Using system scaffolding to accelerate safe recladding projects

Published on: February 12, 2026

Recladding demand across the UK has surged since the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, which tightened requirements for safer cladding on high-rise buildings.

For developers and housing associations, the challenge is clear: deliver compliant recladding quickly, safely and with as little disruption as possible.

Temporary access is a key part of that equation. Traditional tube-and-fitting scaffolding can be slow to erect, labour-intensive and harder to standardise. System scaffolding offers a more efficient alternative.

At GSIM, system scaffolding is a core tool for managing complex recladding and facade remediation projects for developers and housing associations.

What is system scaffolding?

System scaffolding uses prefabricated components that lock together in pre-designed patterns. Instead of building everything from loose tubes and fittings, operatives work with:

Standardised verticals, ledgers and decks
Integrated guardrails and access components
Engineered connection points and bay sizes

This reduces the number of individual pieces, speeds up erection and dismantling, and improves consistency across the structure.

How system scaffolding speeds up recladding

For recladding and facade remediation projects, system scaffolding offers several practical advantages:

Faster erection and adaptation
Pre-engineered components and repetitive bay layouts reduce build time, allowing recladding teams to access facades earlier.
More predictable programmes
Standardised systems make it easier to plan phases and manage overlaps between trades, helping projects stay on schedule.
Efficient material use
Modular design helps optimise stock, reduce waste and simplify logistics on tight urban sites.

All of this supports quicker delivery of essential safety works, without cutting corners on quality or compliance.

Safety and resident impact

Access isn’t just about speed. On occupied residential buildings, safety and resident experience are critical.

System scaffolding contributes to:

Improved worker safety – integrated guardrails and engineered connections create stable working platforms.
Better housekeeping – cleaner, more ordered structures reduce trip hazards and falling-object risks.
Reduced disruption – faster erection and dismantling mean less time with scaffolding being built around residents homes.

By pairing system scaffolding with strong resident communication and careful site management, GSIM helps minimise disruption while essential recladding works are carried out.

Long-term value for recladding programmes

Recladding is not a one-off issue. Across portfolios, many buildings require remediation. Investing in efficient access solutions like system scaffolding supports:

Consistent quality and methodology across multiple schemes
Reusable equipment and trained teams familiar with the system
Better cost control and programme certainty on future projects

For clients facing multiple facade remediation projects, system scaffolding becomes a strategic tool rather than just a project expense.

If you are planning recladding or facade remediation and want to explore how system scaffolding can support a safer, faster programme, GSIM can advise from feasibility through to completion.