Recladding a Building: 8 factors Strata Managers should consider before starting the process

As a Strata Manager, your goal is to ensure the residential and/or commercial buildings you manage remain compliant, well-maintained and safe.

In our previous article, What is Recladding and When Do You Need To Consider It?:

  • We identified recladding as an appropriate solution that can help you improve the aesthetics, functionality and energy efficiency of a property.
  • Through recladding, you can breathe new life into the exterior facade walls of your building and make them more resilient against extreme elements in the environment.
  • Recladding can also enable you to remain compliant with the tightening cladding regulations, especially for .

However, while recladding offers these advantages to protect both the structure and the occupants of your building, the overall recladding process that comes with it may not be as simple as you expect.

There are a lot of factors to consider to ensure recladding success. So, let’s discuss what you need to take note of to ensure a successful cladding outcome.

8 factors to consider before recladding a building

Just like any other major building renovation, recladding is an investment that adds value to a property when done correctly.

To achieve long-term recladding results, you need to make well-informed decisions right from the beginning of the recladding process.

For your guidance, here is a list of key factors to consider to help you thoroughly prepare.

1. Australian recladding state laws

Recladding is an opportunity not just to enhance the look of your building, but also for you as a Strata Manager to meet the evolving state laws and regulatory requirements – especially when it comes to fire safety.

For instance, in NSW, cladding products which consist of more than 30% combustible material are now deemed illegal. Other states are similar or have some variance on this – however, the goal to reduce fire risk remains the same.

To ensure your building remains cladding compliant, you must be up to date with jurisdictional regulations around flammable cladding cores and fire-resistance capabilities.

At Network Architectural, we offer ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 to address this concern. As the world’s safest aluminium façade product, ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 has been scientifically proven through real fire tests around the globe.

2. Recladding steps and building experts involved

Recladding is not something you do on a whim. The process will require you to invest time and money, as well as seek the expertise of building specialists.

There are also a lot of steps involved which include:

  • gaining local government council approval
  • hiring a qualified fire engineer to perform an official cladding assessment
  • engaging a principal contractor or builder to provide a recladding quote on the possible costs
  • bringing on board qualified façade engineers
  • getting the necessary certification and paying associated fees
  • preparing all the access needed to replace existing cladding with a more compliant alternative such as ALPOLIC™ NC/A1.

3. Recladding cost and warranty

Recladding is an expensive process – the total recladding cost often includes fees for the contractor, builders, consultants and council, as well as payments for engineering certifications.

The amount you’ll have to budget for recladding depends not just on the size and location of your building but also on the amount of old, dated or combustible cladding that needs to be replaced.

In addition, something else that is often overlooked but should be factored in is what is actually behind the cladding. In a lot of cases, depending on the age of the building and quality of installation, the framing, top hats, insulation and sarking may also need to be replaced.

With recladding being a significant strata fund investment, it’s important for Strata Managers to also take into account the possible life cycle cost of the new cladding panels too. After all, no one wants to pay an expensive upfront recladding cost just to incur pricey repairs and ongoing maintenance expenses in the future.

Fortunately, the ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 we supply has an industry-leading 20-year full replacement manufacturer’s warranty backed by ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd. Its cladding warranty covers material, labour and rectification costs for faulty material, allowing you to get the most value from your money – now and long into the future.

4. Recladding time frames

Recladding your building can’t be completed overnight. Several inspections and remedial works must first be completed to ensure the longevity and quality of the new cladding on your buildings.

To get more clarity regarding time frames for your stakeholders, it’s best to consult with your chosen recladding builders and engineers. This way, you’ll also be able to effectively compromise with landlords and tenants who might be disrupted by the recladding process.

5. Recladding material choice

From your cladding contractor, builders and engineers all the way to the Body Corporate, everyone involved in the project must agree on what cladding material to use in the recladding process.

While there are various cladding options available in the market, finding a fire-safe and fully compliant alternative to combustible cladding should be your top priority.

At Network Architectural, we provide Strata Managers, Body Corporates and Building Owners with ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 that has not only been tested to AS1530.1, AS1530.3 and AS5113 but has also been CodeMark Certified to Building Code of Australia (BCA) Standards.

This is also an approved product on Project Remediate NSW.

6. Recladding disposal, recycling and sustainability

As part of your recladding process, you must also have a plan as to where and how the old, dated or combustible cladding materials can be safely disposed of. Unfortunately, there are only a few facilities that accept combustible cladding waste.

