🧱 Is It Time to Upgrade Your Exterior Cladding?

planab55
Aug 3
3 min read

Updated: Aug 9

A Guide for Multi-Residential Buildings on Sydney’s Northern Beaches

If you own or manage an apartment building in areas like Manly, Dee Why, Collaroy, or Mona Vale, the condition of your building’s exterior cladding is more than just a visual concern—it’s a matter of compliance, energy efficiency, weather protection, and safety.

At Plan A Builders, we’re specialists in remedial building works across the Northern Beaches, and we often see multi-residential buildings with outdated, non-compliant, or deteriorating cladding systems that can lead to expensive long-term damage.

🏗️ What Is Exterior Cladding?

Exterior cladding is the protective skin of your building. It can be made from various materials, including:

Fibre cement sheeting
Metal panels (e.g., aluminium or steel)
Timber weatherboards
Brick or masonry veneer
Composite panels (e.g., ACP or Alucobond)

Its purpose? To protect the internal structure from the elements, add insulation, and improve appearance.

⚠️ Why Exterior Cladding Matters for Strata & Multi-Unit Dwellings

In coastal suburbs on the Northern Beaches, buildings are exposed to:

Salt-laden air
High humidity and UV exposure
Driving rain and wind
Greater risk of corrosion and water ingress

A failing or non-compliant cladding system can result in:

Water leaks into apartments
Mould growth
Structural damage
Increased energy costs
Reduced property value
Fire safety risks (in the case of flammable cladding)

🔥 Fire Compliance and the Combustible Cladding Issue

Since the introduction of stricter building codes post-Grenfell, many buildings with Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) or other flammable materials are now non-compliant.

If your building was constructed or last renovated before 2017, it may be time to assess the cladding and consider replacement with fire-rated materials.

Plan A Builders can assist with compliance audits, remedial cladding replacement, and all associated building approvals.

🏡 Modern Cladding Solutions for Coastal Buildings

We work with a wide range of high-performance exterior cladding systems, including:

James Hardie Linea Weatherboards
Nuline Fibre Cement Cladding
Colorbond® Steel Cladding
Non-combustible aluminium panels
Brick slip systems
Timber-look composite products (low maintenance)

Our focus is on materials that can withstand Northern Beaches conditions, look great, and meet NSW fire compliancestandards.

🧰 Real Project Example: Exterior Cladding Upgrade in Dee Why

Plan A Builders was engaged by a strata committee to replace deteriorating timber cladding on a 3-storey unit block in Dee Why. The original material was rotting and letting water into the wall cavity. We:

Assessed the structure and recommended James Hardie Axon Cladding
Removed and safely disposed of the old materials
Installed new vapour barriers and battens
Completed cladding installation and painting
Delivered full certification and warranties

Result: A compliant, weather-resistant, and modern-looking façade with improved insulation.

✅ Why Choose Plan A Builders?

✔ Licensed Northern Beaches Builders✔ Specialists in remedial cladding replacement✔ Strata-focused project management✔ End-to-end support from compliance to completion✔ Fully insured, HBCF-eligible projects✔ Local, experienced team with proven results

📞 Book a Cladding Assessment Today

If your apartment block’s cladding is showing signs of wear, water ingress, or may not be compliant, now’s the time to act.

Reach out to Plan A Builders for a no-obligation inspection and quote. We’ll assess your building and provide options that meet your budget, timeline, and compliance needs.

📲 Craig Chamberlin – 0429 030 851📧 craig@planabuilders.com.au🌐 www.planabuilders.com.au