Smart Building Cladding Panels: Breaking the Culture of Non-Compliance

The devastation of last year's Grenfell Tower fire in London has catalysed a new wave of awareness on the importance of smart building cladding panels among the global construction industry. This movement can perhaps be more felt in Australia, where the 2014 Lacrosse fire dealt more than $2 million worth of damage to a high-rise apartment building in the suburb of Docklands in Melbourne. In fact, both incidents have been found out to be caused by aluminium composite material (ACM) rooted to the same culture of non-compliance.

The Consequence of Non-Compliance
A post-incident report by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) confirmed that the Lacrosse building's cladding was the direct cause of the "speed and intensity of the fire spread" that raced up to the 21st floor within 11 minutes. The aluminium cladding panels used did not meet combustibility requirements, thereby losing approval for external use on a high-rise structure in Australia. This type of cladding was the same used on the recent renovation of the Grenfell Tower in West London, which led to the fatal fire that claimed 71 lives and injured 70 more.

These recent tragedies have stimulated widespread attention to the issue of ensuring building products meet the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) in Australia. The Victorian building sector takes steps even further with the formation of the Victorian Cladding Taskforce to investigate the flammable cladding systems in buildings across the state.

The aluminium composite cladding involved in the Grenfell and Lacrosse incidents were known as "PE" panels, containing a polyethylene core. These "PE" panels were chosen for installation over the slightly more expensive "FR" panels that include fire-retardant materials in the polyethylene core. In an interim report, the Victorian Cladding Taskforce has identified up to 1,400 buildings in Victoria that are likely clad in "PE" panels or expanded polystyrene (EPS).

"There has been a culture of non-compliance throughout the building sector that has meant combustible cladding has become a widespread material used on multi-storey buildings," said Victorian Cladding Taskforce co-chair John Thwaites. "This culture has to change."

Choosing Smart Building Cladding Panels
The key to compliance is a careful assessment of the nature of the cladding application, and the smart building cladding panels that address the specific requirements of the project. Other than aluminium composite panels, there are several types of cladding materials which serve different purposes and functions for both residential and commercial properties:

1. Wood Cladding - Wood cladding is ideal for both interiors and exteriors, providing an effortlessly classic look like only real wood can do. The highly distinctive character steals the spotlight from its excellent weatherability, protecting buildings from harsh external elements in the long run. Exterior wood cladding is applied by individual placement, seamlessly blending with any decor to create a stunning facade. While highly durable, wood cladding also exhibits exceptional insulation properties to contribute to the entire structure's energy efficiency.

2. Stone Cladding - Stone cladding is a very popular choice that helps create a rustic, natural stone look. It uses thin layers of either faux or natural stone, such as marble, granite, slate and sandstone. Ideal for both interior and exterior walls, stone cladding is known for its high workability, allowing both professionals and DIY (do it yourself) experts to install the system with no hitch. Stone cladding is virtually maintenance free, yet gracefully ages with time.

3. uPVC Cladding - PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the third most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer on the global scale. Its strength lies in its versatility for a broad range of applications while being completely user safe and cost efficient. To improve durability, a rigid form of PVC was developed by removing plasticisers during production, resulting in uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride). uPVC has since become a popular material for use as smart building cladding panels, requiring absolutely zero upkeep. Virtually immune to severe damage due to weather elements, uPVC cladding practically defeats the need for painting and repair on a regular basis to save on valuable time and maintenance costs. It can also be easily added to an insulation system, being fully customisable with a wide spectrum of colours to choose from. Perfect for both interior and exterior walls, uPVC cladding adds a different dimension to a building structure on top of its sought-after functionalities.

4. Glass Cladding - Glass is an infallible choice for achieving classy visual appeal in both building interiors and exteriors. Glass cladding is available in various designs and customisations, such as curved and enamelled options. For superior durability, some of the popular choices include tempered or toughened glass, processed by controlled chemical or thermal treatments for increased strength, as well as laminated glass, a safety glass that holds together even when shattered. Glass cladding also offers extensive freedom in shape, size and composition to complement classic styles or contemporary looks. In addition, glass cladding is highly economical to maximise its nature in application.

5. Tile Cladding - Tile cladding is one of the latest trends in cladding, providing highly versatile options in design and application. Available for both interiors and exteriors, tile cladding comes in standard faces or panel types to deliver a modern visual statement. Tiles can be specified in sleek designs or a natural, textured look in different shapes and sizes, which can be combined for a character that is truly one of a kind. Tile cladding is robust, long lasting and easy to maintain, while also providing excellent insulation power and energy efficiency.

6. Ceramic Cladding - Among the oldest cladding types, ceramic cladding has found longevity on account of its lightweight profile, flexible decorative options, and cost efficiency. Ceramic cladding warrants little to no maintenance due to its strong resistance to atmospheric and chemical damage from acid rain, smog and pollution. It also offers greater versatility in size and arrangements, making it popular for architects from all over the world.

7. Porcelain Cladding - Porcelain is highly recommended for external cladding for its superior durability and resistance to scratches and abrasions as compared to granite or steel. Porcelain cladding is non-porous and impervious to aggressive chemicals. It is also resistant to freeze and thermal shock while preventing the accumulation of dirt. Requiring low maintenance, porcelain cladding is ideal for creating economical, hard-wearing surfaces.

Meet industry experts and learn more about building cladding and compliance at the upcoming DesignBUILD Expo 2018, the biggest trade show in the industry, happening on May 2-4 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. For more details, visit www.designbuildexpo.com.au.