However, fortunately, taking care of the environment is easier with aluminium composite cladding products like ALPOLIC™ NC/A1. Its manufacturer, ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd, is leading the market in sustainability with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA). ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd Group Corporation was also ranked 4th in global sustainability ratings issued by S&P Global in 2023.

Additionally, at Network Architectural, we have partnered with PanelCycle to recycle all the Aluminium Composite Panels that need to be removed in a recladding project.

7. Body corporate

As a Strata Manager, you have to constantly keep each property’s Body Corporate in the loop about your plans with recladding. You must also present all options and the information needed so that they can make a sound decision when voting to approve budgets and choose the best recladding option for the building.

As the Body Corporate will ultimately be the ones that approve a recladding project, make sure that all the benefits of the project are clear to them. For example, you can explain that using an aluminium composite cladding panel like ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 provides a high level of fire protection, as well as weather and impact resistance and superior flatness.

8. Independent industry bodies

To ensure the success of your building recladding project, you may consider requesting the additional support of relevant, independent industry bodies that can advocate not only for your best interests but also for the owners and residents.

For instance, at Network Architectural, we have established partnerships with the Owners Corporation Network (OCN) and Australian Apartment Advocacy (AAA). Together, we aim to inform people about the ins and outs of recladding, as well as assist you in sourcing the recladding products you need.

In fact, the OCN and AAA recognise the superior quality ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 offers. Introduced solely for the Australian construction market, it has the best possible safety rating with the Insurance Council of Australia.

 

Recladding success is about making the right choices

Now that we have outlined the key factors you must consider before recladding a building, you’ll be able to prepare effectively and make smarter decisions when selecting the most effective recladding option.

Nevertheless, if you have any more questions, you can always reach out to our team of cladding specialists here at Network Architectural.

So, are you ready to reclad your building?

Whether you have more questions about recladding or you’re looking for the right recladding solution, we’ve got you covered.

As always, it’s best to seek the expertise of a trusted and well-established cladding supplier that can provide you with the highest standard of cladding products.

At Network Architectural, we provide a large range of cladding products, all backed by large and reputable companies that provide manufacturer warranties like ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd.

For further information on our cladding offers, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We can’t wait to become your partner to success for all your building and construction projects.

A warranty for sustainability: ALPOLIC™ NC/A1

When ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 was released in Australia four years ago, it immediately became a game changer in the non-combustible cladding space. Designed and manufactured specifically for the Australian market by ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd in close collaboration with Network Architectural, the product set new standards when it comes to quality and life expectancy, as well as fire safety and compliance with Australian building codes and regulations. And then, of course, there is the unmatched, industry-defining warranty that comes with ALPOLIC™ NC/A1. What makes the warranty so unique?

“Firstly, it is a manufacturer warranty,” explains Llewellyn Regler, National Technical Manager. “Many facade companies will say they have a manufacturer warranty, but in reality offer a supplier warranty. This warranty, on the other hand, is a 20-year full cover warranty from ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd, a globally renowned manufacturer.” Llewellyn adds that if anything happens to the panel – and the manufacturer is at fault – ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd will cover rectification costs, including access and labour, at no extra cost to the building owner. “Again, this is what makes this warranty unique – in the case of many other companies on the market, the cover is for the panel only, and the building owner often has to cover the cost of the replacement. But ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 is the only aluminium facade product in Australia to come standard with a 20-year full replacement warranty that covers material, labour and rectification costs for faulty material that is backed by the manufacturer. This is a huge change to the way the industry now needs to look at warranties.”

While these qualities certainly set ALPOLIC™ NC/A1’s warranty apart from others in the market, this cover is also consequential when it comes to sustainability outcomes. As Llewellyn explains, it’s to do with maintenance requirements – or rather, the lack of.

“As best practice, recommends that the panels get cleaned once a year,” he says. “And this could be as simple as rain falling on the panels. However, you don’t need to wash them down in order to maintain the warranty.” Llewellyn notes that that’s not always the case with other suppliers. “In case of other products – specifically PVDF-coated materials – the warranty is directly connected to maintenance, and in order to maintain the cover, the facade has to be cleaned once or twice a year. In fact, most warranties will insist on keeping records of cleaning and maintenance procedures for the life of the warranty. If that’s not done, it can actually void it.”

It is this requirement for regular maintenance that can impact the embodied carbon of the building. Llewellyn explains that the Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) – Australia’s only independent sustainability and environmental certification program – is currently reviewing the notion of embodied carbon from warranty perspective; both from cradle to grave, and lifecycle and maintenance point of view. “What it means in practice is that if a building owner needs someone to come out and wash the facade down one or two times a year, that has to be built into the embodied carbon of the product. With ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, we don’t have to do that.”

