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Salford Council searches for new cladding after failed test
Salford Council is to test new cladding systems as it removes Grenfell-style cladding from nine tower blocks.
Government tests on the full cladding system used on Grenfell Tower showed the combination of materials is not fire safe, according to a report from BBC Newsnight this morning.
The council was already removing the aluminium composite material (ACM) from the towers in work that started on 23 June.
Specifically, the blocks are clad in an aluminium composite with a combustible polyethylene core, with insulation foam behind it made from polyisocyanurate (PIR), the same system used on Grenfell. This is the only cladding system that has been tested by the government so far, and it failed that test.
Salford is currently working on finding a replacement system, with tests arranged for August to ensure that safety standards are met.
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John Merry, Salford’s deputy mayor, said: “We had prepared in advance for the test results and Pendleton Together, which is responsible for managing the Pendleton blocks, is already undertaking works to remove and replace the cladding system.
“Until the permanent solution is confirmed, the insulation is being protected from the weather with cement boards. This is a temporary measure recommended by technical advisors.”
In the meantime, interim safety measures have been put in place for the nine tower blocks, including 24/7 fire marshal patrols, a suspension of the ‘stay put’ policy, home visits for residents from firefighters and fire safety checks in both communal areas and inside flats.
The Department for Communities and Local Government is yet to officially confirm that the insulation system failed the fire test.
