Recladding non-compliant buildings: improving fire safety and restoring confidence

Recladding has become one of the most important building safety issues in the UK. It is no longer just a cosmetic upgrade. For many residential and mixed-use buildings, replacing unsafe external wall systems is now a legal and regulatory requirement. 

What is recladding? 

Recladding is the process of removing an existing external facade and installing a new, compliant system. In many projects this includes creating a ventilated cavity between the original wall and the new facade, improving moisture management and thermal performance at the same time. 

The Grenfell Tower tragedy highlighted how combustible cladding materials can contribute to rapid fire spread. Since then, thousands of buildings across the UK have been surveyed, and many have been found to contain non-compliant cladding that must be removed and replaced. 

Why recladding matters for developers and housing associations 

For developers, housing associations and main contractors, recladding is about: 

• Meeting evolving fire safety legislation and guidance 

• Achieving EWS1 sign-off and satisfying lenders and insurers 

• Protecting residents and restoring public confidence in building safety 

• Preserving the long-term value and insurability of assets 

Delays in tackling non-compliant cladding can prolong uncertainty for residents and expose asset owners to higher costs later. 

How GSIM manages recladding projects 

At GSI Maintenance Limited (GSIM), recladding is a core specialism. We have a dedicated team focused exclusively on the remediation of non-compliant facades. 

Our role includes: 

• Full project lifecycle management, from early feasibility and budgeting to completion 

• Working as principal contractor or specialist recladding subcontractor 

• Designing cladding remediation solutions that prioritise safety and compliance 

• Value-engineering facade proposals to control costs without compromising quality 

• Coordinating with fire engineers, designers, building control and resident stakeholders 

By combining construction expertise, rigorous quality control and a strong safety culture, GSIM helps clients deliver recladding schemes that meet current standards and restore confidence in their buildings.