Duratec’s team of building & facade experts offers comprehensive recladding services, providing asset owners with peace of mind that their structures are both safe and compliant with the latest standards.
Building & facade remediation is one of Duratec’s core business streams. The company has a division devoted solely to this service area, as well as a team of specialists with extensive knowledge and experience to assist clients throughout the project.
Recladding really took off in 2019 when the Australian government introduced stronger compliance regulations to make sure that cladding installed on buildings was non-combustible and conformed to safety standards. This prompted building owners to have their assets assessed for sub-standard construction materials, such as fire-hazardous aluminium composite panels (ACPs).
Duratec, however, was undertaking building & facade refurbishments long before this, in locations across Australia, even carrying out the country’s largest recladding project to
date. Since the industry is still relatively new, asset owners who are considering recladding may have a variety of questions. Below are answers to the most common queries.
What are ACPs?
ACPs are a commonly used exterior cladding comprising combustible materials. The panels are 3mm to 5mm in thickness and consist of two thin aluminium sheets attached to a polyethylene core. There are several types of ACPs, including those that are 100 per cent polyethylene, i.e. highly flammable; fire-rated panels, which are 30 per cent polyethylene; and A2 panels, which are roughly 10 per cent polyethylene. A building which is covered in polyethylene will almost certainly require a full replacement of panels given how flammable they are. Structures that are clad in the other ACPs, however, may not always be unsafe, especially if there are other safety features, such as sprinklers.
During a recladding project, can tenants still occupy the building?
Duratec goes to great lengths to ensure tenants in ‘live’ buildings can continue to operate normally. The company can plan and implement access solutions, such as mast climbers, scaffolding and other access equipment.
What needs to be considered when undertaking a recladding project?
Considerations should include facade investigations, to understand latent conditions and design parameters; early supplier engagement, to source colour-matching panels; detailed design, to ensure project certification; access planning and safety in occupied buildings; and stakeholder
management and communication.
Is there a recladding specialist near me?
Duratec has branches in every capital city in Australia, as well as several regional sites. All are full-service offices with dedicated staff and local workforces. Clients benefit from local knowledge, backed by a large, stable, national network.
What sets Duratec apart?
Duratec self-performs many of its projects, so as well as leading the job, it carries out much of the construction work. itself. In-house designers, project managers and an operations team see the project through from start to finish.
