The Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 was a tragic event that exposed serious shortcomings in the UK's building regulations, particularly concerning the use of combustible materials in high-rise residential buildings. The fire resulted in 72 deaths and highlighted systemic failures in the way buildings are designed, constructed, and regulated. In the aftermath of the fire, a series of reviews and investigations, most notably the Hackitt Review, led to significant changes in the regulatory landscape, with a focus on improving fire safety and preventing similar tragedies. In this article, we discuss the key changes in UK building regulations concerning rainscreen cladding, Approved Document B, the implications for material selection and installation, and the significance of the 'golden thread'.
The Hackitt Review
The Hackitt Review, officially titled "Building a Safer Future," was an independent review of building regulations and fire safety commissioned by the government following the Grenfell Tower fire. The review, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, a prominent British engineer with an expertise in process safety and regulation, identified a number of systemic issues, including:
- A "broken" regulatory system: The review found that the existing system was too complex, fragmented, and lacked clarity, making it difficult for those responsible to understand their obligations.
- A lack of competence: There was a lack of competence among some of those involved in the design, construction, and inspection of buildings, leading to poor quality work and non-compliance with regulations.
- A failure of enforcement: The enforcement of building regulations was found to be inconsistent and ineffective, with a lack of accountability for those who failed to comply.
- A culture of cutting corners: The review also highlighted a culture of prioritising cost-cutting over safety, with a focus on getting projects completed quickly and cheaply.
The Hackitt Review made a series of recommendations for reform, including the introduction of a new regulatory framework with a greater emphasis on accountability, competence, and transparency. A key concept introduced by the Hackitt Review was the 'golden thread' of information.
The Golden Thread
The 'golden thread' is a term used to describe the digital information that should be created, maintained, and updated throughout the lifecycle of a building. It refers to all of the information that relates to the safety of a building, including:
- Design drawings and specifications
- Materials used in construction
- Installation details
- Inspection and testing records
- Maintenance and repair information
The golden thread is intended to ensure that there is a clear and auditable trail of information about the safety of a building, from its initial design to its eventual demolition. This information should be easily accessible to those who need it, including building owners, residents, and regulators.
How the Golden Thread is Supposed to Work
The golden thread is supposed to work by:
- Creating a single source of truth: All safety-related information about a building should be stored in a central, digital repository, ensuring that everyone is working from the same information.
- Improving accountability: By providing a clear record of who made what decisions and when, the golden thread makes it easier to hold people accountable for their actions.
- Enhancing transparency: The golden thread makes safety-related information more accessible to residents, allowing them to have a better understanding of the risks associated with their building.
- Facilitating better decision-making: By providing easy access to accurate and up-to-date information, the golden thread enables building owners and managers to make more informed decisions about the maintenance and safety of their buildings.
Key Changes in Building Regulations
- Approved Document B (Fire Safety): Approved Document B of the Building Regulations provides guidance on fire safety for buildings in England. Following the Grenfell Tower fire, the document has been amended several times, with more stringent requirements for the use of combustible materials in the external walls of high-rise buildings. You can find the most up-to-date version of Approved Document B on the UK government's website here.
- Banning of Combustible Materials: A key change was the ban on the use of combustible materials in the external walls of buildings over 18 metres in height. This ban, introduced through amendments to the Building Regulations, applies to a wide range of materials, including certain types of cladding panels. The ban was a direct response to the findings from the Grenfell Tower inquiry, which revealed that the ACM (aluminium composite material) cladding used on the building's exterior was a key factor in the rapid spread of the fire. More information on the ban can be found on legislation.gov.uk, for example here.
- Focus on Material Testing: There is now a greater emphasis on the testing and certification of materials used in external walls. Materials must be tested to ensure they meet the required fire safety standards. The most important standard is BS EN 13501-1, which classifies the reaction to fire performance of construction products.
