Vitrabond - Fairview Architectural North America

Big Brands or Real Performance? Why Specifiers Now Prefer Vitrabond

Daniel Bobos — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:44:27 +0000

In a market where brand recognition often overshadows actual performance, architects and building envelope consultants are making a decisive shift. They’re choosing materials that deliver measurable advantages, not just familiar names. Vitrabond is emerging as the preferred choice for those who demand both aesthetic excellence and proven technical superiority.

When value engineering discussions begin and fabricators propose legacy ACM brands based on name recognition alone, consider what you might be sacrificing. While established manufacturers have built reputations on being “the original” or “the industry standard,” Fairview’s Vitrabond delivers innovations that transform how façade materials perform from fabrication through decades of service life.

The Coating That Changes Everything: Vitranar® Flexible-Resin Technology

Standard ACM coatings, including those on most legacy brands, become brittle over time. The result? Micro-cracking and crazing at fold lines during fabrication are aesthetic defects that can void warranties and force costly rework.

In fact, many industry-standard warranties explicitly exclude coverage for “slight crazing or cracking as may occur on normal roll-forming or brake bending.” This means the very aesthetic defects you’re trying to avoid are written into the warranty as acceptable.

Vitrabond’s exclusive Vitranar® Flexible-Resin Coating eliminates this industry-wide limitation. Even after full cure, the coating remains elastic, completely preventing paint crazing at corners and folds. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about protecting your specification integrity and ensuring warranty coverage remains intact throughout installation.

The Architect’s Advantage:

Flawless corners on every panel, your design vision realized without the compromise other manufacturers write into their warranties
No aesthetic callbacks during construction, eliminating the “accepted standard” defects
Warranty protection that actually covers fabricated panels, not just raw materials

Warranty Protection Beyond Industry Standards

Read the fine print on most ACM warranties and you’ll discover limitations that significantly reduce long-term value. Many legacy manufacturers offer warranties that are non-transferable, provide limited delamination coverage, or even diminish protection on replacement panels. Vitrabond takes a fundamentally different approach:

Up to 40-year coastal finish warranty (non-prorated)
20-year material warranty covering delamination (non-prorated)—double the industry-standard 10-year coverage
Transferable to subsequent building owners—unlike non-transferable warranties that terminate upon sale
Repair-and-replace coverage, not just material credits
New warranty periods for replacement panels—versus warranties that only cover “the remainder of the original period”

For developers and building owners, this means your façade investment is truly protected for decades, not just on paper, but with real financial backing that doesn’t evaporate at sale or diminish over time. For architects, it means your reputation is safeguarded by warranty terms that withstand scrutiny.

Proprietary Thermal-Reactive Core: Fire Performance Beyond the Standard

While conventional fire-rated ACM meets NFPA 285 requirements through passive mineral-filled cores, Vitrabond’s proprietary thermal-reactive core actively responds to fire events, not just resisting flame spread, but actively managing thermal energy.

This innovative core technology features micro-particle additives engineered to absorb and dissipate heat during fire exposure. The result is superior performance that provides building occupants with critical additional protection during the most dangerous moments, going beyond what standard products deliver.

The Consultant’s Confidence:

Performance that exceeds code minimums, not just meets them
Active thermal management versus passive fire resistance
Enhanced life safety beyond basic NFPA 285 compliance

Additionally, this thermal-reactive property delivers a surprising fabrication benefit: reduced heat buildup during routing. Your fabricators will experience longer cutter life and cleaner grooves, translating to better corners and reduced shop time compared to standard products.

Transparency You Can Trust: Complete Testing Documentation

In an industry where manufacturers sometimes obscure testing data or rely on generic certifications, Fairview Architectural sets a higher standard. While many competitors make documentation available “upon request” or through lengthy inquiry processes, Vitrabond provides immediate access to:

Complete third-party test reports (AAMA 508/509, NFPA 285, ASTM E84) – immediately downloadable
Documented QA/QC processes for every production run, not just compliance badges
Traceable batch certifications that verify material composition
Independent lab validation through recognized testing facilities
Ready-to-use submittal packages versus documentation that must be assembled on request

This level of transparency isn’t just good practice; it’s essential for architects defending specifications and consultants validating system performance. When building officials or peer reviewers question material choices, Fairview’s documentation provides unambiguous answers without delays.

