The fourth test in a series of six large-scale fire safety examinations carried out by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) found that aluminum composite material (ACM) cladding paired with fire-resistant polyethylene filler and stone wool insulation complies with building codes "when installed and maintained properly," according to a press release. The BRE was commissioned as part of an independent advisory council charged with investigating the deadly Grenfell fire in June.
With 13 buildings, more than 59 feet tall, that are covered in ACM in England, these findings call into question the designation of such structures as hazardous due to their cladding. However the report also cites an expert panel that warns "cladding and insulation materials can vary between manufacturers and can have different calorific values. The way materials have been fitted and maintained can also affect the safety of the cladding system."
This announcement comes two weeks after one cladding fire-safety test ended in "absolute failure," and two months after the North Kensington blaze that left around 80 people dead.
