Addressing fire risks where composite panels are installed
Lame composite panels have an insulation combustible foam. Where panels are installed, it is important to ensure they are regularly inspected and well-maintained to ensure they remain in safe and good condition. You need to identify and record the type of panels installed on your building and treat them as combustible in your safety management and risk assessment.
Composite panels
Composite panels are building wall or roof cladding formed of two outer metallic skins and some form of composite insulation material adheres to the panels with no securing. This means that the metal can delaminate from the insulation in a fire unless it is properly secured.
We have several types of insulation materials used. Some of these types include polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate. Composite panels are typically used in several applications to form the structural shell of a building. They form enclosures within a building. Each of these poses different challenges when it comes to fire safety. Additionally, there are a lot of types and brands of composite panels and these brands vary by insulation type and thickness as well as the metal profile, thickness and finish.
It isn’t always obvious that there is the presence of composite panels. In some cases, especially with rain screening, the material for insulation can be thin and is present more for the building’s structural rigidity compared to thermal properties. Even this can create a fire hazard especially when it is combined with other materials such as bardage composite that are not hazardous.
In cases where composite panels are there, it is important that they are managed properly to limit the exposure they create and their potential to lead to losses.
Management of composite panel
Where composite cladding is installed either as part of the building structure or internally and are not identified as noncombustible or aren’t approved, it is important to take the following precautions.
ensure there is a policy in place
It is important to ensure there is a policy in place that requires the use of approved materials when it comes to repairing or replacing the panels.
Remove the arson risk
It is important to remove the arson risk as combustible materials shouldn’t be stored within ten meters of the building. It is important to note that this should be a general rule for all buildings with exceptions only given on a case-by-case basis. It is important to inspect the condition of panels for any signs of damage at least every month.
It is also crucial to encourage all the staff to report any damage to panels as soon as they notice it. Put an easily accessible reporting system in place to do this. Any exposed or damaged material should be repaired.
Avoid doing any hot work on lame composite panels such as grinding and cutting. The proximity of the composite panels should be considered for any hot work done within ten meters. Control any cold work done closely such as saw drilling and cutting. Any job done on the panels should be carefully controlled using a permit.
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How to clean different types of cladding materials
Because of its function, it is important to keep your bardage composite imitation bois cladding clean. People add cladding to their building to give it a stylish and finished appearance. Cladding also protects your building materials such as the brickwork of your home from weather damage.
Why should you clean your cladding?
Cleaning your cladding will give your customers a good and positive impression of your home or business. Cleaning your cladding also protects the cladding from damage, including dirt, adverse weather conditions, and pollutants. When you clean your cladding, you also make it last longer. When you do regular cleaning of your cladding, it may also be a condition of any warranty provided by the installer.
Cleaning cladding is a preventative measure
Your exterior cladding is exposed to wet, windy or freezing outdoor conditions that can damage its surface. Your cladding can also be corroded over time by saltwater, bird droppings and the growth of lichen, moss, algae and mold. These elements not only make your cladding dirty but could also gradually eat away at your cladding material.
Provides the right impression
If you have a business and do not clean your cladding then there is a high chance you may be giving your potential customers the impression that you do not care for your business premises. Spotless and shiny cladding shows clients that you take good care of your business, as opposed to a dirty bardage composite cladding that can be off-putting.
Extends the life of your cladding
When you take good care of your cladding by cleaning it professionally regularly, you prolong its life. If your cladding isn’t cared for, it will become corroded and stained and the only solution may be to replace it all. This is a disruptive and costly exercise.
Your cladding’s warranty
Cleaning your cladding is a good sign that your cladding is regularly and appropriately maintained. If you do not take good care of your cladding then you won’t be able to claim on the warranty if a regular cladding schedule hasn’t been put into practice.
How to clean different types of cladding
Cladding exists in different types of materials and the type of material you use will determine the best method for cleaning your cladding. Here are a few ways to clean your cladding.
Metal cladding
You should use a soft bristle brush to clean your cladding. For dirt such as dust, cobwebs and rain spots, a bristle brush will effectively remove them. It is a good idea to clean your cladding in this way to remove any surface particles. To remove stubborn dirt, you should apply water. Avoid using any kind of harsh chemicals to clean your cladding. Harsh chemicals will damage the metal and any coating applied to the surface.
Cleaning high-level cladding
If you have a bardage composite imitation bois cladding installed at a higher level on your property then it may be difficult and dangerous to access. You should make sure you hire a professional who is specialized in cleaning these kinds of cladding.
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