True-Flat Technology: The Foundation of Fabrication Excellence

While many manufacturers claim “superior flatness,” the reality in fabrication shops tells a different story. Inconsistent rigidity, oil-canning, and variable routing performance force fabricators to sort materials and adjust processes, wasting time and money.

Vitrabond’s proprietary True-Flat Technology delivers measurable, consistent results that fabricators depend on daily:

Uniform rigidity across every panel, no sorting required
Zero oil-canning or rippling—eliminating visual defects common in standard products
Consistent routing performance throughout production runs
Predictable behavior during forming and installation

The Fabricator’s Reality: This isn’t about marketing claims, it’s about shop efficiency. When every panel processes identically, fabricators reduce waste, minimize rework, and accelerate production. That consistency translates directly to better margins and faster project delivery.

North American Supply Reliability

Global supply chains create uncertainty. Extended lead times, variable stock availability, and unpredictable delivery schedules plague many established brands. Fairview Architectural operates differently, maintaining:

Millions of square feet of in-stock inventory
2-5 business days plus shipping on stock items
8-12 weeks for non-stock and custom orders
97% on-time delivery rate verified across thousands of shipments
Direct technical support from experts who understand North American building codes

When project schedules tighten and deadlines loom, this domestic supply capability becomes the difference between on-time completion and costly delays, regardless of how well-known the brand name might be.

The Real Question for Specifiers

When you specify materials based on brand familiarity rather than performance, who benefits? Certainly not your client. Not the building occupants. Not your professional reputation.

Vitrabond offers something better than a legacy name; it delivers measurable advantages at every stage:

Design freedom through superior finishes that eliminate warranty-excluded crazing
Fabrication efficiency via True-Flat Technology and thermal-reactive cores
Installation confidence backed by immediate access to comprehensive documentation
Lifecycle protection through transferable warranties with double the delamination coverage
Supply reliability that keeps projects on schedule regardless of global disruptions

Before you accept a value engineering substitution based on name recognition alone, ask your team one question: Are we specifying what’s familiar, or what’s truly superior?

Review the Evidence for Your Next Project

Fairview Architectural stands ready to provide detailed comparisons, testing documentation, and project-specific support. We invite you to examine the technical differences that make Vitrabond the choice for architects and consultants who demand proof, not promises.

Contact us to discuss your specific application requirements and receive comprehensive documentation supporting your specification decision.

The post Big Brands or Real Performance? Why Specifiers Now Prefer Vitrabond first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

Vitraplate vs. Vitrabond Technical Differences

Cassie Musolf — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 15:44:01 +0000

Feature	Vitraplate (Solid Aluminum Plate)	Vitrabond (Aluminum Composite Material)
Composition	100% Solid Aluminum. No core material.	Fire-resistant core between two aluminum or natural metal sheets.
Fire Rating	Non-combustible: ASTM E136, NFPA 285, ASTM E119, ASTM E84. Offers the clearest path to code compliance (best for high-rise or institutional projects).	Pass: ASTM E84, NFPA 285, CAN/ULC – S134.
Formability (End Result)	Achieves the same complex folds and bends as ACM but with added rigidity.	Easily achieves all necessary bends and folds.
Fabrication Method	Requires routing/scoring or brake forming along the bend line. Retains the structural integrity of the solid metal. Can be formed with a press brake, but we recommend back-routing.	Achieved by routing the core and one aluminum skin, then folding the remaining skin.
Cost	Generally higher material cost per square foot due to the volume of aluminum.	Generally more economical and cost-effective for large-scale projects.
LEED Data	Up to 32.5% recycled content.	12.75% recycled content.
Weight	1.7 lbs/sqft Heavier than ACM, which may impact structural design and handling labor.	1.5 lbs/sqft Lighter, which can reduce costs for the supporting structure and speed up installation.
Learn More	Vitraplate →	Vitrabond →

Need More Assistance?

Be connected to a Product Specialist.

Request a Quote Contact Us

The post Vitraplate vs. Vitrabond Technical Differences first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

The Prospect of Using Fairview Architectural Products in Florida

Victoria Tayler — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:49:00 +0000

Next-Generation Cladding: Fairview Architectural’s Solution for Florida Building Code & Sustainability

For decades, massive quantities of concrete have been used by the building industry in Florida. Offsetting the use of conventional types of concrete can be achieved by using alternatives that exemplify dematerialization, the concept of using less material to fulfill an intended purpose, as in cladding a building. This correlates with less embodied resources, lighter weight load, and in most cases, cost savings. Vitrabond ® FR (fire-retardant) by Fairview Architectural is a 4mm (0.157 inch) aluminum composite panels.

