Combustible Cladding

From investigation and assessment to effective façade remediation

Combustible materials within an external wall system can be a consideration when assessing the fire performance of an existing façade.

The appropriate response depends on the complete wall construction, assessment findings and project requirements rather than the visible cladding material alone.

What Is Combustible Cladding?

Combustible cladding refers to façade materials capable of contributing to fire growth or spread. However, the performance of an external wall depends on the complete build-up, which can include:

  • Cladding
  • Insulation
  • Cavity
  • Membranes
  • Cavity barriers
  • Fire stopping
  • Support systems
  • Substrate

Where Can Combustible Materials Be Found?

Combustible materials may be present within various façade systems, including some:

  • ACM systems
  • HPL systems
  • Insulation systems
  • Rainscreen assemblies
  • Render systems
  • Other composite wall constructions

The specific materials and construction need to be established for the building concerned.

How Is Combustible Cladding Investigated?

Where existing records do not establish the wall construction, investigation may include visual inspection and targeted opening-up to establish the façade build-up and identify relevant materials and components.

Our dedicated survey team, Trident Facades Surveys, can undertake façade investigation and opening-up where required.

What Happens If Combustible Cladding Is Identified?

The presence of combustible material does not by itself determine the remediation solution.

Depending on the findings, the response may involve:

  • Further investigation and assessment
  • Cladding removal
  • Cladding replacement
  • Insulation replacement
  • Cavity barrier remediation
  • Fire-stopping remediation
  • Wider external wall remediation

What Happens If Combustible Cladding Is Identified?

The presence of combustible material does not by itself determine the final remediation solution.

The appropriate approach may involve:

  • Further investigation
  • External wall assessment
  • Remediation strategy
  • Cladding removal
  • Cladding replacement
  • Insulation replacement
  • Cavity barrier remediation
  • Fire-stopping remediation
  • Wider external wall remediation

Combustible Cladding Removal And Replacement

Where removal is required, the existing system can be dismantled in a controlled manner, including access, temporary protection, material handling and disposal.

Replacement may involve designing and installing a new façade system appropriate to the requirements of the project.

See our Cladding Removal Services and Cladding Replacement Services.

Combustible Cladding And Wider Façade Remediation

Combustible materials may form only one part of the external wall construction. Investigation can therefore identify associated defects or components requiring remediation, including insulation, cavity barriers, fire stopping and support systems.

Investigation → Assessment → Strategy → Design → Removal → Replacement

Talk to Trident Facades about combustible cladding remediation.

Tell us briefly about your requirements