What is cladding?

[skippercollector]

I never heard the word "cladding" until last week following the Grenfell Tower fire in London. What is it?

[samfloor]

It is a foam type of siding/insulation that gives off cyanide gas when it burns. Even the manufacturer says it was misused in the UK. It is not supposed to be used more than 32 feet off the ground. It is illegal in the US and many other countries. There are at least 7 other high-rises in the UK with this stuff.

[skippercollector]

I learned that the term comes from "clad", as in "clad in an ugly outfit." It refers to what is on the outside of the building.

[aditya01]

Basically, a cladding is a type of material or component that helps to cover a structure’s exterior, just like our skin that protects our organs and bones, similarly, cladding is used to protect shields against environmental conditions. It is not used as waterproof material, but can control how external elements fall on the surface.