The Critical Importance of Fire-Safe Cladding Post-Grenfell
The tragic Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 was a wake-up call for the construction industry, government regulators, and property owners across the UK. The fire, which spread rapidly due to the building’s combustible Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding, led to the deaths of 72 people and exposed serious failings in fire safety regulations.
Since then, the UK government has introduced sweeping changes to fire safety laws, particularly regarding external cladding systems. These new regulations have made it illegal to use flammable materials on high-rise residential buildings and have placed strict responsibilities on property owners to remediate unsafe cladding.
At TCR, we specialize in identifying and replacing non-compliant cladding, ensuring that buildings meet the highest fire safety standards. Our latest project is a perfect example of how we help clients navigate the new regulations and replace dangerous materials with fully compliant, fire-safe systems.
The Problem: Non-Compliant, Highly Flammable Cladding
Our client purchased a property with the aim of converting it into modern residential flats. However, following a detailed cladding survey, our team identified highly combustible PUR-insulated panels and, more alarmingly, no fire stops, which would allow fire and smoke to spread unchecked.
Under new UK fire safety laws, this type of cladding is strictly prohibited on residential buildings, particularly those above 11 meters in height. If left unaddressed, this fire risk would have made it impossible for the client to move forward with the project—not only from a legal standpoint but also in terms of insurance and mortgage approval.
Fire Safety Laws Post-Grenfell: What Has Changed?
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, the UK government introduced several key reforms to improve fire safety in buildings:
1. The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018
• Banned combustible materials on new residential buildings over 18 meters.
• Required non-combustible (Class A1 or A2) materials in external walls.
• Applied to hospitals, student accommodations, and care homes as well.
2. Fire Safety Act 2021
• Extended fire safety responsibilities to external walls, balconies, and doors.
• Requires property owners to assess and remediate fire risks.
• Enforces stricter liability for landlords and building managers.
3. Building Safety Act 2022
• Introduced a new Building Safety Regulator with powers to inspect and enforce safety rules.
• Requires a “Golden Thread” of fire safety information throughout a building’s lifecycle.
• Provides a legal route for leaseholders to demand unsafe cladding removal at no cost.
4. EWS1 Forms & Mortgage Approval Issues
• The External Wall System (EWS1) certification was introduced to confirm whether a building’s cladding is fire-safe.
• Without a valid EWS1 form, property owners cannot sell, refinance, or insure their buildings.
Given these changes, replacing non-compliant cladding is no longer optional—it is a legal necessity.
The Solution: A Fire-Safe, High-Quality Cladding System
To ensure compliance with the latest fire safety laws, we worked closely with our design team to develop a replacement solution. The client selected the Hardie Panel Plank system, which offers:
✅ Modern aesthetics & durability
✅ Non-combustible, fire-resistant materials (Class A2-rated)
✅ Low maintenance & long lifespan
✅ Fully compliant with UK Building Regulations
As the Principal Contractor, TCR managed every aspect of the project, from planning to final sign-off.
Scope of Work
✔ Pre-planning & design consultation
✔ Planning permissions & building control compliance
✔ Site setup & health & safety implementation
✔ Material scheduling & procurement
✔ Labour management & quality control
✔ Fire protection installation & inspections
✔ Final sign-off & certification
The Cladding System: Built for Safety & Durability
The new system was carefully designed to maximize fire protection, thermal efficiency, and longevity.
System Breakdown
✔ Substrate: High-density concrete block
✔ Fixings Used: EJOT Facade Anchor SDF KB 10V
✔ Cladding Support System: Fastframe
✔ Insulation: Rockwool Rainscreen DuoSlab (120mm) – A-rated non-combustible insulation
✔ Air Gap: 25mm (for ventilation & moisture prevention)
✔ Fire Barriers: Open-state Corofil 25 – 120-minute fire resistance
✔ Outer Panel: Rockpanel Stones (Sandstone Colour, Colour Matched Rivet Fix)
✔ Structural Steel Framework (SFS): Added for reinforced stability
The Outcome: A Safe, Future-Proof Residential Development
By replacing a dangerous, outdated cladding system with a fully fire-rated façade, we helped our client:
✔ Ensure full legal compliance with post-Grenfell fire safety laws.
✔ Eliminate fire risks and improve the safety of future residents.
✔ Achieve EWS1 certification, allowing for easy sale, refinance, or insurance.
✔ Future-proof the property against evolving regulations.
This project highlights the critical importance of early cladding assessments, identifying fire hazards before construction begins can save time, money, and lives.
Does Your Property Have Unsafe Cladding?
If you own or are developing a property, now is the time to assess your cladding system. The UK’s fire safety laws are stricter than ever, and non-compliance can lead to fines, project delays, and insurance refusal.
At TCR, we specialize in:
✅ Cladding remediation
✅ Fire compliance surveys
✅ Full-scale façade replacement projects
🔹 Don’t wait until it’s too late, get in touch today to make your building safer, compliant, and built to last.
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