Technical Assessment of Metal Cladding Performance

When specified and installed correctly, metal sheeting such as zinc, copper, steel, lead and aluminium can provide durable, weather-resistant building envelopes. But performance problems do still arise, especially when detailing, installation or moisture control are inadequate. Our forensic engineering investigations identify why cladding issues occur and deliver evidence-based conclusions to support decisions on responsibility and remediation.

We apply a structured approach to each cladding failure case based on a process of:

• Site Inspection & Documentation: Finding and recording the cladding conditions, water pathways, interface details, and evidence of damage or deterioration.
• Records & Data Review: Finding and analysing data such as weather records, specifications, installer requirements and maintenance history to understand the conditions and contributory factors.
• Technical Analysis: Determining wind loading, moisture movement and thermal stresses.
• Causal Analysis: Differentiating between immediate causes and root causes, such as the effects of design deficiencies, material incompatibility, moisture ingress pathways and maintenance lapses.
• Explaining: Compiling complex details into clear, evidence-based technical reports with robust conclusions.