The Independent newspaper says cladding that might have led to the horrifying blaze at Grenfell Tower in London Wednesday was added in 2014 partly to improve the view from the luxury flats around it. In the aftermath of the blaze, it is said that experts “have repeatedly warned that the addition of cladding, which is regularly used to refresh old or unsightly buildings, can help spread fire.” It can work like a chimney, they have warned, bringing up air that allows it to spread across a building quickly. Chartered surveyor and fire expert Arnold Tarling, from Hindwoods, said the process can create a 25-30mm cavity between the cladding and the insulation. “It produces a wind tunnel and also traps any burning material between the rain cladding and the building,” he said. Previous