Cladding + Façade Evaluation
Understanding your risk is critical to preventing cladding fires
The use of combustible exterior cladding and façade materials has become a serious threat to fire and life safety. Because of limited fire test documentation from manufacturers or potential material substitution during construction, many building owners are often unaware of their own potential risk. We’ve been performing external wall assembly tests and analysis for decades and have been instrumental in developing and conducting some of the first large-scale fire tests for evaluating fire spread of cladding and insulating materials since the 1970s, which became the NFPA 285 test method. Through our risk analysis and audit, our team of cladding and façade consultants can help provide answers and potential mitigation solutions to help owners and operators make informed decisions to protect and safeguard the people who live and work in their buildings and the property itself.
DOCUMENTATION REVIEW + CLADDING TESTING
We help review as-built drawings and manufacturer data sheets for installed façade cladding materials and thermal barrier systems. If none exist, we will conduct small-scale materials testing in our in-house labs to determine flammability. Our tests include samples of all materials and simulate various exposure conditions.
Risk Analysis
Our teams analyze the test results and determine possible remediation or risk control options for buildings with moderate to highly combustible materials.
Remediation Plan
If replacement or repair is needed, our team can review contractor drawings, test small samples of proposed replacement product, oversee large-scale testing of replacement materials and systems as well as provide construction oversight. Our team of fire protection engineers design necessary upgrades to existing systems to mitigate impact of a potential cladding fire. We help prepare documentation for AHJs for approval of remediation plans.
