The additional non-load bearing layer in the exterior finishing of a structure is defined as cladding. Quite like skin, it may be connected to the structure or an intervening layer of battens or spacers, and it has two-fold applications — to shield and guard the interior of the structure from the impacts of adverse weather conditions, thus serving as an insulative barrier, and to enhance aesthetics.
Why Do Cladding?
The cladding has engendered from cutting lightweight edge materials, including light alloys, polymers, concrete mixes, reused polystyrene,, and fibre-fortified composites of plant matter.
Modestly priced and practical, cladding these materials can be moulded and cut to suit any size, with a menagerie of surface finishes. This also implies that it can be suited to most architectural designs at an affordable price.
The Problems Related to Cladding
History has witnessed fire cases involving prominent structures using immensely flammable external cladding boards around the globe. Australia has its fair share extending back numerous years pertaining mostly to apartment buildings.
In NSW, about 230 buildings have been labelled ‘high-risk’ by the NSW Cladding Taskforce, a body established in 2017. Recent news reported 103 apartment and office buildings as ‘high risk’ in the City of Sydney region alone.
Nevertheless, the NSW government is yet to release details of the $139 million Project Remediate scheme which will aid owners of the affected building structures to cover interest costs on loans taken out for cladding removal and remediation work.
Aluminium composites were attributed directly to the speed and intensity with which the fires spread at Neo200, Grenfell, and Lacrosse. Albeit the material is not authorised anymore for exterior use on high-rise structures in Australia, its use is prevalent.
The hazardous materials are used on buildings throughout, and many audited constructions fail to comply with the National Construction Code. This finding is consistent with inquiries carried out Interstate and Internationally.
Introducing the Project Remediate
In light of the apparent delays, the pile of court cases being disputed, and the overall threat encompassed in the instance of ignorance, as a mitigating measure, the NSW Government introduced Project Remediate in 2020.
This is a three-year program to assist with the financial and technical support warranted in managing the process of redressing combustible cladding on Class 2 private apartment complexes in NSW.
Time is a crucial factor and something that needs to be catered to in the process, so if you are unsure and want advice that can speed the process up, or want information about Project Remediate, call us today on (02) 9613 3353 and check our website for further information on all our services.
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