Llewellyn adds that keeping embodied carbon as low as possible – helping architects, designers and specifiers achieve their desired sustainability ratings – is crucial. “The ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 comes with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) produced by GECA and can contribute towards Green Star points for the building,” he explains. “So if you’re looking at sustainable facades, then we’re certainly at the top of that list.”

In addition, ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 has a staggering life expectancy of 50 years. “With ALPOLIC™’s Lumiflon FEVE coating technology and rigorous testing we’re confident that it is one of the most durable, high-quality cladding materials on the market,” Llewellyn ensures.

Coupled with the 20-year full cover from a trusted manufacturer and lack of a required maintenance schedule that could increase embodied carbon, this cladding solution has no match where safe, non-combustible sustainable facade products are concerned. And, of course, there is a substantial value-add from cost perspective – specifying a product that is durable, doesn’t have to be maintained or replaced makes for a good financial decision, too.

“The architects are really driving this ambition to put forward products that are designed to last and perform for a really long time,” Llewellyn adds. “At the end of the day, that makes them both more sustainable and cost-effective.”

Recycling aluminium composite panels made easy with Network Architectural and PanelCycle

Just as the concept of sustainability has evolved over the years, so has the idea of environmental leadership. The sense of accountability across the architecture and design community has matured significantly; thoughtful ESG strategies are on the rise, decarbonisation efforts guide business strategies across the industry and the era of transparency has bid farewell to the years of greenwashing.

Unquestionable experts in facade and ceiling solutions, Network Architectural always strived to prioritise sustainable solutions as part of their trajectory, with their unnerving pursuit of transparency, compliance, quality and commitment considered second to none. And now, through their partnership with PanelCycle, Network Architectural enables customers to take the sustainable option where recladding is concerned.

“We first partnered with PanelCycle about two years ago,” says Llewellyn Regler, National Technical Manager at Network Architectural. “At that point in time, it was known that you could recycle aluminium composite panels, but no one had anything set up in that space. They were the first independent company to do so, and partnering with them made great sense”.

PanelCycle provides a full solution to recycle combustible Aluminium Composite Panel cladding removed from Australian buildings. Their process diverts 100% of the materials from landfill, and uses those materials for manufacturing right here in Australia. The PanelCycle process covers four steps:

Step 1: Transport. As part of this initial stage, PanelCycle provides tailored transport solutions for each site with their extensive background within the construction industry.

Step 2: Recycle. Then, upon removing the cladding from a building, the organisation recycles combustible ACP cladding, diverting 100% of it from landfill.

Step 3: Processing. ACP cladding is broken down through a specialised machine, and separated into aluminium and core material.

Step 4: Consumption. The separated materials are then utilised to manufacture new products that are fed back into the construction industry.

“We offer the service as an add-on to our clients,” says Llewellyn. “Or we point them directly to contact PanelCycle. For us, the important thing is that the panels are being recycled.” He notes that things have come a long way since even just a few years ago when aluminium composite panel waste was treated essentially the same as asbestos.

Instead, through PanelCycle, there is now a traceable chain of custody for the waste. “PanelCycle will collect the panels from site, acknowledge that they’ve taken receipt, then provide detailed independently audited reporting after processing to prove how they’ve been processed and where they’ve gone,” says Llewellyn. He explains that PanelCycle will source documentation from the aluminium recycler and from the location the core materials are recycled at. “You actually have a lifecycle view of where those panels have ended up, which is really important,” Llewellyn says.

Llewellyn notes that across the industry, people are very receptive to recycling the panels as part of the broader push towards more sustainable lifecycle management of construction materials. Particularly, as recycling the panels is also more cost-efficient. “The cost to recycle is actually less than the cost of putting the panels into landfill,” he sums up. “And by recycling you know you’re part of the solution – not part of the problem.”

Cladding: Steps to Provide Greater Protection – Webinar with Australian Apartment Advocacy (AAA)

We all recall the tragic Grenfell fire in London. Since then many Australian apartment owners have been faced with unfair bills in the millions of dollars to reclad their building. How do you know that your “replacement cladding” isn’t also unsafe or future proofed to the new Industry Cladding Standard AS 5113?