- Increased Scrutiny on Design and Installation: The regulations also place greater scrutiny on the design and installation of external wall systems. There is a need for competent professionals to ensure that cladding systems are designed and installed correctly to prevent the spread of fire. This has led to increased demand for qualified fire engineers and competent installers.
Implications for Material Selection
The changes in building regulations have had a significant impact on the selection of materials for rainscreen cladding systems. Architects, developers, and contractors must now carefully consider the fire performance of materials and ensure that they comply with the latest requirements. This has led to a shift towards the use of non-combustible materials, such as:
- Mineral wool insulation: This type of insulation is made from rock or glass and is naturally non-combustible. It is a popular choice for use in rainscreen cladding systems due to its excellent fire resistance and thermal performance. You can find more information on mineral wool insulation from manufacturers like URSA here.
- Metal cladding panels (e.g., aluminium, steel): Metal cladding panels are also non-combustible and offer a wide range of aesthetic options. However, it is important to ensure that any coatings or finishes applied to the panels are also non-combustible. Guidance on the use of metal cladding can be obtained from industry bodies such as the Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) here.
- Cement-based boards: Cement boards are made from cement and reinforcing fibres and offer good fire resistance. They can be used as a substrate for other cladding materials or as a finished cladding product in their own right. Our sister company, Valcan, have a mine of information on their systems to explore here
Fasteners/Fixings
The fire performance of fasteners and fixings is also a critical consideration in rainscreen cladding systems. These components play a vital role in holding the cladding system together and preventing it from collapsing in the event of a fire. The regulations require that fasteners and fixings are:
- Compatible with the cladding materials: The fixings must be made from materials that will not react adversely with the cladding or substrate, causing corrosion or other damage.
- Able to withstand the expected loads: The fixings must be strong enough to support the weight of the cladding and resist wind loads and other forces. Load calculations should be carried out by a qualified structural engineer to ensure that the fixings are adequate.
- Resistant to corrosion: Corrosion can significantly weaken fixings and lead to premature failure of the cladding system. Fixings should be made from corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, or be adequately protected with a durable coating.
- Fire-resistant (where necessary): In some cases, fixings may need to be fire-resistant to prevent them from melting or weakening in a fire. This is particularly important for fixings that support critical parts of the cladding system.
Further Reading from Industry News outlets:
- Inside Housing: This article discusses the sector views on government’s response to final Grenfell Tower Inquiry report
- Construction News: This article covers the latest developments of Dame Judith Hackitt’s appointment as chair of panel reviewing the building control system
- The Architects’ Journal: Learn about the key recommendations following the second report as set out by chair Martin Moore-Bick.
How Certifix Can Help
Here are some of the common questions that arose following the changes in regulations, and how Certifix can help you address them:
- What materials are now considered compliant? Certifix provides guidance on compliant material options, considering factors such as fire performance, cost, and aesthetics. We maintain a database of compliant materials and can help you select the best options for your project.
- How do I ensure my existing cladding system is safe? We offer system design reviews and compliance verification services to assess the safety of existing cladding systems and recommend remedial measures if necessary. Our team has extensive experience in assessing the fire safety of existing buildings and can provide practical, cost-effective solutions.
- What are the latest requirements for fasteners and fixings? Certifix provides expert advice on the selection and installation of fasteners and fixings to ensure they meet the latest fire safety standards. We can advise you on the appropriate type, size, and material of fixings for your specific application.
- How can I stay up-to-date with the ever-changing regulations? We offer ongoing support and updates on the latest regulatory changes through our blog and CPD seminars. We plan to publish regular newsletters and alerts to keep our clients informed of any new developments. Register for our newsletter in the footer of our website.
- How can Certifix Ltd help with the golden thread? Certifix can assist in the development and implementation of a robust 'golden thread' of information for your building project.
By staying informed and seeking expert advice, you can ensure that your rainscreen cladding system is safe, compliant, and fit for purpose. Certifix is committed to providing the guidance and support you need to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and achieve your project goals.
