--- title: Profit margins are at risk due to stricter requirements in the cladding industry description: In the UK, the requirements for health and safety of facades have become much more strict for both new and existing buildings. The big trigger for these stricter requirements is the Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017. image: https://blog.isdgroup.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2D_3D.jpeg --- [![ISD Group](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hubfs/ISD%20Group%20thema/images/isd-group-logo.svg "ISD Group")](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/) - Products - HiCAD - [CAD for All-rounders and Specialists](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/cad-for-all-rounders-and-specialists/) - [2-D/3-D CAD Software](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/cad-software-for-2d-3d-design/) - [The "All-in-One" CAD Solution](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/all-in-one-cad-solution/) - [Software Kernel](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/software-kernel/) - [Import and Exchange of Data](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/import-and-exchange-of-data/) - HELiOS - [PDM Product Data Management](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/pdm-product-data-management/) - [DMS Document Management](https://www.isdgroup.com/en/products/dms-document-management/) - 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The big trigger for these stricter requirements is the Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017. Due to the materials used in the building's cladding, the fire spread quickly. This new regulation means that all existing buildings over 18 meters must be made fireproof by new materials within a short period of time. A challenge that not only involves time pressure, but also threatens the profit margins in this sector.** ## Existing and new buildings A large proportion of the buildings in the UK contain cladding that is made from similar materials like the Grenfell Tower. These materials no longer comply with the new regulations, which means that all facades containing these materials will have to be replaced within a short space of time. Any flammable cladding material on buildings over 18 meters must be replaced by non-combustible materials with A1 or A2 fire rating. Buildings that don’t comply to this rule, will not be covered by insurance. ## Challenge in the cladding industry These requirements create a major challenge for the British facade sector. New materials must be used to make the cladding fire-resistant, but this must not be at the expense of other important issues such as the quality and insulation of these materials. Clients want to get the facade they were expecting before, but for the same price. To achieve the same quality, price, but more fire-resistant materials, the profit margins are in danger for cladding companies as the materials are more expensive. ## Realising projects quicker and more efficiently to gain back profit margins Because both new and existing buildings must comply with the new regulations, there are many projects that must be carried out in a short period of time. This can be achieved for organisations by using smarter engineering software. Good software contributes to the reduce of engineering costs and prevention of errors, as a result of which the time-to-market of projects can be shortened and more projects can be realised in the same time. ISD Group's HiCAD is one such smart software programme that allows users to realise projects quickly and efficiently. ## HiCAD Wondering how HiCAD can solve those challenges for your organisation and how this 3D CAD software can contribute to a faster and more efficient engineering of projects? Request a free live online demonstration now to see what HiCAD has to offer for you!.  [![ISD DEMO](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ISD%20DEMO.png?width=750&name=ISD%20DEMO.png)](https://content.isdgroup.com/book-a-demo-campaign-facade?hsLang=en) - - - - - [mailto:?subject=Profit%20margins%20are%20at%20risk%20due%20to%20stricter%20requirements%20in%20the%20cladding%20industry&body=https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/profit-margins-are-at-risk-due-to-stricter-requirements-in-the-cladding-industry](mailto:?subject=Profit%20margins%20are%20at%20risk%20due%20to%20stricter%20requirements%20in%20the%20cladding%20industry&body=https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/profit-margins-are-at-risk-due-to-stricter-requirements-in-the-cladding-industry) ![Leroy Opdebeke, Manager Operations & Services](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Leroy%20Opdebeke.jpg?width=192&height=192&name=Leroy%20Opdebeke.jpg) Leroy Opdebeke, Manager Operations & Services Leroy Opdebeke, started at ISD Benelux in 2015 as Application Consultant. During this time he helped many customers with the optimal deployment and use of ISD's applications. In 2018 he changed to the role of Manager Operations & Services where he is responsible for the technical staff of ISD Benelux. In addition, he is a member of the MT and tries in this way to make a positive contribution to the growth and development of the organisation. [![Group 1-3](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group%201-3.png?width=229&height=229&name=Group%201-3.png) A look at the future of facade engineering Download our whitepaper! 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This allows even non-technical.. read more](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/the-hidden-power-behind-ventilated-facade-systems?hsLang=en) ## [![Van Hoesel logo op voorkant gebouw](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tumbnail%20afbeelding.jpg?width=360&height=202&name=tumbnail%20afbeelding.jpg) CAD-Software HiCAD, Blog, Facade engineering Innovation and quality since 1965: From aluminium window frames to smart automation As a leading, forward-thinking supplier, Van Hoesel has been at the forefront since 1965 in the design, production, installation and maintenance of aluminium window frames and curtain walls. Traditional craftsmanship is still very much alive, now combined with digitalisation and automation. They.. read more](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/innovation-and-quality-since-1965-from-aluminium-window-frames-to-smart-automation?hsLang=en) ## [![](https://blog.isdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20mei%202025%20Tumbnail.png?width=360&height=202&name=Blog%20mei%202025%20Tumbnail.png) Roof and wall cladding, Sheet metal processing, Facade engineering, Facade cladding, Metalworking Digital Design Package HiCAD Prevents Disappointments During Execution In Leeuwarden, the new construction of Goedhart Bakery Kitchen was recently completed. The building, mostly closed in design, stands out thanks to its strikingly shaped curtain wall, which adds variation to the overall architecture. Façade builder Slump-Fictorie fully engineered the curtain wall.. read more](https://blog.isdgroup.com/en/digital-design-package-hicad-prevents-disappointments-during-execution?hsLang=en) Do you have any further questions? We will gladly help you. 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