This digest deals with non-loadbearing cladding and facings. It is concerned mainly with the factors that influence rain penetration and dislodgement, commenting on the critical points to be considered in design, execution and supervision, so that defects of these kinds can be minimised. Readers are recommended to read also Digest 217, which deals with the diagnosis of causes of these defects and is relevant therefore, to 'design' also.

Cladding may be required to contribute to building performance in other respects, e.g. thermal insulation and fire; these, and considerations affecting the building as a whole, such as foundation movements, are not dealt with. The guidance provided is unavoidably in general terms and must be interpreted according to the specific circumstances of exposure, building height and construction materials.

Contains a table listing the various causes of movement that may affect cladding (temperature and moisture changes, loading and creep, vibration, ice, and chemical such as corrosion, sulfates or carbonation, etc.).

Withdrawn August 2016.