres in height.
Cladding testing in Havering
Understanding the condition of a building’s envelope requires more than a visual check; it demands forensic investigation into the materials used, the quality of the original installation, and the presence of essential safety features like cavity barriers. Whether a building is located in Romford, Hornchurch, or Upminster, the requirement for compliant, weather-tight, and fire-safe cladding remains the same. Identifying defects early can often mean the difference between targeted repairs and a multi-million-pound full recladding project.
In the context of the UK construction industry, cladding testing and replacement refers to the systematic process of evaluating the fire performance, structural stability, and weatherproofing of a building’s external skin. This includes the outer rainscreen, insulation, sub-frame, and internal fire breaks. Remediation is the act of correcting these elements to ensure they meet modern safety codes, such as the EWS1 (External Wall System) survey requirements.
The London Borough of Havering features a diverse mix of architectural styles, ranging from historic commercial centres to modern high-density residential developments. As building safety legislation has evolved, many property stakeholders have discovered that cladding systems installed a decade ago no longer meet today’s rigorous safety benchmarks. Proactive testing is the only way to establish a baseline of safety and compliance.
Failure to address cladding issues can lead to significant legal and financial liabilities. Beyond the obvious safety risks, buildings with unidentified or unaddressed cladding defects often become "unmortgageable," trapping leaseholders and devaluing the property. Professional cladding testing provides the evidence needed to satisfy lenders, insurers, and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Façade failures are rarely caused by a single factor. Often, it is a combination of unsuitable materials and poor workmanship during the original construction phase. In Havering, we frequently encounter several key issues during our investigations:
The presence of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) with a polyethylene core or certain High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) panels is a primary concern. These materials can facilitate rapid fire spread across the exterior of a building. Testing identifies the exact composition of these cores to determine the level of risk they pose to the occupants.
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 flames from travelling through the void. Our intrusive inspections often reveal gaps where there should be solid fire breaks, representing a major compliance failure.
While fire safety is a priority, structural integrity is equally vital. Leaking joints or failed sealants can allow moisture to penetrate the building envelope. Over time, this leads to the corrosion of metal sub-frames or the rotting of timber battens, potentially compromising the attachment of the cladding panels themselves.
We believe that a "rip it all off" approach is not always necessary or cost-effective. The process begins with a detailed, evidence-based assessment to understand exactly how the façade is performing. This systematic approach ensures that any subsequent remediation is targeted and efficient.
Before any physical work begins, we review the "as-built" drawings and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manuals. We compare what was planned with what is visible from ground level or via high-resolution drone photography. This initial phase helps identify areas of concern and informs the strategy for intrusive testing.
To truly understand a building's safety, we must look behind the panels. This involves removing small sections of the cladding at various heights and locations (such as around windows and floor levels). We document the insulation type, the presence of breather membranes, and the exact configuration of the fire stopping.
If the identity of a material is in doubt, samples are sent to UKAS-accredited laboratories. Using techniques like bomb calorimetry or infrared spectroscopy, technicians can determine the combustibility of the material. This data is critical for fire engineers when they are producing an EWS1 form or a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW).
Cladding testing in Havering
Once the testing phase is complete, a clear picture emerges. The building will typically fall into one of three categories: safe as is, requiring localised remediation, or requiring a full system replacement. Each path requires a different logistical and financial strategy.
In cases where the majority of the system is compliant but specific areas have failed—perhaps due to localized damage or isolated installation errors—repairs may be sufficient. This might include replacing individual damaged panels, resealing joints, or retrofitting cavity barriers where they were missed. This approach is significantly less disruptive and more cost-efficient than full replacement.
When the primary cladding material is deemed unsafe (such as Category 3 ACM), a full replacement is usually the only viable path to compliance. This involves a comprehensive programme:
Stripping: Removal and safe disposal of all non-compliant panels and combustible insulation.
Sub-frame Inspection: Checking the existing rails and brackets for strength and corrosion.
Installation: Fitting new, non-combustible mineral wool insulation and A1-rated panels (e.g., solid aluminium, zinc, or stone wool).
Ancillary Works: Upgrading flashings, cills, and fire stopping to meet current standards.
Havering’s urban layout presents specific challenges for major construction works. Whether working in crowded town centres or residential cul-de-sacs, logistics must be planned with precision. We consider:
Access Solutions: Choosing between traditional scaffolding, mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs), or rope access based on building height and footprint. Site Hoarding: Ensuring the public is safe and the site is secure in busy pedestrian areas. Waste Management: Coordinating the removal of large volumes of old cladding material in compliance with environmental regulations.
The Role of the Building Safety Act 2022 Any project involving cladding testing and replacement in Havering must be viewed through the lens of the Building Safety Act. This legislation has fundamentally changed how high-rise buildings are managed. It introduces the "Golden Thread" of information—a digital record of a building’s design, construction, and ongoing maintenance.
For building owners, this means that every step of the testing and remediation process must be meticulously documented. Our reports and project logs contribute to this Golden Thread, providing future owners and regulators with proof that the building was remediated correctly and is safe for occupation. We assist clients in navigating these new legal duties, ensuring that "Accountable Persons" meet their statutory obligations.
The EWS1 (External Wall System) process was developed by RICS to assist lenders in valuing high-rise properties. A building in Havering that lacks a clear EWS1 rating often faces significant hurdles in the property market. Our testing services are designed to provide the technical data that fire engineers need to sign off these forms, helping to "unblock" sales and re-mortgaging for residents.
One of the most complex aspects of cladding replacement is that the buildings are often full of residents or workers. Unlike a new-build site, a remediation project must respect the lives of the people inside. This requires a specialist approach to project management.
