You can’t install new cladding on a broken foundation.

Behind every failed facade is often a hidden issue — rotted timber, damaged concrete, or misaligned battens that no one picked up before install.

Too often, builders go straight to cladding installation without checking what lies beneath. The result? Warped panels, failed fixings, water ingress, or worse — non-compliance.

At Atomic Projects, we start by going back to base. We strip back the facade, repair or replace damaged substrate, and reinstate battens to ensure your cladding system is structurally sound, fire compliant, and properly ventilated.

1. Where This Applies

We carry out substrate and batten remediation for:

• Combustible cladding replacement projects
• Façade upgrades on older apartment buildings
• Moisture-damaged cavity systems
• Insurance repairs and fire rectification projects
• Projects requiring cavity adjustment or realignment

Common issues we uncover:

• Rotted or damp timber battens
• Corroded steel framing
• Uneven substrates or loose fixings
• Incorrect cavity depths for fire compliance
• Misaligned brackets and poor set-out from previous builds

2. What’s Included

Our scope of works includes:

• Removal of existing cladding (if required)
• Inspection of substrate (timber, concrete, or steel)
• Moisture testing and condition reporting
• Remediation of rotten, damaged, or non-compliant materials
• Installation of compliant battens — steel or timber
• Fixing bracket install and cavity spacing
• Preparation for sarking and cladding system install

Everything is documented with photo records and QA sheets.

3. Our Process & Systems

We don’t guess — we verify. Every project begins with substrate inspection, including:

• Thermal or drone imaging (optional)
• Moisture testing of framing or sheeting
• Fixing inspection and bracket alignment check
• Confirming cavity spacing per NCC / system spec
• Remediation using compliant materials and fixing methods
• Re-battening using durable, tested systems for your cladding type

We collaborate closely with your builder, project manager, or consultant to make sure nothing gets missed before panels go on.

4. Compliance & QA

Our substrate and batten works comply with:

• NCC cladding cavity and fire separation requirements
• AS 1562.1 and AS/NZS 4284 standards for fixings and facade performance
• Manufacturer guidelines for substrate and fixing preparation
• Fire engineer cavity spacing and bracket detailing

We provide:

• Moisture test results
• Photo evidence of all battens and brackets
• ITP checklists
• Substrate remediation report (if required by consultant)

5. Deliverables

You’ll receive:

• Pre- and post-remediation photo packs
• Moisture testing data (if conducted)
• List of replaced battens or brackets
• Signed ITP checklists
• Documentation for consultant or engineer sign-off

We also support asset managers or strata with summary reports where needed.

6. Why It Matters

✅ Prevents panel movement, warping, or failures

✅ Ensures fire compliance at cavity level

✅ Supports clean sign-off by consultants and certifiers

✅ Avoids costly rework later in the project

✅ Gives engineers a verified base to detail off

Outcome:

Your cladding system is only as good as what’s behind it.

We make sure your substrate and battens are structurally sound, moisture-safe, and compliant — ready for a flawless install.

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If you’re ready to get started, we're ready to help.

Take the next step and let’s build something that lasts.

📞 Call Us: 0410 515 509

✉️ Email Us: hello@atomicprojects.com.au

— Ben Tran, General Manager, Atomic Projects

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