Aluminium Not the Problem at Grenfell
In the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy, there has been much discussion—and in some cases, confusion—surrounding the role of cladding materials. Aluminium, in particular, has come under scrutiny, but it is important to distinguish between the non-combustible aluminium metal and the composite panels with flammable cores that were used on Grenfell Tower.
What Went Wrong at Grenfell?
The cladding installed on Grenfell Tower consisted of Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panels featuring a polyethylene (PE) plastic core—a highly combustible material. While the aluminium skins did not burn, they quickly failed in the intense heat, exposing the flammable core and insulation behind. This allowed fire to spread rapidly up the exterior of the building.
By contrast, solid aluminium panels contain no combustible core and are classed as non-combustible (Euroclass A1) under BS EN 13501-1, meaning they will not contribute to fire growth. The issue at Grenfell was not the use of aluminium as a metal, but rather the presence of a highly flammable core material within the ACM panel assembly.
Fire Safety Starts with Correct Specification
Solid aluminium is non-combustible, and when used with A1 or A2-s1,d0 rated insulation (e.g. stone wool) and properly installed cavity barriers, it provides a safe, compliant solution for modern façade systems.
Since 2018, UK building regulations (Regulation 7(2)) require that materials used on the external walls of relevant buildings over 18 metres, including residential high-rises, must achieve a minimum of Euroclass A2-s1,d0 or A1. This effectively bans the use of combustible materials such as PE-cored ACM panels or timber-based substrates on these buildings.
Fusion Facades’ systems are designed to comply with these regulations, using tested and classified materials that provide both performance and peace of mind.
Material Choices Matter
Some building owners and developers responded to the Grenfell fire by removing ACM cladding and replacing it with heavier alternatives, such as GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) panels. While GRC is a non-combustible material, it adds considerable weight to the structure and often requires additional reinforcement.
Solid aluminium panels offer a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and fire-safe alternative without compromising performance. Our systems are engineered to comply with today’s fire safety requirements while also supporting design flexibility.
What About Zinc?
While zinc is also a non-combustible metal, the way it is traditionally installed often involves substrates or adhesives—such as plywood or bonded materials—that do not meet current fire safety requirements. These backing materials can introduce combustibility to the system, even if the metal surface does not burn.
Fusion Facades systems are designed to avoid such risks by using fully non-combustible build-ups, including metal support structures and A-rated insulation.
