Upgrading your commercial building’s facade in Canberra isn’t just about aesthetics or maintenance—it’s a critical compliance issue. Choosing non-combustible cladding replacement for your Canberra commercial building is now a regulatory necessity under both ACT and national frameworks. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the importance of compliant materials to practical advice on navigating the ACT cladding rectification program.
Why Non-Combustible Cladding Matters for Commercial Buildings
Combustible cladding—particularly aluminium composite panels (ACP) with polyethylene cores—has been linked to several high-profile fire events, prompting sweeping changes in the National Construction Code (NCC) and ACT regulations. For building owners and strata committees, replacing these materials with CodeMark certified, non-combustible alternatives is now essential.
- Life safety risk: Combustible cladding significantly increases fire spread and propagation.
- Legal and insurance obligations: Non-compliant facades can void insurance policies and result in fines.
- Property value: Compliance increases asset marketability and reduces long-term liability.
Understanding the Legal Framework: NCC, AS Standards and ACT Regulations
To ensure full compliance, cladding replacement must meet the following key standards:
- NCC C1.9 (non-combustible wall compliance): Requires all external walls for Type A and Type B buildings to be non-combustible.
- AS 1530.1: Verifies non-combustibility through testing of individual materials.
- AS 5113: Provides a classification for large-scale fire propagation testing.
- CodeMark Certification: Products must be independently certified to guarantee they meet national standards.
In the ACT, the Cladding Rectification Scheme offers concessional loans to support property owners with eligible buildings in removing and replacing non-compliant materials.
What Types of Buildings Are Affected in Canberra?
Under the ACT and NCC guidelines, the following categories are most likely affected:
- Commercial buildings over two storeys
- Hotels and aged care facilities
- High-rise strata buildings
- Government and educational buildings
If your structure falls under Type A or Type B construction, cladding replacement is likely mandatory.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Non-Combustible Cladding
1. Conduct a Professional Inspection
Start with a certified facade assessment to determine:
- Type and extent of combustible cladding
- Risk level and urgency
- Whether your building qualifies for concessional remediation funding in the ACT
Tip: CPR’s facade inspection system, SFS360®, provides precise defect mapping and fire-risk profiling.
2. Select CodeMark Certified Materials
Avoid shortcuts. Approved non-combustible options include:
- Solid aluminium cladding (no polyethylene core)
- Fibre cement sheets
- Mineral-based composite panels
3. Consider Durability, Maintenance and Aesthetics
Besides compliance, factor in:
- UV and weather resistance
- Colour retention and finish options
- Long-term maintenance costs
4. Work with a Specialist in Difficult Access and Scaffold-Free™ Delivery
Replacing cladding on high-rise or difficult-access commercial buildings in Canberra requires expertise.
CPR’s Scaffold-Free™ technology (SkyPod®, MARS™ and PEARS®) offers:
- Rapid project delivery
- Minimal disruption to occupants
- No scaffolding or blocked access
5. Document Everything for Compliance
CPR’s SE2EPC® system ensures:
- End-to-end project documentation
- Before-and-after photographic records
- Cloud-stored inspection and remediation data
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Failing to address combustible cladding could expose you to:
- ACT Government enforcement action
- Loss of insurance coverage
- Civil liability in the event of fire
- Decreased property valuation
With concessional loans available for eligible projects, there’s never been a better time to act.
Why Choose CPR Facade Upgrade Specialists?
As a leading facade remediation consultancy serving the ACT, CPR brings:
- Experience in high-rise and difficult-access commercial buildings
- Compliance-first strategies and consultation
- Full-cycle solutions from inspection to preservation
- Access to AfterCare™ support for ongoing maintenance
We work with strata committees, property owners, government and commercial clients to deliver safe, efficient and regulation-compliant facade upgrades.
Don’t risk falling behind regulatory changes. Secure your building’s future today with a trusted team that knows Canberra regulations inside out.
Request your non-combustible cladding consultation with CPR Facade Upgrade Specialists
