Cladding Remediation: A Vital Process for Safe and Compliant Building Envelopes

The need for cladding remediation has grown significantly in recent years, driven by evolving fire safety regulations, growing public awareness, and stricter compliance requirements across the construction and property sectors. Remediation ensures that buildings meet modern safety standards and performance expectations while restoring public confidence and long-term asset value.

What is Cladding Remediation?

Cladding remediation is the process of removing and replacing unsafe or non-compliant external wall systems, typically on mid- and high-rise buildings. This includes the removal of combustible or defective materials, structural reinforcement if required, and the installation of new, compliant cladding systems that meet fire, thermal, and weatherproofing standards.

Scope of Works

The scope of cladding remediation varies depending on the building and the extent of the issues identified. However, typical works include:

• Inspection & Surveying – Fire risk assessments, material sampling, and façade condition surveys.
• Removal of Existing Cladding – Carefully dismantling current systems, often with containment measures to protect occupants.
• Structural Modifications – Reinforcing substructures or adapting the building envelope to support new cladding systems.
• Installation of New Systems – Fixing new insulation, subframes, and rainscreen cladding panels.
• Finishing & Compliance – Sealing, detailing, fire-stopping, and certification to meet regulatory standards.

Costs and Timeframe

Costs vary significantly based on building size, complexity, and chosen materials. A mid-rise residential block might cost between £1 million to £5 million to fully remediate, while high-rise commercial buildings can exceed £10 million.

Timeframes can range from 6 months to over 3 years, depending on project size, access logistics, planning permissions, building safety regulation requirements / approval and availability of suitable cladding systems.

Why Is It Carried Out?

Cladding remediation is typically undertaken for the following reasons:

• Fire Safety Compliance – To remove unsafe materials or combustible insulation.
• Insurance & Mortgage Requirements – Many insurers and lenders now require EWS1 forms or proof of compliant cladding.
• Aesthetic Renewal – Some remediation projects are driven by the opportunity to modernise and enhance the building’s appearance. Some can be carried out as part of the Fire safety requirements by choosing a safer and more authentically pleasing cladding product.
• Environmental Upgrades – Upgrading to energy-efficient systems and improving thermal performance.

Advantages

• Enhanced Safety – Protects lives and meets stringent fire regulations.
• Restored Marketability – Properties become mortgageable and more attractive to buyers and tenants.
• Modern Appearance – Offers an opportunity to update the building façade.
• Improved Performance – Upgrades insulation, air-tightness, and durability.

Disadvantages

• Cost Burden – Can be significant, particularly when funding support is limited.
• Disruption – Potential inconvenience to residents or tenants during works.
• Planning Delays – Complex approval processes, especially in conservation areas.

Telling Rainscreens: A Trusted Partner in Remediation

At Telling Rainscreens we are frequently consulted for remediation projects across the UK due to our proven track record, deep technical expertise, and trusted range of non-combustible façade systems. We are known for supporting stakeholders from concept through to completion, offering system design advice, fire compliance guidance, and full technical support.

Telling’s rainscreen systems are regularly specified in cladding remediation projects for their:

• Proven Safety Credentials – All systems are A1 or A2-s1,d0 rated, in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.
• Durability and Longevity – Products such as Argeton terracotta and Lithodecor natural stone and glass have design life in excess of 60 years.

Aesthetic Versatility – Multiple colours, finishes, and natural materials allow sensitive integration with both modern and historic buildings.

Products of Choice for Remediation

Argeton Terracotta

• Ideal for residential and public buildings
• BBA certified with a lifespan of over 60 years
• EPD Certificate
• CE/UKCA Certified product
• Lightweight, non-combustible, and highly durable
• Often used to replicate traditional masonry in modern form

Lithodecor Natural Stone and Glass

• Lithodecor Airtec Stone combines genuine stone veneers with lightweight backing for a robust and elegant solution.
• Lithodecor Airtec Glass offers high-impact resistance and a sleek finish, perfect for modern architecture.
• Both are A2-rated, non-combustible, and ideal for vertical or soffit applications.
• DIBt Approved products and classification which is the german equivalent of BBA.

Social housing upgrades, commercial office refits and mixed-use developments are common project types subject to remediation where Telling systems have provided coordinated material palettes that suit retail, residential, and leisure uses within a single development modernising dated façades while achieving fire compliance and improved thermal performance.

Conclusion

Cladding remediation is a complex but essential undertaking that protects lives, ensures regulatory compliance, and safeguards the long-term value of built assets. With our high-performance, non-combustible cladding systems and technical know-how, at Telling Rainscreens we continue to be a preferred partner in delivering safe, attractive, and lasting façades across the UK with design advice, PI Insurance design and Guarantees on the systems supplied.

For stakeholders seeking peace of mind and quality in remediation projects, Telling’s Argeton and Lithodecor ranges are a proven choice that combines compliance with design excellence.

The Difference Is Telling.