Communication is the most important tool in this scenario. Residents need to know when work will be happening outside their windows, how long the scaffolding will be up, and what measures are in place to protect their privacy. We focus on "sequenced delivery," where work is completed in sections to minimise the time any one resident is affected by the construction footprint.
While cladding is being replaced, the building’s fire strategy may need to change temporarily. If the external skin is partially removed, the "stay put" policy might be replaced by a simultaneous evacuation strategy, sometimes supported by a Waking Watch. We work closely with fire safety consultants to ensure these interim measures are robust and clearly communicated to everyone in the building.
When replacing cladding, we don't just aim for fire safety; we also look to improve the building's overall performance. Modern materials offer superior thermal efficiency and weather protection compared to systems from twenty years ago.
In the aftermath of recent legislative changes, the focus is on "Reaction to Fire" ratings. A1 materials (such as natural stone, concrete, or ceramic) are completely non-combustible. A2-s1, d0 materials (such as some limited-combustibility pre-coated aluminium) are also permitted for use on high-rise buildings. We guide clients through the selection process, balancing aesthetic desires with strict safety requirements and budget constraints.
The cost of cladding testing and replacement in Havering can be substantial. Understanding the available funding routes is a critical part of our service for managing agents and Resident Management Companies (RMCs).
For residential buildings over 18 metres, the government’s Building Safety Fund may provide financial assistance for the removal of unsafe cladding. The application process is rigorous and requires detailed technical evidence—the kind of evidence generated during our testing and investigation phases. We help clients prepare the necessary documentation to support their funding applications.
For buildings between 11 and 18 metres, the Cladding Safety Scheme provides a similar pathway for funding. This ensures that mid-rise buildings are not left behind in the effort to make the UK’s housing stock safe. Whether a building qualifies for BSF or CSS, our team provides the technical surveys required to initiate the claim.
Cladding remediation is a highly specialised field. It sits at the intersection of structural engineering, fire safety, and traditional construction. Choosing a partner who understands the nuances of cladding testing and replacement in Havering is vital for the success of the project.
We pride ourselves on an authoritative, evidence-led approach. We do not rely on guesswork or generic solutions. Every building is unique, and every remediation strategy must be bespoke to the specific challenges of that site. Our experience in managing complex access, resident relations, and regulatory compliance ensures that projects are delivered with a focus on quality and safety.
Even the best materials will fail if they are installed incorrectly. During the replacement phase, we implement strict quality control measures. This includes photographic evidence of every cavity barrier installation, torque testing for fixings, and independent inspections at key milestones. This level of detail is what builds the "Golden Thread" and gives building owners absolute peace of mind.
The industry is moving toward a more proactive model of façade management. Instead of waiting for a crisis or a change in law, savvy building owners in Havering are now implementing regular inspection cycles. By catching minor issues—like a loose flashing or a blocked drainage channel—early, they prevent them from developing into major remediation headaches.
Digital twinning and drone technology are also playing a larger role. We can now create high-resolution 3D models of a building’s exterior, allowing us to track the condition of every panel over time. This data-driven approach is the future of maintaining safe, compliant, and valuable high-rise assets.
Cladding testing in Havering
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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.
If your building is over 11 metres tall and was constructed or reclad between 1990 and 2018, it is highly likely you need an assessment. Additionally, if you are struggling to secure insurance or if leaseholders are having trouble with mortgages, a professional investigation is the necessary first step to clarify the building's safety status.
A cladding testing programme is the physical investigation and laboratory analysis of the materials. An EWS1 (External Wall System) survey is a specific professional valuation tool used by lenders. The data gathered during testing is used by a qualified professional to complete and sign the EWS1 form.
No. Many cladding systems are perfectly safe. Testing might reveal that the materials are non-combustible and the installation is sound. In other cases, only specific elements—like the insulation or the fire breaks—might need to be addressed while the outer panels remain. Our goal is to find the most proportionate and cost-effective solution.
The timeline varies significantly based on building size and the complexity of the remediation. A small block might take 6 months, while a complex high-rise could take 18 to 24 months. This includes the initial investigation, design, planning permission (if required), and the actual construction work on site.
In the vast majority of cases, cladding replacement is carried out while the building is occupied. We use specialised methods to ensure the building remains weather-tight and secure throughout the process. While there will be some noise and visual disruption, "decanting" residents is usually unnecessary.
Funding can come from several sources: the original developer (under the Developer Remediation Contract), government funds like the BSF or CSS, or, in some cases, through the service charge. The Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced new protections for leaseholders to prevent them from bearing the full cost of "historical safety defects."
We typically use A1 or A2-rated materials. Popular choices include solid aluminium panels, terracotta tiles, fibre cement boards, and stone wool insulation. These materials are chosen for their fire performance, durability, and aesthetic versatility, ensuring the building meets both safety standards and local planning requirements in Havering.
Yes, usually. Because recladding changes the external appearance of the building, a planning application to Havering Council is typically required. We handle the technical drawings and specifications needed to ensure the new design is acceptable to local planners while meeting all building regulations.
Category 3 ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) is the most combustible type. If this is found, the risk is considered high, and the local Fire and Rescue Service will be informed. Immediate interim safety measures (like a Waking Watch) may be required until a plan for the total removal and replacement of the material is in place.
We perform "intrusive" testing, which does involve removing small sections of the façade. However, these areas are carefully chosen to be as discreet as possible and are temporary sealed or repaired immediately after the sample is taken. The goal is to gather the necessary data with minimal impact on the building's aesthetics or weather-proofing.
For property professionals in Havering, the path to a safe building is paved with technical accuracy and clear communication. By identifying the specific risks through detailed testing, we enable building owners to make informed decisions that protect both their residents and their investments. Whether the solution is a minor repair or a complete transformation, a methodical approach ensures the long-term integrity of the building envelope.
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