A new type of wall cladding system has been found to not meet current Building Regulations safety guidelines.

Materials consisting of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding with a fire retardant polyethylene filler with phenolic foam insulation have failed the latest in a series of fire safety tests by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).

The tests are being carried out following the events of the Grenfell Tower fire in June. At least 80 people are thought to be have been killed in the blaze, with the building's cladding system thought to be a significant factor in the incident.


The Government said: "Initial screening tests have identified 22 buildings over 18 metres tall in England known to have a combination of ACM with a fire retardant polyethylene filler with phenolic foam insulation.

"Cladding samples from each of these buildings had already failed earlier combustibility tests conducted by BRE and their owners were sent government advice detailing the immediate interim safety measures that needed to be completed. Appropriate measures have been put in place for all 22 of these buildings."

Further tests of ACM with fire retardant polyethylene filler with phenolic foam insulation are set to take place in order to gather evidence for experts and building owners so they can make informed safety decisions..

Results of the final large-scale test, along with consolidated advice to landlords based on all the seven tests, are set to be published in the near future.

(LM/MH)