In this tell-all session hosted by the Australian Apartment Advocacy, AAA CEO Sam Reece chats with industry experts, Peter Hofstetter of CERTIS and Clint Gavin of Network Architectural, about the hidden traps that many apartment owners are facing within the cladding sector. Some homeowners even advised to reclad panels that the Government have deemed “safe to remain in place” on Public Hospitals! A must watch if you are considering replacing cladding on your building.

Click to view the recording

A Strata Manager’s Introduction to Recladding Multi-Residential Buildings

Multi-residential building façade cladding

If you are a multi-residential building Strata Manager, the term “recladding” may well have come across your radar in recent years.

In fact, you may have been directly informed that your building needs recladding or even been handed an official notice that your cladding is unsafe and needs to be assessed.

Aware that this is another frustrating concern on top of an already endless list of things to address as an Australian strata manager, today’s article has been carefully compiled to provide a general introduction to recladding for multi-residential buildings by answering two key questions:

  1. Does your cladding need to come off?
  2. And, if so, what are the next steps in the recladding process?

Does your cladding need to come off?

First, to better understand what recladding is, or for a list of reasons why you may CHOOSE to reclad, say for style or functional preferences, take a look at our previous article: A Deep Dive Into Recladding: What is it and When Do You Need it?

Today’s focus however is on those who NEED to replace their cladding with updated materials due to regulatory requirements, with a specific focus on Multi-Residential or “Class 2” Strata Managers.

The current building recladding regulations

Due to a recent global spike in façade fires where polyethylene-filled cladding contributed to the rapid spread of fire, all Australian states (along with the rest of the world) have begun to tighten cladding regulations on the combustibility of façade material.

While in Australia’s case, there is currently no blanket rule on the use of combustible cladding, most states tend to have rather rigid guidelines, notably New South Wales (NSW) with a blanket ban for aluminium composite panels with polyethylene content greater than 30%. That is to say, more generally, cladding products that are comprised of more than 30% polyethylene content are not permitted for use on any type of a buildings external wall.

That is why our team at Network Architectural offer our clients the ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 cladding panel product; a fire-safe, fully compliant, aluminium composite cladding for use wherever non-combustible materials are required.

ALPOLIC NC/A1 DtS non-combustible aluminium composite cladding installation on a multi-residential building.

Unsure if your current cladding meets these guidelines?

With Australian states differing significantly in terms of their specific recladding regulations, it is important for Strata Managers to engage a fully qualified fire engineer who has relevant local knowledge and can provide a complete report on the state of your multi-residential building’s façade system.

If it turns out your building’s cladding is in-fact non-compliant then here are the steps strata managers should take.

For more information, read the 8 factors to consider before recladding a building.

What are the next steps for Strata Managers in the recladding process?

In the case of non-compliant cladding, Strata Managers will need to coordinate the recladding process. This involves removing and replacing all affected materials with a compliant alternative such as ALPOLIC™ NC/A1.

It is best, however, to begin by consulting with accredited façade contractors to get an understanding of time, cost and the specifics of your recladding process which may include:

  • Gaining council approval
  • Engaging a qualified façade engineer
  • Receiving certification and paying associated fees
  • And more

When it comes time to decide on new cladding material to service your recladding needs, we recommend that Strata Managers invest in a time-proven product and an experienced team such as Network Architectural and our leading ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 cladding solution.

With decades of experience and cladding products that remain effective for over 30 years after initial installation, we can minimise your compliance headaches well into the future.

Looking for a compliant, long-term cladding option?

If you’re concerned about your non-compliant cladding or looking for the right recladding solution, then you’ve come to the right place.

As always, it’s best to seek the expertise of a trusted and well-established cladding supplier that can provide you with the highest standard of cladding products.

At Network Architectural, we provide a large range of cladding products, all backed by large and reputable companies that provide manufacturer warranties like ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd.

For further information on our cladding offers, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We can’t wait to become your partner to success for all your building and construction projects.

A Deep Dive Into Recladding: What is it and When Do You Need It?


Cladding is the outer layer of a building’s exterior walls and is a key component of the broader “facade” of a structure.

Cladding products, when functioning properly, are generally designed to serve three important purposes:

  1. To add to the aesthetic design of a building,
  2. To protect internal building materials, and
  3. To regulate temperature for thermal efficiency

However, as is to be expected, many building cladding products will often fall short in one, or multiple of these key metrics over time.

Hence the need for “re”cladding.

What is recladding?

Recladding is where the existing building cladding is removed and replaced by an alternative cladding material that not only better serves the desired purpose but (as will be discussed) is Australian regulation-compliant as well.

