Cladding Inspection Services

Cladding inspection services play a critical role in identifying and managing fire risk in buildings with external wall systems, particularly where cladding, insulation, and façade construction may influence fire spread or regulatory compliance. External cladding, insulation, fixings, and cavity barriers can significantly affect how fire spreads in multi-storey and multi-occupied buildings.

At Fire Risk Assessment Network, we provide professional cladding inspection services across the UK, supporting building owners, landlords, managing agents, and duty holders with clear, evidence-based assessments of external wall systems.

Our inspections help identify potential fire safety concerns, support compliance with fire safety legislation, and provide robust inspection reports that can be used to inform risk management, remedial works, and wider fire safety decision-making.

What Is a Cladding Inspection?

A cladding inspection is a structured assessment of a building’s external wall system to evaluate fire safety risk and construction integrity. The inspection considers how materials and components may contribute to the spread of fire, smoke, or heat across the external façade.

Unlike desktop reviews, a cladding inspection involves a physical site visit by a competent professional who examines accessible areas of the external wall system and associated components.

A cladding inspection may consider:

• External cladding materials and finishes
• Insulation systems and backing boards
• Fixings, rails, and support systems
• Cavity barriers and fire-stopping measures
• Balconies, attachments, and architectural features
• Installation quality and visible defects

The outcome is a documented inspection report that identifies risks, limitations, and recommended next steps.

When Is a Cladding Inspection Required?

A cladding inspection may be appropriate where:

• A building contains external wall systems or cladding
• Fire risk assessments identify concerns relating to external fire spread
• A managing agent or landlord requires reassurance on fire performance
• Remedial works or refurbishment are being planned
• Evidence of external wall condition is required for compliance or governance

Cladding inspections are not limited to high-rise buildings. Fire risk may exist in a wide range of building types depending on materials, configuration, and occupancy.

In practice, cladding inspections are often commissioned to support governance decisions, satisfy internal compliance requirements, or provide assurance alongside fire risk assessments.

What a Cladding Inspection Involves

A typical cladding inspection includes the following stages.

1. Pre-Inspection Review

Available information is reviewed prior to site attendance, which may include:

• Building drawings or specifications
• Fire strategy documentation (where available)
• Previous inspection reports
• Records of refurbishment or façade alterations

This helps define the inspection scope and limitations.

2. On-Site Inspection

The inspector attends site and visually examines accessible areas of the external wall system, assessing:

• Cladding type and configuration
• Insulation presence and continuity
• Cavity barrier provision (where visible)
• Balconies, shading systems, and attachments
• Signs of damage, deterioration, or poor installation

Where access is limited, this is clearly recorded in the report.

3. Risk Identification

The inspection identifies features that may increase fire spread risk, including:

• Combustible materials
• Missing or compromised cavity barriers
• Unsealed penetrations
• Poor workmanship or alterations

The inspection does not assume non-compliance but records observed conditions objectively.

4. Cladding Inspection Report

A clear written report is provided, typically including:

• Scope and limitations of the inspection
• Description of observed systems
• Photographic evidence
• Identified concerns and potential risks
• Recommendations for further assessment or action

Reports are suitable for use by duty holders, fire risk assessors, and professional advisors.

Cladding Inspections and Fire Safety Law

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places legal duties on the Responsible Person to take general fire precautions and manage fire risk.

This includes ensuring that building features do not present an unacceptable fire spread risk. Where external wall systems are present, cladding inspections help demonstrate that risks have been identified and managed appropriately.

Fire Safety Act 2021

The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that fire risk assessments must consider the structure and external walls of multi-occupied residential buildings, including cladding, insulation, balconies, and fixings.

Cladding inspections support this requirement by providing detailed, building-specific information on external wall construction and condition.

Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced additional duties for certain higher-risk residential buildings, including enhanced information and record-keeping requirements.

Inspection reports relating to cladding and external walls can form part of the evidence base supporting compliance.

Cladding Inspection vs EWS1 and FRAEW

It is important to understand how cladding inspections differ from other assessments.

A cladding inspection:

• Identifies and documents external wall conditions
• Highlights potential fire spread risks
• Supports fire risk assessments and compliance

An EWS1 assessment:

• Is a lender and valuation tool
• Uses a standard form
• Does not replace inspection or risk management

A Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW):

• Is a detailed fire engineering appraisal
• May be required where elevated risk is identified
• Supports remediation and mitigation decisions

A cladding inspection may inform whether an EWS1 or FRAEW is appropriate but does not replace them.

Who Should Commission a Cladding Inspection?

Cladding inspections are commonly commissioned by:

• Building owners and landlords
• Managing agents and property managers
• Housing providers and residential freeholders
• Duty holders responsible for fire safety compliance
• Organisations planning refurbishment or remedial works

Early inspection can help prevent delays, uncertainty, and unnecessary escalation to more intrusive assessments.

How Cladding Inspections Support Fire Risk Assessments

Cladding inspections do not replace fire risk assessments, but they provide essential supporting information.

Inspection findings may be used to:

• Inform external wall risk considerations
• Identify areas requiring monitoring or remediation
• Support proportionate fire safety decisions
• Provide evidence during audits or enforcement visits

Fire risk assessments rely on accurate building information, and cladding inspections help fill knowledge gaps.

Why Choose Fire Risk Assessment Network?

Our cladding inspection services are:

• Delivered by competent, experienced professionals
• Aligned with current fire safety legislation and guidance
• Evidence-based and proportionate
• Supported by clear, practical reporting
• Integrated with wider fire safety services

We focus on clarity, accuracy, and practical risk management — not unnecessary alarm.

Conclusion

Cladding inspection services are an important part of managing external wall fire risk and meeting fire safety duties. By identifying how materials, construction, and condition may influence fire spread, inspections help duty holders make informed, proportionate decisions.

At Fire Risk Assessment Network, we provide professional cladding inspections that support compliance, risk management, and building safety.

If you require a cladding inspection or need advice on managing external wall fire risk, our team can provide clear, practical support.