October 7, 2025

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, cladding remediation has become one of the most critical aspects of building safety in the UK. Many high-rise and mid-rise residential buildings still contain combustible cladding, which can rapidly spread fire and put residents at risk. While billions in government funding have been allocated, progress has been slow, leaving thousands of residents living in unsafe buildings.

At Metalline, our technical team understands the urgency of this work. We know that cladding remedial works aren’t just about compliance, they are about protecting lives, property, and long-term building resilience.

Why Cladding Remediation Is Required

Cladding is the external layer of a building, added for insulation, weather protection, and appearance. However, when combustible materials are used, the risks are significant. Fires in buildings with unsafe cladding can spread quickly from floor to floor, as demonstrated tragically at Grenfell Tower and in other incidents like the Dagenham fire (2024) and Barking (2019).

The government’s Building Safety Programme has prioritised high-rise buildings over 18 metres, but mid-rise (11–18m) and low-rise buildings still face substantial risks. Many of these buildings have yet to begin replacement cladding works, despite clear evidence of fire hazards.

Cladding remediation is required to protect lives by preventing rapid fire spread and ensuring safe evacuation routes. It ensures regulatory compliance and helps reduce financial and insurance risks, as buildings with unsafe cladding often face higher insurance premiums and reduced property values. The process also addresses latent defects, such as fire door replacement, compartmentation improvements, and updated evacuation systems, which may only come to light during remediation.

What Cladding Remedial Works Involve

Cladding remediation is a structured process that begins with thorough assessment, using PAS 9980 and EWS1 methodologies to identify combustible materials and evaluate fire risks. Planning then determines the safest and most effective replacement cladding solutions. Execution involves removing unsafe cladding and installing non-combustible alternatives. Finally, verification ensures that all works meet rigorous fire safety standards.

Materials used in replacement cladding, such as A1 or A2-s1,d0 rated aluminium, fibre cement, and reconstituted stone, provide excellent fire resistance and long-term durability. For high-rise buildings, EWS1 certification confirms compliance and gives residents confidence in the safety of their homes.

Challenges in Cladding Remediation

The pace of remediation is slowed by limited numbers of qualified assessors and contractors, disputes over liability between developers, landlords, and freeholders, and the complexity of funding and regulatory requirements. Some approaches focus primarily on life safety rather than property protection, leaving buildings vulnerable to damage even if residents can safely evacuate.

Despite these challenges, government initiatives such as the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) and the Building Safety Fund are helping to accelerate progress, particularly for mid-rise and high-rise buildings.

The Metalline Approach

At Metalline, we combine over 35 years of technical expertise with a deep understanding of fire safety, materials performance, and building regulations. Our team guides clients through every stage of cladding remediation and replacement cladding, ensuring works are carried out efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards.

Contact Metalline today to discuss your cladding project and learn how our technical team can support safe, compliant, and effective remediation works, where quality meets compliance.