Unsafe cladding still a serious concern in hundreds of tower blocks across the UK

Recent reports have revealed that more than 400 residential building blocks in England still have the same type of external cladding as Grenfell Tower, which was to blame for the tragic loss of 72 people in June 2017.

Following the Grenfell Tower incident, the government ordered a review into the cladding on all high-rise blocks, yet reports have now revealed that 419 residential buildings in 78 local authority areas across England, including 61 student accommodation blocks, still have the same Aluminium Composite Material cladding (ACM) that was present on the Grenfell Tower block. ACM is composed of a foam core between two aluminium sheets and some types have been found to be highly flammable despite being commonly used to alter a building’s external appearance.

The actual number of buildings across the UK with unsafe cladding is expected to be much higher, as the government’s figures only include blocks with the same defective ACM type cladding and in England alone.

One of the buildings included in the recent findings is an award-winning tower block in Leeds called Saxton Parade. A statement in the report said, “the structural insulated panels and high-pressure laminate cladding are all combustible”. As a result, the building was found not compliant with previous or existing building regulations. Although the building was redeveloped in 2011 and received all the necessary certificates upon completion, most recent safety tests have found the cladding system on the building to be “high risk”.

These recent findings continue to highlight the importance for property managers to ensure their residential buildings are assessed and to make the necessary changes to meet current fire and H&S building regulations.

We are currently providing advice to a number of our clients in relation to concerns raised in the aftermath of Grenfell. To find out how we can also support you, call us on 02392 984 447 or email info@resi-safe.uk.