In this article, we take a deep dive into the three key reasons for recladding to further understand what it is, and when it would be appropriate (or even necessary).

3 reasons for recladding

Here are the most common causes for the need to reclad a building.

1. Recladding for aesthetics

As a highly visible component of a residential building or commercial structure, cladding products vary significantly in terms of their colour, patterns and overall design.

As with any stylistic feature, many products will become outdated over time with owners hoping to create a more modern look and feel.

While this may seem like a simple cut-and-paste process of removing the original cladding and replacing it with the newly designed style, there are many important regulations to consider. For example, major colour changes require council approval in many states and jurisdictions such as NSW.

As a result, it’s best to understand what your local recladding regulations are and to take these into account when deciding whether or not to reclad as well as how you may go about it.

If you are looking for a helping hand through this journey, or are interested in an aesthetically pleasing option for recladding, look no further than ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 which is available in a wide variety of appealing colours and styles.

2. Recladding for functionality and energy efficiency

As with any external building material, cladding is often worn down by the elements or damaged by other means. Under these circumstances, recladding is not only recommended but often required to protect the more fragile elements of the building.

Outside of general functionality, however, a common reason for recladding is to improve the thermal efficiency of a building or other structure – that is, the ability of cladding to retain warmth in winter and cooling in summer.

While effectiveness may vary between materials, an effective recladding product such as ALPOLIC™ has a design life of 50+ years, and its mineral core is very effective in minimising thermal conductivity, creating a sturdy barrier between the interior and exterior of the building and therefore assisting to regulate indoor temperatures.

Ultimately, recladding your building or commercial space with more energy-efficient cladding products is an integral step toward cutting energy bills over the long term and keeping tenants comfortable.

3. Recladding for non-compliant cladding

One of the most common reasons for recladding and the one we service most often is when current cladding materials are considered non-compliant with jurisdictional regulations around flammable cladding cores and fire-resistance capabilities.

After a recent global spike in combustible cladding causing high-rise building fires, stricter regulations have been put into place. This means that many Australian cladding products currently on buildings are now considered non-compliant and need to be replaced.

In this circumstance, ignoring the need for recladding is illegal

While different Australian state regulatory bodies have very different rules, the general rule is that any cladding containing more than 30% combustible material is considered dangerous and must be remediated.

For more detailed information about whether this affects you or your business, read our next article, A Strata Managers Guide to Recladding for Multi-Residential Buildings.

In the meantime, if you would like to determine the legality of your cladding, we suggest consulting an expert local fire engineer for an official cladding assessment to gather a report of your specific circumstances including the presence of any non-compliant cladding and how much may need to be replaced.
For an effective recladding option, Network Architectural offers our clients ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, a fire-safe, fully compliant, aluminium composite cladding that is an approved product on Project Remediate NSW and comes with an industry leading comes with a 20-year FULL manufacturer’s replacement warranty that covers material, labour and rectification costs for faulty materials.

Looking for a compliant and effective product to reclad your building?

If you’re concerned about your cladding or looking for the right recladding solution, then you’ve come to the right place.

As always, it’s best to seek the expertise of a trusted and well-established cladding supplier that can provide you with the highest standard of cladding products.

At Network Architectural, we provide a large range of cladding products, all backed by large and reputable companies that provide manufacturer warranties like ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd.

For further information on our cladding offers, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We can’t wait to become your partner to success for all your building and construction projects.

Cladding Products Warranties: 6 Important Questions You Need to Ask

Choosing the right building cladding products is crucial to ensure you have a high-quality protective layer on the external surface of your building or construction project.

This is why, when it comes to architectural cladding, Builders, Architects and Construction Professionals typically consider multiple factors, including:

  • the degree of thermal insulation
  • weather resistance
  • overall appearance

However, one thing you must never overlook is a cladding product’s warranty.

Cladding warranties give you the confidence that you’re getting the best value for your budget, while also providing you with peace of mind that the cladding products will stand the test of time.

Since cladding is a long-term decision for any property, it’s necessary to select cladding products that are guaranteed to deliver excellent results – today and long into the future.

In this article, let’s discuss the 6 questions you should ask (or perhaps insist on!) in relation to warranties on cladding products.

The importance of warranties on cladding products

Cladding products are offered with warranties to reassure customers like you that they are free from defects and will continue to be resilient for years to come.

Warranties on cladding products also safeguard you from the hassle and costs that can come with managing cladding repairs and maintenance.

