Why Cladding & Insulation Matter to Insurers
Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, insurers have become extremely cautious about the materials used in external wall systems (EWS).
Whether your building is residential, commercial, or mixed-use, insurers now require full disclosure of:
- The type of cladding on the building façade
- The insulation material behind or beneath the cladding
Failing to provide accurate details can lead to:
- Refused cover or higher premiums
- Claims being declined
- Policy cancellation or exclusions
Understanding your property’s materials — and being transparent with your insurer — is essential for compliance and risk management.
Common Cladding Types
ACM (Aluminium Composite Material)
- Two thin aluminium sheets with a polyethylene (plastic) core
- Widely used before 2017 on high-rise buildings
High fire risk — polyethylene cores are highly flammable
Insurance View: Many insurers refuse ACM unless fully removed or replaced
HPL (High-Pressure Laminate)
- Layers of compressed wood/paper bonded with resin
Combustible depending on insulation used
Insurance View: Must be disclosed; may need a fire engineering report or mitigation measures
Timber Cladding
- Popular for eco-builds and low-rise developments
Flammable, though manageable with fire breaks and fire-retardant treatments
Insurance View: Acceptable for limited heights with approved safety features
Brick Slips / Masonry Cladding
- Real or composite brick veneers
Low fire risk and high durability
Insurance View: Favoured by most insurers
Render Systems (e.g., EWI)
- Render applied to insulation boards as External Wall Insulation
Insurance View: Fire risk depends entirely on the insulation type underneath — ideally paired with non-combustible materials such as mineral wool
Common Insulation Types (Behind Cladding)
| Insulation Type | Description | Insurance View |
| Rockwool / Mineral Wool | Non-combustible, excellent fire resistance | Preferred by insurers |
| Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) | Lightweight, low-cost, highly combustible | Often refused or loaded premium |
| Polyisocyanurate (PIR) | High thermal efficiency, but combustible | Acceptable only with fire breaks |
| Phenolic Foam (e.g., Kingspan Kooltherm) | Low smoke output but combustible | Requires fire reports and insurer approval |
How to Identify Your Building Materials
If you’re unsure what materials your property has:
Check Building Documents:
- Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)
- EPC & Building Control certificates
- Leaseholder or O&M manuals
- Planning & construction records
Commission a Fire Engineer or Surveyor:
- Request a cladding and insulation survey
- Obtain or update your EWS1 form (mandatory for residential buildings over 18m)
Gather Evidence:
- Take clear photos of façades, panels, and visible insulation
- Share them with your broker or surveyor for review
Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to declare “unknown materials” — your broker can then guide how to phrase disclosures properly to avoid rejection.
Why Insurers Need This Information
Fire exposure remains a key underwriting factor.
Accurate material data allows insurers to:
- Assess building safety objectively
- Set fair pricing and excess terms
- Ensure compliance with lender and regulatory requirements
Incomplete or misleading information can invalidate cover and lead to significant claim disputes.
How SRS Insurance Can Help
At SRS Insurance, we specialise in complex and non-standard property risks, including buildings with external wall systems, insulation panels, or combustible façades.
We can:
- Identify cladding and insulation types with your surveyors or engineers
- Liaise directly with insurers experienced in post-Grenfell risk management
- Place cover for properties with known ACM, HPL, or PIR materials
- Advise on documentation (FRA, EWS1, or material declarations)
- Provide portfolio solutions for property managers and landlords