Exceeding Hurricane & Wind Standards

Fairview Architectural North America has Florida Product Approval for HVHZ (High–Velocity Hurricane Zones) use of Vitrabond® FR and/or Vitraplate® as integrated with their Arrowhead® attachment system¹. Florida Product Approval is required in compliance with the Florida Building Code for using products as building envelope components anywhere in the state, and the HVHZ is defined as Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. The Florida Building Code is increasingly stringent, with an updated edition every three years. Products are evaluated according to test protocols depending on their intended application².

Explore Vitrabond’s full Listing and Technical Evaluation Report: DrJ Report

Blocking Out Wind Driven Rain

The Arrowhead® system, collectively with Fairview Architectural’s aluminum composite panels, is efficiently used in exterior wall assemblies consisting of 1/2” fiberglass mat gypsum sheathing over light gauge steel framing. The system is referred to as a rainscreen, which is double layered construction separated by an airspace gap. The exposed outer layer blocks nearly all of the wind-driven rain, and shades the back-up layer, a continuous air/water barrier membrane applied directly over the sheathing, from exposure and the weathering effects of direct sunlight. In principle, though the rainscreen cladding is an open joint system, it is pressure-equalized so that moisture is not driven inward, and self-ventilating to allow escape of incidental moisture³. The patented Arrowhead® system is designed to simplify installation, minimize fallibilities, and reduce labor costs⁴. The system consists of small, intricately shaped linear profiles, which in this context can be referred to as pieces. First a base piece is fastened through shims to the back-up wall. An intermediate piece, to which the Vitrabond® panels are attached, interlocks to the base piece by an innovative T-clip⁵. The Arrowhead® system is non-sequential, meaning respective panels are installed independently of adjacent panels, thereby allowing flexibility in the construction process.

Passive Cooling Effect – Radiant Barrier

Much of Florida has a unique near-tropical climate where cooling is the objective practically year-round. There are two different types of passive cooling strategies: thermal mass, and radiant barrier. When sunlight encounters a material, it is either absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. That which is absorbed is stored according to that material’s heat capacity and emitted according to its emissivity. Radiant barriers consist of a material, thin as it may be, that is reflective and has a low emissivity surface adjacent to an airspace⁵. The Arrowhead® system, collectively with Fairview Architectural’s aluminum composite panels, effectively functions as a radiant barrier. Solar reflectance varies depending on the color and gloss of the PVDF exterior finish.

Exceptional Finishes & Salt Spray Resistance

Vitrabond® panels have a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) exterior finish meeting AAMA 2605 performance standards⁷, providing an exceedingly high level of durability⁸, and resistance to dirt accumulation because of its fluoropolymer formula³. Fairview Architectural has extensive options regarding the aesthetics of PVDF finishes, and offers architects the opportunity for coordinating custom finishes. The variability of formulations allows for a wide range of colors, gloss, and special effects such as metallic speckling⁸. Specific formulations are proprietary, but constituents such as metal oxides and mica pearlescent are used for aesthetics⁸. The finish is factory-applied by coil coating⁶, a highly automated and highly efficient process. On a continuous coil coating line, the aluminum sheet is uncoiled, pretreated, primed, coated, cured in a finish oven, then recoiled. The continuous coil process minimizes liquid paint waste with nearly a 100% transfer efficiency, and also accommodates controlled collection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)⁹. The exterior finish coating is extremely resistant to adverse conditions, including superior resistance to salt spray and corrosion in coastal environments⁸.

Coordination and Subcontracting

The decision to use these products should be deliberated early on in the planning stages to be integral to the overall design. Moreover, the supply chain consists of Fairview Architectural as manufacturer and a separate, typically local entity as fabricator. Fabrication of panels ready to mount on the wall assembly involves cutting to size, then routing and folding at the perimeter edge to result in a continuous return for attachment of respective panels.

Tackling a Coastal or HVHZ Project?

Connect with a Fairview Florida Specialist to ensure your façade meets hurricane, corrosion and fire standards from day one.
Email helpdesk@fairview-na.com or call 860-242-2711 for a Same-Day Response.

