Understanding the ACP Cladding Ban in Australia
The ACP cladding ban — short for aluminium composite panel cladding ban — has transformed the building landscape in Australia. Following several high-profile fire incidents, state governments introduced strict combustible cladding regulations to ensure public safety and compliance. But for many building owners, confusion around what’s banned, what needs replacing, and how to comply has created a minefield of uncertainty — and potentially, a $1.1 million mistake if ignored.
This article breaks down the ACP cladding ban in plain English, helping strata committees, building managers, and consultants understand their obligations, potential risks, and the smartest, most affordable ways to achieve compliance without unnecessary disruption.
What Is ACP Cladding and Why Was It Banned?
Aluminium composite panel (ACP) cladding is a popular façade material consisting of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a core material — often polyethylene (PE). It was once hailed for its sleek look and affordability, but the hidden danger lies in its flammable core. When exposed to fire, PE-core cladding can spread flames rapidly up a building’s exterior — turning façades into vertical fire hazards.
After catastrophic fires such as the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London and Lacrosse Building fire in Melbourne, Australian regulators moved fast. The combustible cladding ban was enforced to eliminate high-risk materials from façades across the country.
The Real Cost of Non-Compliance
Ignoring the ACP cladding regulations is not just a legal risk — it’s a financial one. In New South Wales alone, building owners can face fines of up to $1.1 million for failing to rectify non-compliant cladding. Beyond penalties, non-compliant buildings can lose insurance coverage, face higher premiums, and even become unsellable.
For strata committees, this means urgent action is not optional. Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about protecting residents, property value, and peace of mind.
How to Know If Your Building Is Affected
The first step towards compliance is identifying whether your building contains banned materials. Here’s what to look for:
- Installed before 2019: Most affected buildings were completed before the full ACP ban took effect.
- Aluminium composite panels with a polyethylene (PE) or fire-retardant (FR) core.
- Multistorey residential or mixed-use buildings, especially those exceeding three storeys.
If you’re unsure, a professional façade audit is your safest move. CPR’s Scaffold-Free™ inspection systems — powered by MARS™ and PEARS® — provide a 360° SKY-FIMMS™ façade assessment, mapping every defect and identifying materials at risk. Which means for you, you get a data-backed report that removes guesswork and prevents costly surprises.
How to Comply with the ACP Cladding Ban
Step 1: Commission a Professional Building Audit
Start with a cladding compliance audit performed by an accredited expert. CPR’s SkyPod® workstations allow for detailed, close-up inspections without scaffolding, reducing costs by up to 30% and avoiding privacy disruption.
Step 2: Determine Material Type and Risk Level
A laboratory analysis of cladding samples will confirm whether your materials are compliant or not. Non-compliant cladding typically includes panels with more than 30% polyethylene content.
Step 3: Develop a Cladding Rectification Plan
Once risk areas are mapped, a cladding rectification plan should be developed and approved. This includes specifying replacement materials, work timelines, and safety measures.
Step 4: Replace and Remediate
Replace combustible panels with non-combustible materials such as solid aluminium, fibre cement, or mineral-based panels. CPR’s Scaffold-Free™ remediation system enables efficient cladding replacement from the outside, minimising disruption and ensuring safety.
Step 5: Maintain Ongoing Compliance
Through CPR’s AssetCare™ long-term maintenance program, building owners can track façade health and ensure continued compliance with evolving legislation.
The Role of SKY-FIMMS™ in Cladding Compliance
CPR’s proprietary SKY-FIMMS™ (Facade Image Management System) creates a 3D digital twin of your building façade, capturing every defect, material, and repair in real time. Which means for you — complete transparency, accurate costing, and a permanent compliance record.
It’s the data-driven alternative to traditional manual audits, combining precision with peace of mind. For strata committees, that means fewer arguments, faster decisions, and total clarity on what’s been done and why.
ACP Cladding Insurance and Legal Implications
Non-compliant ACP cladding doesn’t just breach regulations — it can void your building’s insurance. Most insurers now require evidence of compliance before renewing policies. If you can’t demonstrate that your cladding meets Australian Standards, you risk:
- Policy cancellation or premium hikes
- Refusal of coverage for fire-related damages
- Loss of property resale value
- Potential legal liability in case of fire-related incidents
That’s why CPR’s detailed SKY-FIMMS™ documentation and compliance certificates are invaluable — they provide insurers with proof, not promises.
The Hidden Benefit: Value Preservation
While cladding rectification may feel like a burden, it’s also a chance to future-proof your asset. Replacing combustible panels not only restores compliance but also enhances aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, and long-term value.
Buildings that undergo professional cladding remediation can see an uplift in valuation and lower long-term maintenance costs. CPR’s Scaffold-Free™ systems make this upgrade both affordable and minimally disruptive — ensuring your property remains safe, compliant, and valuable for decades.
Why Scaffold-Free™ Systems Are the Smarter Choice
Traditional remediation requires scaffolding — costly, intrusive, and time-consuming. CPR’s Scaffold-Free™ accesssystems (MARS™, PEARS®, and SkyPod®) are revolutionising the way façades are remediated:
- MARS™ enables fast, safe rope-based access to any point on the façade.
- PEARS® combines rope mobility with powered elevation for efficient material movement.
- SkyPod® provides a modular, enclosed workstation for trades, ensuring safety and dust containment.
Which means for you: faster project delivery, quieter work, no blocked balconies, and up to 30% cost savings compared to scaffolding.
Combined with SKY-FIMMS™, these technologies form the ultimate end-to-end solution for building cladding compliance and façade remediation — from audit to preservation.
Common Questions from Strata Committees
Is ACP cladding removal mandatory in all states?
Yes. Each state has adopted variations of the combustible cladding ban, but all require removal or rectification of high-risk materials. In NSW, non-compliance can result in severe fines and loss of certification.
How much does ACP cladding removal cost?
The ACP cladding removal cost depends on building size, access challenges, and material volume. Thanks to CPR’s Scaffold-Free™ methodology, you can expect up to 30% lower costs and faster project completion.
How long does the process take?
Most cladding replacement projects take 3–6 months, depending on complexity. With SkyPod® and PEARS®, CPR can often complete works in nearly half the traditional time — without interrupting daily life.
Can my building remain occupied during works?
Absolutely. CPR’s unobtrusive approach allows residents and tenants to continue normal activities with minimal disruption.
The Smarter Way Forward: Transparency, Safety & Peace of Mind
The ACP cladding ban may have started as a safety measure, but it’s now a turning point for building owners to reimagine façade care. With Scaffold-Free™ systems, SKY-FIMMS™ data reporting, and AssetCare™ preservation programs, CPR provides a smarter, safer, and more transparent path to compliance — one that saves money, reduces stress, and future-proofs your building.
Don’t let confusion or delay turn into a $1.1 million mistake. Schedule a cladding compliance consultation or request a SKY-FIMMS™ demo today.
Book your cladding consultation today at CPR Facade Upgrade Specialists and discover how Scaffold-Free™ remediation can save you time, money, and stress — while keeping your building compliant for decades.
