Following failures of 3 types of wall cladding systems tested as
part of the government's series of large-scale fire safety tests,
two further combinations of wall cladding systems containing
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) have been tested and have passed
the government's latest safety tests. Results of the remaining 2
large-scale tests will be published when they are available.
The first test was of a wall cladding system
consisting of ACM with polyethylene filler (Category 3) and foam
insulation, with fire breaks and cavity barriers in place. The
government's expert panel advised that the results of this first
test show that the combination of materials used in the test does
not meet current Building Regulations guidance.
The second test of cladding and insulation
combinations was of a wall cladding system consisting of Aluminium
Composite Material (ACM) cladding with a polyethylene filler
(category 3) with stone wool insulation. The government's expert
panel advised that the results show this combination does not meet
current building regulation guidance.
The third test was of a wall cladding system
consisting of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding with a
fire-retardant polyethylene filler (category 2 in screening tests)
with PIR foam insulation and was published on 8 August 2017. The
government's expert panel advised that the results of this third
test show that the combination of materials used in the test does
not meet current Building Regulations guidance.
The fourth test was of a wall cladding system
consisting of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding with a
fire-resistant polyethylene filler (category 2 in screening tests)
and stone wool insulation (a form of mineral wool) and was
published on 11 August 2017. This combination of materials has
passed the test.
The fifth test was of a wall cladding system
consisting of Aluminium Composite material (ACM) cladding with a
limited combustibility filler (category 1 in screening tests) with
PIR foam insulation and was published on 14 August 2017. The
government's Expert Panel advises that the results of this latest
test show that these combinations of materials can be compliant
when installed and maintained properly.
The Government's Building Safety Programme provides the very
latest advice & guidance for landlords and building owners and
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has written to local authorities to seek their
help and remind them of their responsibilities in identifying any
private residential buildings with ACM cladding and if need be
taking any necessary enforcement action against the owners of such
buildings where fire hazards are discovered.