Just keep in mind, though that not all cladding products warranties are the same.

For instance, Network Architectural offers our clients the ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 cladding panel product, which is a fire-safe, fully compliant, aluminium composite cladding that comes with a 20-year FULL manufacturer’s replacement warranty that covers material, labour and rectification costs for faulty materials.

Some cladding products, however, may have warranties that are limited in scope, timeframe or benefits.

So, what should you take into account when it comes to assessing cladding product warranties? We’ve listed 6 key questions to guide you.

6 questions to ask about cladding products warranties

1. Who is providing my warranty?

Many cladding products on the market have warranties that are provided by local agents or distributors.

This may seem fine but what if they go out of business tomorrow, next week, next month or next year? Or what if they change their business name or discontinue stocking cladding lines? You don’t want any of these instances to prevent you from making a valid claim.

So, what you should do is check whether your cladding product’s warranty is backed by the right manufacturers that you can pursue if any problem occurs.

For instance, ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 is known for its industry-leading, 20-year full replacement manufacturer warranty that ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd themselves provide.

2. Where does my warranty come from?

All manufacturers have problems from time to time – but you want to deal with the ones who stand behind their products, stand behind their agents and distributors, and ultimately, stand beside you if there is ever a problem.

So, ask yourself this question: “Am I confident that the manufacturer of my cladding products will stand beside me to resolve any possible issue I may have in the future?”

ALPOLIC™ brand has been around for over 50 years and has been proven in Australian conditions for over 30 years.

This reflects ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd’s credible reputation and lasting commitment as a cladding manufacturer to provide the highest standards of quality and service when it comes to their products.

3. What does my warranty include and exclude?

While it may seem daunting, take the time to completely read cladding warranties so you’re aware of all their inclusions and limitations.

In fact, it’s much better if your manufacturer warranty does not include a number of exemption clauses that can put you at a disadvantage.

Unfortunately, while some cladding warranties will cover the panel, they won’t cover the labour to remove and replace them. This puts you at a potential loss.

At Network Architectural, we take pride in offering ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 because of its warranty’s full coverage which includes material, labour and rectification costs for faulty materials.

ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd, through providers and suppliers like us, ensures that, if you have to make a warranty claim, you have the assistance you need to take existing panels off and effectively put new ones on – all at no cost to you.

4. Do I need to keep records of cleaning and maintenance of panels to maintain my warranty?

Most cladding product warranties will insist on keeping records of your cleaning and maintenance procedures for the life of the warranty in order to remain valid. If this is not done, your cladding product warranties may become void.

Not all manufacturers will insist on this but it’s always worth the effort to check, especially if you need to comply accordingly.

With ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, the cladding product warranty has no cleaning or ongoing maintenance clauses.

5. Do the products I am using have 100% traceability?

100% traceability can assist the cladding manufacturer in identifying any issue that may occur with their supplied products, allowing you to make a warranty claim more easily.

A good example is ALPOLIC™ NC/A1. Every single panel has a unique code. If, for some reason, someone files a complaint with their cladding solution – ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd can efficiently track all products produced in the same batch.

As referenced by the new Australian Standard 5344, all cladding products should have permanent identification markings (not stickers) so that they can be 100% traceable back through the production process.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. There are many cladding products sold in the Australian market that fall short of this basic “good practice” manufacturing.

6. Should I get a sample copy of the warranty before I place my order?

Absolutely! It is your right to see a copy of the ‘typical’ warranty document that will be available at the end of your project.

Furthermore, this is your opportunity to raise any questions or concerns you have – not only with the cladding product but also the warranty that comes with it.

Just make sure to get a manufacturer warranty as an agent’s or distributor’s warranty may not give you sufficient protection. Obtaining all the manufacturer’s details you need right from the start can also be helpful along the way.

Be mindful of suppliers and manufacturers who do not, or will not, provide this information.

Fortunately, you can rely on established manufacturers like ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd and suppliers like our team at Network Architectural to always offer a copy of the cladding warranty.

How to ensure you’re getting the right warranty

If you’re concerned about your cladding warranty or looking for the right cladding solution with a manufacturer warranty, then you’ve come to the right place.

As always, it’s best to seek the expertise of a trusted and well-established cladding supplier that can provide you with the highest standard of cladding products.

At Network Architectural, we provide a large range of cladding products, all backed by large and reputable companies that provide manufacturer warranties like ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd.

For further information on our cladding offers, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We can’t wait to become your partner to success for all your building and construction projects.

