ACM-PE Cladding
Definition
Aluminium composite material with a polyethylene core (Reynobond PE). The combustible cladding type responsible for external fire spread at Grenfell Tower. Now prohibited on residential buildings over 18 metres in England and Wales under the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018.
- Composition
- Aluminium composite material, polyethylene core
- Brand example
- Reynobond PE
- Notable incident
- Grenfell Tower fire
- Regulatory status
- Prohibited above 18 metres, residential buildings
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales, since 2018
Common questions
Why did ACM-PE cladding contribute to rapid fire spread at Grenfell Tower?+
The polyethylene core is combustible, and once ignited it fed the fire vertically up the building's exterior far faster than the compartmentalised internal fire strategy assumed, spreading flames across multiple floors within minutes.
Is all aluminium composite cladding now banned?+
No, only cladding above a specified height threshold and combustibility class is restricted; ACM panels with a fire-resistant mineral core rather than polyethylene remain permitted in many applications.
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