Understanding Cladding Types in NSW: How to Remove and Replace Them Safely

In New South Wales, the type of cladding on your building is more than just a design choice. It is now a compliance issue, a safety concern, and often a financial risk.

Since the introduction of stricter building codes and the rise of Council Fire Orders, thousands of property owners have been forced to assess, remove, and replace their facades. The NSW Cladding Taskforce has already audited over 4,000 buildings, with many flagged for further investigation or mandatory upgrade action.

At Dapcor, we’ve worked with consultants and strata managers across Sydney, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned — it’s that knowing what cladding you have is the first step to getting the process right.

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Not All Cladding Is Created Equal

In recent years, we have seen many types of cladding materials used in homes, businesses, and mixed-use buildings. Some remain compliant. Some materials, like ACP with polyethylene cores or expanded polystyrene systems, are now seen as high-risk. In many cases, they are banned.

The problem is: many building owners are not aware exactly what’s on their facade, or what lies behind it. In some cases, combustible insulation or untreated substrates sit beneath metal or rendered finishes that look safe from the outside.

That’s why early investigation matters. Whether through visual inspection, documentation audits, or core sampling, identifying the exact material type is critical before engaging in any design or replacement planning.

Removing Risk the Right Way

Each type of cladding presents different challenges. Take aluminium composite panels (ACP) — once widely used, now banned if they contain a polyethylene core. These panels often require full replacement, with safe staged removal and disposal managed under strict protocols. In many older buildings, ACP systems were installed on top of untreated timber battens or without fire stopping, which means the issue runs deeper than just the surface.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is another common cause. Its lightweight profile and low cost make it a popular choice — but in a fire event, it’s extremely dangerous. EPS is often hidden beneath render systems, making it difficult to identify without proper sampling. Once confirmed, it is usually taken out completely. It is then replaced with non-combustible fiber cement systems or solid aluminum panels that have fire-rated backing.

There are systems like high-pressure laminates (HPL) and metal sheet claddings. These materials are not usually harmful. However, they can cause compliance issues if they are backed by flammable insulation or installed incorrectly. The solution may not be a full replacement. However, it still requires a careful compliance check with consultants and engineers to ensure safety and meet codes.

Compliance Requires More Than a Material Swap

Replacing cladding is not simply a matter of swapping one panel for another. It's important to ensure that the entire facade system is up to code. This includes the framing, fixings, cavities, and sealants. All of these elements must meet the current National Construction Code and fire safety standards.

This is where we see many projects go wrong. Without the right assessment, buildings may be upgraded in appearance but remain non-compliant behind the surface. That's why it's important to work with an experienced remedial contractor. This is especially true for projects in occupied spaces.

The Dapcor Approach: Structured, Certified, Compliant

At Dapcor, cladding remediation isn’t a cosmetic job — it’s a safety-critical process. Our work always begins with an understanding of what’s on the building, how it was originally installed, and what the replacement strategy needs to achieve.

We coordinate closely with engineers, certifiers, fire consultants, and strata managers to define a clear, compliant scope. Removal is staged carefully, with environmental controls and safety zones tailored for occupied sites. New cladding systems are installed using tested, fire-rated materials. Each project is closed out with full certification, photographic QA records, and compliance-ready documentation.

Over 50 years of remedial experience has taught us that no two facades are the same. But one thing remains constant: safety, compliance, and transparency must lead the process.

Know What You're Working With

If you're unsure what materials your building is wrapped in, it’s time to find out. Finding out the cladding type and knowing how to manage it is important. This helps protect your property, your people, and your long-term compliance.

We’re here to help you do it the right way. Explore Dapcor’s Cladding Services

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