In January 2020 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published the ‘Advice for Building Owners of Multi-storey, Multi-occupied Residential Buildings’. This consolidated previous guidance notes in relation to the measures Building Owners should take to review external wall/cladding systems to their residential blocks and to assess the surety of their fire safety, and the potential risks to residents of external fire spread.
The main focus of the updated consolidated Advice Note was to ensure that Building Owners of all multi-storey and multi-occupied residential buildings undertook investigations of their external wall systems. This should be carried out in order to investigate their compliance and determine whether they have been designed, specified and installed correctly or as a result of any shortcomings represent a fire risk to the health and safety of residents.
The Government has introduced an effective ban, through an amendment to Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations 2010, on the use of combustible materials in external walls and specified attachments (including balconies, etc.).
Ingleton Wood has a long track record and in depth knowledge of the issues involved in undertaking high rise refurbishment/cladding remediation projects that address the fire safety issues arising from external wall systems as well as improving the thermal efficiency of buildings. Recently, we have supported many clients in understanding the risks associated with different cladding and insulation materials, guiding them through the process of careful selection of non-combustible replacement systems that ensure building safety for residents and other occupiers. When undertaking fire safety remedial works, it is essential that your team have the technical competence to deliver the right solutions.
Ingleton Wood can offer the following services:
- Professional and independent recommendations
- Thorough understanding of Building Regulations and routes to compliance
- Future-proof solutions to meet the specific requirements of the Site
- Experience in obtaining planning and other statutory approvals
- Project Management
- Funding guidance
- Procurement advice
- Lessee consultation management & strategy
- A network of trusted industry colleagues, with whom we work collaboratively to bring added value to our designs and project work
If you are an owner or responsible for the management of a high-rise building and wish to discuss these complex issues further, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.