Cladding Failure

Cladding failure can affect the appearance, weather resistance, durability and performance of an external wall.

Failure may be localised to individual panels or components, or may indicate a wider problem with the cladding system, fixings, support structure or underlying wall construction.

What Causes Cladding Failure?

Cladding can fail for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Deteriorated materials
  • Damaged panels
  • Corrosion
  • Failed fixings
  • Movement
  • Poor installation
  • Water ingress
  • Defective joints
  • Impact damage
  • Inadequate support
  • Material degradation
  • Defective interfaces

Fire performance can also be a consideration where the external wall system contains materials requiring remediation.

Signs of Cladding Failure

Visible signs can include:

  • Loose panels
  • Distorted panels
  • Cracking
  • Corrosion
  • Discolouration
  • Open joints
  • Damaged fixings
  • Movement
  • Water penetration
  • Detached components

Not all defects are visible from ground level.

Investigating Cladding Failure

Investigation can establish:

  • Cladding type
  • Fixing method
  • Support system
  • Condition
  • Substrate
  • Insulation
  • Cavity
  • Cavity barriers
  • Fire stopping
  • Extent of defects

Where necessary, targeted opening-up can expose concealed components.

Our survey team provides this investigation service.

Trident Facades Surveys →

Cladding Repair or Replacement?

The appropriate response depends on the cause and extent of the failure.

Possible solutions include:

  • Localised repair
  • Component replacement
  • Fixing replacement
  • Panel replacement
  • Cladding remediation
  • Complete cladding replacement
  • Wider external wall remediation

See our Cladding Repair Services and Cladding Replacement Services.

Cladding Failure and External Wall Remediation

Where investigation identifies problems beyond the visible cladding, the wider external wall may need to be considered.

This can include:

  • Insulation
  • Cavity barriers
  • Fire stopping
  • Membranes
  • Fixings
  • Substrate
  • Interfaces

Cladding Failure Remediation\

Trident Facades can progress projects from investigation and strategy through to physical remediation.

Talk to Trident Facades about a cladding failure.

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