Recladding

It is abundantly clear of the requirement for reclad construction works to be undertaken on non-compliant and hazardous facades. Bernard Sims Associates have been involved in a wide range of recladding projects working with fire engineers and building control to ensure health and safety compliance. As one of the leading health and safety consultants in the UK, we can ensure your recladding project is carried out with the highest levels of safety.

There is now greater industry knowledge and awareness of using and installing the right products when looking at recladding projects. Following recent events, it is also abundantly clear of the requirement for reclad construction works to be undertaken on non compliant and hazardous facades around the UK. The main issues have been with the fire protection qualities in the recladding materials used on high rise buildings, with a particular focus on residential tower blocks.

What is Recladding?

The process of recladding is to replace the external facade of a building to create a ventilating area between the wall and the new facade. It allows air flow which draws moisture away from the building and helps improve thermal performance.

The issues with Grenfell Tower were caused by the composite panels with a polythene core that the building was clad with. The type of cladding here was the main contributor in the rapid spread of the fire which has drawn huge attention to recladding. This is why it is more important than ever to ensure all safety protocols are followed in any reclad construction project. It is estimated that there are still several thousand buildings, both in the public and private sectors where work is needed to remove and replace non-compliant cladding.

How Do We Support with Recladding?

At BSA we have been involved as Principal Designers in a wide range of re-cladding projects to provide guidance on health and safety concerns. We have been working with Fire Engineers, Building Control to ensure compliance with Part B ADB – Fire Safety, cladding specialists, and contractors to complete the works safely and in full accordance with the HSE’s guidance documents “Fire Risk in Construction, HSG168”, “Fire Prevention on Construction Sites, 9th Edition”. 

Specific guidance used by HSE inspectors, “Managing Fire Risk during cladding and insulation removal and replacement on tall buildings….” has been used by BSA to create a comprehensive fire safety checklist for use by the appointed Fire Safety Coordinator. This has proved invaluable and ensured that people have not been put at risk during recladding works due to a lack of knowledge of the requirements and control measures necessary.

If you would like Bernard Sims Associates to help you with your Recladding project or you would like some further information then please email us at bsims@bsims.co.uk or call on 01483 467270 where we will be more than happy to assist you.