Are our buildings with aluminium cladding safe?

PANAJIr rTypically, such cladding is manufactured using aluminum composite panels (ACP). rThe very fact that aluminum “ a metal “ is used means that it is more prone to fire than say bricks.rKetak Nachinolkar, conservation architect, said, “In an event of a fire, aluminum will melt a lot faster. It will make it easier for fire to spread to the building.” rThis is worrisome because cladding as a trend is fast catching-up in Goa, especially in the cities. In Panaji, a number of buildings in Patto, near 18th June Road and on MG Road have cladding, which is fire-prone. rSuch cladding is typically used in commercial buildings for signboards outside. This is because cladding made of ACP is more glossy and eye-catching. In modern day business with cut-throat competition, companies and shops have resorted to using panels made of aluminum outside the building to put up their logos and brand names. rApart from that, cladding is much easier to maintain than a facade made of bricks and paint. Nachinolkar added, “People also use cladding to save painting cost. Most buildings, which have cladding outside, are in terrible shape otherwise.” rKulaSekhar, designated partner, Milroc, said, “The trend of cladding is growing, but it can catch fire. Besides, there is tremendous variety of cladding in the market. The imported cladding made-in-Germany is good in quality. However, cladding made-in-China is also available in the market, which may not have good fire rating.” rBut, even when it comes to fire-rating, it appears that it is not given by any government agency. rIn such a case, it becomes very tough for consumers to believe in rating given by a manufacturer. rBesides, it also seems that there is no clarity as to which law governs the use of cladding in Goa, which means there is more scope for unscrupulous elements to thrive. rSources also said that cladding creates a hollow between itself and a building, which is an ideal place for rats and other animals. Such animals pose a threat, as they can damage wiring, which too can result in a fire. rWhen told to comment on this issue, Ashok Menon, director of fire and emergency services, said, “The use of aluminum cladding on buildings is a recent phenomenon.” r“These when used should conform to clause 3.31 & 3.3.2 of the National Building Code of India (NBC) 2016 Part 4- Fire & Life Safety, where non-structural elements installed should be subjected to fire resistance rating, as mentioned in table 1 of the said clause.” rMenon, however, said that his department is not maintaining any separate list of buildings having aluminum cladding.