Times has an interesting article on this

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"Reynobond offers three types of panel: a standard one with a polyethylene core (PE) and two with fire resistant or “non combustible” cores. Grenfell Tower had reportedly been fitted with the cheaper PE version.

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A US salesman for Reynobond, which is owned by a US aluminium company, revealed that American fire safety rules prevented the PE panels from being used in buildings taller than 40ft. Grenfell is almost six times that height. “It’s because of the fire and smoke spread,” said the salesman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “The FR [variant] is fire-resistant. The PE is just plastic.”"

"In Germany the PE panels have a B2 rating, placing them in the same category as “unprotected wood with a thickness of no more than 12mm”. The fire-resistant variant had a rating of B1, making it significantly less flammable."

"Dr Glockling blamed the British government’s refusal to change dated building regulations for a spate of “over-cladding”. Speaking at Manchester University, he said: “Sadly none of us in this room is surprised at what’s happened. We are surprised at the huge loss of life, which is rare. We have lobbied the government for a change in fire safety building regulations. Our concerns have fallen on deaf ears. They have told us that the regulations work as no one has died. But not any more. Now is the time to change.”"

Posted By: CWC, Jun 16, 00:26:45