Suspended Ceiling Systems Save the Day for Fairvale High School

A problem threatened to stall the building project when it was discovered that the nominated ceiling, approved by architect Collard Maxwell Architects (CMA), would not satisfy the conditional warranty for the school’s covered outdoor learning area (COLA). Knowing that our modern durlum metal ceiling range would meet all requirements, Installers Sydney Interiors recommended us for the job. As the only supplier of durlum ceiling products in Australia, Network Architectural has worked with Sydney Interiors on a range of commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects. Their experience and knowledge have often prevented common hiccups from occurring at building sites, thus avoiding and compounding delays.

“We knew the durlum team at Network Architectural would deliver. They know the building industry inside and out,” said Tony Milicevic, Project Coordinator for Sydney Interiors. “We also knew they would slot into the project because the builders used a Rondo subframe, which is common at many work sites these days. They helped us avoid delays from waiting for materials arriving from overseas.”

Fairvale High School’s architect CMA approved the durlum S7 rail channel system with double-hook (1200×600) rectangular panels because they fitted the design aesthetic whilst also incorporating storm clips to protect the ceiling against both uplift (wind) and ball impact. Fire-safe and fully compliant, the aluminium ceiling panel material is non-combustible and designed to incorporate acoustic materials to provide for the required NRC level nominated by architect specifications.

The rectangular metal panels hide the framing and substructure whilst also concealing service channels. They also add the capacity to accommodate daylight lighting systems. The sleek finish of the final product belies the complexity lying beneath the surface. Functionally effortless, the framing, installed early, gave other trades access to complete their work prior to the final installation of panels.

 

 

The durlum suspended ceiling system not only met the architect’s design brief but allowed it to progress with the building process without delay due to the integration of the durlum system with the Rondo subframe, this resulted in time savings.

Network Architectural is a proud supplier of this exclusive product. Its innovative design flexibility brings even the most complex and challenging projects to life. Versatile and sleek, durlum suspended ceiling systems have been used in airports, railway stations and shopping centres, office buildings, schools and outdoor structures both in Australia and internationally. It is the safer ceiling choice, favoured for its strength and for meeting the highest Australian safety standards and building codes. The powder coated finish provides resistance to water damage, mould, and mildew, making the ceilings easier to clean, which significantly reduced building maintenance and operational costs.

The durlum metal ceiling range is available in an array of colours, textures, perforations and finishes, and may be mixed and matched to meet any design aesthetic. The integrated ceiling-lighting solutions can be highly practical or configured to highlight design features and create ambience and a sense of space.

Whatever the design timeline, technical requirements and budget, the durlum and Network Architectural support team offer professional advice, detailed design concepts, and thorough project management.

See examples of designs here or download our latest project brochure, then get in touch. We have so much to offer on your next building project and can’t wait to get on the job and help you bring your vision to life.

Download this case study here.

Modern Ceiling Systems and Their Impact on Health and Wellbeing

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions the hardest. Throughout 2020 and 2021 it became clear that we need better healthcare spaces to not only stop the spread of infection but also to reduce the impact of social isolation amongst these groups. In this context, greater scrutiny is being placed on the design and construction of healthcare and aged care facilities and how they can improve the lives of patients and residents. High-performing and fit-for-purpose ceiling systems offer one of the most cost-effective ways to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes to the general population.

Designed for Healing: Modern Ceiling Systems and Their Impact on Health and Wellbeing addresses the capabilities of modern construction materials and their role in healthcare spaces, with a special focus on bespoke ceiling systems. We take a close look at three key themes driving the evolution of healthcare design: the patient experience, the shift away from large institutional layouts and the rising cost of construction. We discuss why building in flexibility and adaptability is the best design response to these challenges, and the importance of ceiling design in achieving overarching health and wellbeing objectives.

Network Architectural offer a comprehensive range of ceiling systems that are customisable down to the smallest area with zero minimum order quantities. Our offering includes durlum bespoke metal ceilings and OWA mineral fibre ceilings that offer superior hygienic properties that are robust, infinitely customisable with the only limit being the designer’s imagination.

Download this whitepaper and learn why high-performing and fit-for-purpose bespoke ceiling systems offer one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes to the general population.

Urgent fire safety resolution for upmarket apartment non-combustible cladding

When a fire safety review was required for a large residential complex in Canberra, Risk Assessor Benjamin Hughes-Brown from Vortex Fire (formerly Ignis Solutions) investigated whether the current lightweight cladding was compliant and non-combustible. This is not an uncommon situation. A building may feature resort-like aesthetics but construction materials must stand up to Australian Fire Safety Standards.

