Installing commercial building cladding has many benefits for buildings, be it to improve external aesthetics or energy efficiency. However, whether you are fitting new cladding or replacing it, you need to be aware of building regulations.
After the tragedy of Grenfell, building regulations around the cladding changed to ensure the health and safety of those in the building. For any cladding work on a commercial building, you need to make sure you meet building regulation standards and obtain a certificate.
When Do You Need Building Regulations?
All commercial building cladding needs to meet building regulations to certify that your building is safe for those working within it. There are a number of scenarios when you need to think about getting building regulations.
New Cladding Installation
If you are installing new cladding on your commercial building, you will need to make sure that every aspect of the cladding complies with building regulations - from the materials used to the way it has been installed.
Replacing or Updating Existing Cladding
If you are replacing cladding or updating it, you will need to ensure that the new materials fitted meet building regulation standards. This will make sure that the installation and materials meet up-to-date safety, thermal performance and fire resistance standards.
Repairing Cladding
Even if you are simply repairing existing commercial building cladding, you need to meet building regulations. This is particularly the case if making significant repairs to the structural integrity or performance of the cladding.
Minor repairs that don't alter the performance won't need building regulations certificates, but it is always worth checking with your local authority when carrying out these works.
Retrofitting Insulation
Commercial building cladding can be used to improve the energy efficiency of your building, but sometimes you will need insulation to optimise this. You can add the insulation after fitting cladding, but you will need to remember to meet certain building regulations. This ensures that the insulating materials will not compromise fire safety, ventilation, or moisture control.
Changing the Building's Use
If the use of the building changes, you might need to get new building regulations to ensure that the commercial cladding meets the requirements of the new usage. If it doesn't, you will need to install new cladding and make sure it meets building regulation standards.
What Do Building Regulations Focus On?
For any type of construction, building regulations ensure the health and safety of those working or living within it. There are a number of key areas that they focus on.
Fire Safety
Building regulations test the material to make sure that it is non-combustible or has limited flammability so that it prevents the spread of a fire.
Thermal Performance
The regulations ensure that the cladding will contribute to the building's energy efficiency and will reduce the heating and cooling costs of the building.
Structural Integrity
As an external facade, the cladding will need to be able to withstand the elements such as wind and rain. Building regulations will verify that the commercial building cladding will be able to cope with these without compromising the structural integrity of the building.
Weatherproofing
One benefit of installing cladding is that it can act as a layer of protection against the weather and its impacts. Building regulations will ensure that the materials provide sufficient protection against water ingress and other weather-related issues.
Durability and Maintenance
Finally, the building regulations will make sure that the materials being used are durable and can be maintained over time.
How Do You Get Building Regulations Approval?
To get a building regulation certificate, you will need to submit detailed plans that specify the work being done and the materials being used to your local building control authority or an approved inspector.
They will conduct inspections at several stages of the work being completed to ensure adherence to the standards at every stage.
They will then complete a final inspection at the end of the project to approve the overall work.
Speak To Our Cladding Experts
At Jade Aden Services, we are experts when it comes to commercial building cladding and building regulations.
We ensure we are up-to-date with regulation standards and changes, so you can be confident that our knowledge, advice and actions meet the requirements.
With 30 years in the industry, we are a trusted cladding specialist in the South of England, having completed projects across Dorset, Devon and further afield.
No matter your cladding needs, get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your project. Call us on 01202 622252 or complete our online contact form, and we will call you back.
