Cladding Inspection
Our services cover commercial, industrial, public, and residential buildings. Our skilled professionals use advanced rope access techniques to deliver accurate insights into your cladding systems—economically and safely.
Following the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government's Advice Note 14 (December 2018) and in line with the PAS 9980:2022 code of practice, our inspections are particularly relevant to multi-storey buildings with separate dwellings on each storey.
Why Choose Us?
Expertise and Experience
Our team comprises professionals with extensive experience in cladding inspections and rope access. Our team includes chartered surveyors, fire engineers, and other competent professionals involved in the inspection process. This combination allows us to conduct inspections that are both safe and detailed.
We have in-depth industry knowledge, adhere to best practices, and follow up-to-date guidance, including relevant codes and standards. Qualified professionals are essential for conducting thorough cladding inspections and assessments.
Safety and Efficiency
Rope access is a safer and more economical alternative to traditional methods such as scaffolding and powered access machines. It allows us to reach and inspect remote areas of buildings without the need for intrusive and costly setups.
Comprehensive Reports
We provide detailed written and photographic reports, documenting the findings of the cladding inspection, including photographic evidence and analysis of the data collected during site surveys and testing. These reports serve as essential documentation, recording all inspection findings and supporting conclusions about fire safety and compliance. Complete documentation, including the use of official forms such as the EWS1 form, is critical for recording assessments, supporting regulatory compliance, and enabling property owners to demonstrate compliance and facilitate property transactions.
Rope Task's Cladding Inspection Process
Document Review
The first step in our inspection process is to review the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manuals, construction drawings, and other related documents. Documentation review also includes gathering building technical drawings, material specifications, and previous audit reports before on-site inspections.
Maintaining a comprehensive digital "Golden Thread" of documentation is essential, as it provides evidence of installation methods, specifications, and test certificates required for cladding inspections. Reviewing this documentation helps establish the actual materials and construction methods used and supports verifying building details before physical inspection. This thorough documentation and evidence are critical for supporting fire risk assessments and justifying conclusions to authorities and stakeholders.
Rope Access Survey Methods
Our rope access methods allow us to inspect and remove cladding in hard-to-reach locations. In certain circumstances, an intrusive inspection may be required to determine the actual composition of the constructed external wall system, especially when initial assessments are inconclusive. Testing specific components in isolation can help identify particular fire risks and ensure the correct installation of the cladding system. The extent of sampling and inspection required will depend on the circumstances and complexity of the building. Not all buildings will need a fire risk appraisal of external walls or intrusive inspection. Still, findings from limited sampling during site surveys may indicate that further opening and investigation are necessary to assess fire risks accurately. This method ensures a thorough inspection and eliminates the need for expensive scaffolding or powered access equipment.
Key Inspection Elements
This inspection covers all components of the external wall construction, including the structural framework. Cladding is a combination of components attached to a building’s primary structure to form its external surfaces. It plays a key role in transferring snow, impact, and wind loads to support the building’s structural framework.
- General Fixing Details and Defects: We examine the general fixing details to identify defects. Loose cladding panels pose a significant risk; our inspections help mitigate these dangers. It is essential to assess what has actually been constructed against the design, as material substitutions or deviations can affect safety and performance.
- Workmanship Verification: We confirm that the cladding system has been installed correctly and in accordance with design specifications and building regulations by cross-referencing O&M manuals and construction drawings. This includes verifying that load transfer to the structural framework is adequate and that the cladding can resist wind loads as intended.
- Firestops Examination: Ensuring the presence and proper construction is critical for building safety. Our inspections thoroughly cover this vital aspect.
- Oxidation and Corrosion: We identify and record any oxidation and corrosion, as well as the condition of the cladding anchor rails. This helps assess the cladding system’s long-term durability.
- Insulation Inspection: We examine the cladding insulation and take samples if necessary. Proper insulation is crucial for energy efficiency and safety.
A fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW) is also conducted to assess the fire risk to occupants from fire spreading over or within the external walls, in line with standards such as PAS 9980:2022. This process is essential for identifying and mitigating fire risk associated with external wall construction and cladding systems.
Reporting and Remedial Actions
Temporary Securing
For immediate risks, such as loose materials at height, our specialist rope access technicians can quickly secure these materials.
Long-term Solutions
For larger-scale cladding removal and installation, we partner with specialist façade consultancy firms. Specialist façade consultants are involved throughout the process, and a Company Director may be assigned to oversee the success of each cladding inspection project.
Ongoing guidance and consultancy services are essential to ensure compliance with building regulations and to maintain the safety and performance of building facades.
Why Regular Cladding Inspections Are Essential
Regular cladding inspections are vital for maintaining the safety and integrity of buildings. Regular surveys and assessments help identify fire risks, ensure the security of the cladding system, and verify compliance with regulations. They help in the early detection of potential issues, such as water ingress, which can weaken support beams and compromise building stability, and inspectors check for high-risk materials, such as Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) with flammable cores. Findings from these inspections and surveys can dictate further action to mitigate risks. This proactive approach not only safeguards the building and its occupants but also helps in complying with safety regulations. Cladding systems can act as a catalyst for fire if not properly inspected and maintained.
The Rope Task Advantage
Cost-Effective:
Rope access is significantly more cost-effective than traditional scaffolding and powered access equipment. It reduces setup and teardown times, resulting in lower overall costs.
High Access Capability
Our rope access techniques allow us to reach areas that are otherwise difficult to inspect. This ensures a comprehensive examination of the entire cladding system.
Minimal Disruption
Rope access methods cause minimal disruption to building occupants and operations. Inspections can be carried out efficiently without the need for large-scale equipment setups.
Expert Inspections
Conducted by highly skilled professionals with extensive experience.
Detailed Reports
Providing clear insights and actionable recommendations.
Safe and Efficient Methods
Utilising rope access for minimal disruption and maximum safety.