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Cladding (construction)
Summary
Cladding is a material applied over another to provide a skin or layer that helps with thermal insulation, weather resistance, and appearance on buildings. It can be made from wood, metal, brick, vinyl, or composite materials and is used in rainscreen cladding to protect against the elements and for noise control. Vulnerability to fire is a risk with some materials, with composite cladding typically consisting of panels 3-5 millimetres thick with a core of polyethylene, mineral-based material, or a combination of both. Attention has been brought to the fire protection qualities of cladding after the Grenfell Tower fire in London.
Q&As
What is cladding in construction?
Cladding in construction is the application of one material over another to provide a skin or layer.
What materials can be used for cladding?
Materials used for cladding can include wood, metal, brick, vinyl, and composite materials that can include aluminium, wood, blends of cement and recycled polystyrene, or wheat/rice straw fibres.
How does cladding provide thermal insulation and weather resistance?
Cladding provides a degree of thermal insulation and weather resistance by creating a cavity between the cladding and the wall where rain can run down.
What was the cause of the Grenfell Tower fire?
The Grenfell Tower fire was caused by composite cladding with a polyethylene core which contributed to the fire.
How many high-rise buildings in the UK have "similar" cladding to Grenfell Tower?
There are estimated to be about 600 high-rise blocks of flats in the UK that have "similar" cladding.
AI Comments
👍 This article provides a comprehensive overview of cladding in construction, highlighting the materials used, the purposes of cladding, and the potential vulnerability to fire.
👎 This article does not provide enough information about the potential risks of cladding materials and their vulnerability to fire.
AI Discussion
Me: It's about cladding in construction. It talks about how it's used for thermal insulation and weather protection, as well as how it can be a fire risk depending on the materials used. It also talks about the Grenfell Tower fire and how the cladding used was a contributing factor.
Friend: Wow, that's really interesting. Do you think this could have implications for future construction projects?
Me: Absolutely. Building regulations have been changed in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, and it's likely that cladding materials will be more closely scrutinized in the future. Builders will have to pay more attention to the types of materials they use and make sure that they meet safety requirements. It also highlights the importance of making sure that fire safety protocols and regulations are followed to help prevent something like this from happening again.
Action items
- Research building codes and regulations related to cladding and fire safety.
- Attend a workshop or seminar on cladding and fire safety.
- Reach out to a professional in the construction industry to learn more about cladding and fire safety.
Technical terms
- Cladding
- The application of one material over another to provide a skin or layer.
- Rainscreen Cladding
- A form of weather cladding designed to protect against the elements, but also offers thermal insulation.
- Single-skin Metal Panels
- Pre-formed wall panels made from metal that are one of the most commonly available types of cladding for industrial and commercial projects.
- Aluminium Composite Material (ACM)
- A type of cladding used in tower-blocks and similar high-rise multiple-occupancy housing.
- Polyethylene
- A combustible material used in composite cladding.
- Chimney Effect
- The process by which hot air is drawn up like a chimney, intensifying the fire and spreading it to the top of the clad area.