Cladding Analysis, Hackney
For a leading Registered Provider, a Podium Surveying was appointed to assess the construction and build-up of the external wall system on a residential building in Hackney, London.
Our cladding analysis was focused on confirming the materials used and identifying any cavity barriers utilised within the external wall structure. Our fire safety experts are looking at the quality of installation of any products used to construct the external walls and are considering the wall build-up against critical documents related to cladding and external wall systems.
The residential building is within a short distance of Hackney Downs trains station. It is four storeys in height and below 18m and is not classed as a relevant building under Building Regulations. The external cladding was opened by forming nine penetrations, including in brickwork, high-pressure laminate, and aluminium cladding. Our cladding investigations were limited to three areas: the perimeter of openings through the construction, floor levels and compartments between dwellings and/or common areas.
The intrusive investigation was carried out to ascertain the materials in the construction, inspect the cavity barriers, ensure both the materials and barriers were suitable for this type of building and construction, and ensure they were correctly installed.
Our fire-stopping safety experts provided our client with a comprehensive report, which noted varying defects, including the building having:
- a high-pressure laminate combustible panel installed with combustible insulation within the cavity behind
- an aluminium composite material cladding panel installed with combustible insulation within the cavity behind
We noted a general lack of any cavity barriers installed. In addition, we also noted some of the construction was poorly finished, meaning cavities existed behind the façade and between different materials.
Our expertise is continually recognised in all aspects of cladding investigation and the design of cladding replacement. All our cladding reports are produced using the information collected on-site under the direction of our Partner, Stuart Buckley. In addition to being an RICS Chartered Building Surveyor with over 20 years post qualification experience, Stuart is also a Member of the Institution of Fire Safety Managers. He has worked in the field of fire safety for many years.