Reader's Response (Summary & Thesis Statement 2nd Draft) - Use of Cladding

Use of cladding has increased recently, despite being under strict observation after the tragic incident of Grenfell Tower. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is gathering more information on the event to improve on their rules regulating the use of cladding.

Cladding has its many uses; from noise reduction to purely for aesthetic purposes. It provides insulation to reduce the energy needed to cool down or keep cool a building. Buildings such as Asia Square Tower and The Cathay use cladding for these reasons.

However, cladding poses a hazard when it comes to fires, often allowing the fire to spread. Ventilation gaps that keep the building cool end up allowing the fire to go up to other levels. Nonetheless, Singapore still adopts the use of cladding but follow strict safety standards on the materials used to meet the class ‘0’ standard.

I agree to a certain extent that cladding is a fire hazard. However, I believe that by following the requirements defined in the Singapore Fire Code, the risk of fire caused by cladding can be reduced. Therefore, the usage of cladding provides more advantages than disadvantages.

Reference:

Faris Mokhtar (2017). Use of cladding in buildings here have grown in recent times: Experts. Retrieved from http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/use-cladding-buildings-here-have-grown-recent-times-experts