This type of review requires in-depth analysis, starting with identifying the materials used on the building. “We would do a survey assessment on where the relevant materials are used and then run tests to identify whether it is non-combustible,” explains Benjamin from Vortex Fire. “If the material is proven to be unsafe and combustible, a total risk assessment is undertaken.”

“I’ve always found bodies corporate extremely proactive. They want the building to comply 100% to the Code – and not deviate – but they also need us to limit any disruption to tenants.”

Vortex Fire assessors work closely with project managers and bodies corporate to find the best solutions to replace existing, non-compliant material. This is always done by a fair and independent evaluation of products on the market that can be used wherever non-combustible materials are required.

“In the case of the Canberra apartment block, it came down to two lightweight cladding options,” said Benjamin. “In the end, the winner was not only compliant but had outstanding warranty and longevity.”

ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 from ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd was chosen for the apartment project for the following reasons:

  1. Ability to match existing colours so aesthetics weren’t compromised
  2. Warranty – The industry-leading full-cover unconditional warranty really shone through as did knowing that the warranty was backed by a globally trusted manufacturer and not a local distributor.
  3. Durability – The paint finish and longevity of ALPOLIC™ are exceptional and have been proven in Australian conditions for over 30 years
  4. Most importantly, the extensive local and international fire testing ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd has conducted on ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 well and truly exceeds the Code requirements.

“Beyond it being the right compliant non-combustible cladding, the process and expertise of Network Architectural, supplier of ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, has been fantastic,” said Ben. “The handling of the project was a testament to an expert understanding of complexities involved,” Benjamin said.

“We worked closely with Project Managers Dowse Projects, Wainwright Facades, and Vortex Fire to get the best possible outcome,” says Clint Gavin, National Sales Manager, Network Architectural.

“In the case of the Canberra apartment building, Project Coordination Australia commissioned Wainwright Facades to undertake the big job of removing the current flammable cladding and replacing it with the compliant, DtS non-combustible cladding ALPOLIC™ NC/A1. While initially several different cladding options were proposed, Wainwright Facades reiterated that ALPOLIC™ NC/A1 was ultimately chosen for its unrivalled warranty, quality, proven durability in Australia and compliance – having passed tests over and above what is required.”

Joseph Wainwright, Director at Wainwright Facades has worked in the industry for over 16 years. “While we have worked with ALPOLIC™ previously, this is the first time we have worked with ALPOLIC™ NC/A1. We found it very good to work with. All the guys in our fabrication workshop love it! It cuts well, we find it is easier on our drill bits, it is great to handle, and product performance is exceptional.”

Alex Shaughnessy, Project Coordinator from Project Coordination Australia had similar feedback on the product: “Because of the ease of manufacturing, cutting, and handling of ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, the project has run much smoother and more swiftly with short-term logistics. Because we are dealing with 330+ units and an existing client base, we’ve had to be reactive in some situations, and the ease of ALPOLIC™ to run through the machines has allowed us to respond to these issues easily.”

Alex couldn’t be happier with this result and is pleased that residents from the building have also openly commented on the finish of the product.


“Working with Network Architectural has been fantastic. I find them to be very accommodating and they know the building industry well and use this knowledge to make the process smoother,” said Joseph.

“Part of the requirement of the project was that the old cladding had to be removed and it needed to be recycled rather than go into landfill. Network Architectural was fantastic in assisting us with the best solution for this and offered a returning truck to Sydney to take the removed material back to the PanelCycle Recycling Centre. This ensured the project was better for the environment and streamlined the process.”

Network Architectural is the proud distributor of ALPOLIC™ NC/A1, the safest and most versatile aluminium cladding on the market. Its superior flatness and durability, and extensive selection of colours and finishes are all backed by rigorous testing for fire safety and compliance to meet Australia’s strict requirements and harsh weather conditions. ALPOLIC™ cladding comes with an industry-leading 20-year, unconditional, full replacement manufacturer’s warranty backed by ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd – no cleaning required! It gives both residents and developers reassurance that the building will stand the test of time.

Project Coordination Australia & Wainwright Facades both look forward to doing future remediation work with ALPOLIC™.

At Network Architectural, we are passionate about what we do. We listen, learn, and always strive to improve and innovate, helping our clients find the best solution for their specific designs and project priorities. Get in touch today with our highly skilled and experienced team for your next project.

Download this case study here.