The ongoing discussions surrounding the Grenfell Enquiry Report have once again highlighted the alarming cladding crisis in the United Kingdom. The tragic fires at Grenfell Tower and Bolton Cube exposed a significant issue: numerous buildings were clad in dangerously combustible materials, including flammable cladding and insulation. This revelation has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of residents and the integrity of our buildings.
The Immediate Risks
Buildings clad in these hazardous materials, such as ACM, pose an immediate fire risk to residents. Homeowners face a multitude of challenges, including extensive and costly remediation efforts. The financial burden doesn’t stop there; rising building insurance premiums and the inability to sell properties for over seven years add to the stress. Many are even forced to implement ‘waking watches,’ hiring personnel to patrol buildings 24/7 to monitor for potential fires.
Moreover, the situation has created a dilemma for mortgage lenders. Struggling to assess the fire risks associated with various properties, many lenders have halted financing for homes unless owners can demonstrate that their buildings meet safety standards.
The Solution: Envirograf Intumescent Coatings
Despite these challenges, there is hope on the horizon. At Envirograf, we have developed a viable solution to enhance the fire resistance of existing cladding materials. Our approach is not only effective but also significantly more economical than the expensive process of complete cladding replacement.
One of our standout innovations is the use of intumescent coatings. These coatings are designed to protect flammable materials by expanding when exposed to heat, creating a charred layer that acts as a barrier against fire. In our extensive testing using Aluminium Composite with a flammable polyethylene core, we have demonstrated that our intumescent coatings can provide over 45 minutes of fire integrity. This added layer of protection is crucial in delaying the spread of fire, giving residents valuable time to evacuate safely.
Benefits of Intumescent Coatings
Enhanced Fire Safety: Intumescent coatings significantly improve the fire resistance of cladding materials, reducing the risk of fire spread and potential catastrophic outcomes.
Cost-Effective Solution: Upgrading existing cladding with these coatings is far more economical than replacing the entire cladding system, alleviating financial strain on homeowners and property developers alike.
Peace of Mind: By ensuring that buildings are better protected against fire risks, residents can feel safer in their homes, knowing that measures are in place to mitigate potential dangers.
Regulatory Compliance: As fire safety regulations continue to evolve, using intumescent coatings can help property owners meet compliance standards, making their properties more attractive to potential buyers and lenders.
Long-Term Protection: Intumescent coatings not only provide immediate fire protection but also contribute to the long-term durability of building materials, extending their lifespan and maintaining property value.
In conclusion, while the cladding crisis poses significant challenges, solutions like intumescent coatings offer a ray of hope. By investing in fire-resistant technologies, we can make our buildings safer and more resilient for the future. To learn more about our testing and how intumescent coatings can protect flammable cladding materials, feel free to explore further on our website. Together, we can tackle this crisis head-on and ensure a safer living environment for everyone.
LET ENVIROGRAF COAT AN ACM PANEL FOR YOU AND TEST IT! IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY REMOVING ACM CLADDING FROM BUILDINGS, GET IN TOUCH. ENVIROGRAF WOULD LIKE DISCARDED PANELS TO COAT WITH OUR PROTECTION COATINGS AND RIGOROUSLY TEST THE PROTECTION. WE CAN ALSO OFFER ADVICE ON ANY OF OUR COATINGS FOR USE IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. CONTACT US NOW!
See more information on our fire testing of Aluminium Composite (ACM) here
