An Investigation into External Fire Spread in Over Cladding Systems

Over cladding is a refurbishment technique which is used for its ability to improve the thermal efficiency of buildings while modernising the external façade as a cost effective refurbishment technique. Recent events at the Grenfell Tower Block on the 14th of June 2017 in North Kensington Chelsea West London showed there are serious dangers associated with Over Cladding systems. It’s believed the over cladding system aided in the spread of fire on the 24 storey building contained a total of 120 flats with between 400-600 people living in the building. A refurbishment of the building was completed in May of 2016 which cost a total of £8.7 million. The police believe 80 people have lost their lives in the blaze which broke out on the 14th of June 2017. The purpose of the book is to investigate the potential external fire spread risks in over cladding systems and is compiled from literature by attaining information from professionals from the construction industry and review of previous cases on the matter.