(This article was originally published on www.FLSustainability.com)

References
¹L. Roberto Lomas P.E. 2022. Florida Product Approval #25812.1.
²International Code Council, Inc. 2020. Florida Test Protocols for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones, 7th Edition (2020).
³Ehrlich, B. 2014.By Joshua Bowditch
⁴Arrowhead® Information Flyer. 2020. Fairview Architectural.
⁵DrJ Engineering, LLC. 2021. Technical Evaluation Report TER 2006-02 Arrowhead® Fastening System. Fairview Architectural.
⁶Fairey, P. 1994. Radiant Energy Transfer and Radiant Barrier Systems in Buildings. FSEC Publication DN-6. Florida Solar Energy Center.
⁷Vitrabond® Technical Manual. 2020. Fairview Architectural.
⁸Iezzi, R. A. 2015. Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Based Coatings Technology. In: ASM Handbook, Volume 5B, Protective Organic Coatings. K. B. Tator (ed.)
⁹Pilcher, G. R. 2012. Market Analysis Preview: Coil and Extrusion Coatings. In: CoatingsTech. American Coatings Association

The post The Prospect of Using Fairview Architectural Products in Florida first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

How will NFPA 285 affect MCM in 2025?

Victoria Tayler — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:29:00 +0000

Cladding Safety with Metal Composite Material (MCM) and NFPA 285-19

One of the most talked about points when specifying MCM panels, is NPFA 285 compliance. Fire safety standards are a big concern globally, and understandably so.

Since the 1980s, innovative exterior wall systems have been developed to enhance a buildings appearance, and to improve the overall performance of a facade. Over the last decade several high-rise building fires including structures in Dubai, Shanghai, Atlantic City, and the much-publicized Grenfell Tower in 2017 has raised concerns over buildings and façade cladding safety.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has developed research and resources to help building owners and global enforcement authorities, assess the fire risk of existing high-rise building portfolios, as well as identify what fire testing procedures should be applied when designing new buildings. It has been suggested that the absence of severe apartment building fires in the U.S. is a testament to the American Building Code and additional standards such as NFPA 285.

What is NFPA 285?

The NFPA 285 test evolved from previous building and fire codes and first came into existence in 1998. The Code was updated in 2018 following the Grenfell Tower fire and has been continually revised, and improved to ensure the safety of buildings and their residents. NFPA 285 -19 (2019) is the current test standard.

What does the NFPA 285 involve?

The NFPA 285 test is classified as the ‘Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components’. This standard provides a test method for determining the fire propagation characteristics of exterior wall assemblies that are constructed using combustible materials or that incorporate combustible components.

The actual test itself is performed as an assembly test for exterior walls that contain combustible components or materials. The test determines vertical and horizontal flame spread by simulating an interior flashover fire that impacts the exterior cladding through a compromised window opening. It is important to stress the fact that NFPA 285 is a large-scale assembly test. This means that individual products and systems cannot pass the test alone. Materials are only considered acceptable when evaluated in conjunction with and as part of the entire wall assembly.

An example of a typical NFPA 285 compliant MCM wall assembly includes the following components that are often sourced from multiple manufacturers: insulation, exterior cladding panel, air barrier, water-resistive barrier, fasteners, lintels and furring.

The fire exposure duration for NFPA 285 is 30 minutes. See example diagram below:

Image: courtesy of the Metal Construction Association

When is NFPA 285 compliance required?

NFPA 285 compliance is required for an exterior wall assembly containing MCM panels as follows:

Installations on buildings of Type I, II, III or IV construction that are greater than 40 feet in height where the fire-separation distance exceeds 5 feet.
Installations of up to 50 feet if the MCM has a limited self-ignition temperature.
Installations up to 75 feet (or beyond if sprinkler protected).

The graphic below provides a visual reference on when and where the Code is required:

Note: There are situations where a combustible Water Resistant Barrier can be used without being tested such as when the only combustible component in the wall assembly is covered with brick, stucco, concrete and a few other materials or meets certain technical parameters.

How does MCM perform against NFPA 285?

Although continually faced with updated test protocols for fire protection, metal composite material cladding is passing the test. With its Fire Retardant (FR) mineral core, MCMs perform well when subjected to NFPA’s stringent testing procedures.

Note: not all manufacturers have tested their products against the current standard, so it is important to make sure that the MCM you are specifying is compliant and accompanied by an ISO/IEC 17065 accredited report.

When exposed to fire, the metal skins of the MCM initially deflect the heat and fire away from the core material. While the metal skins will eventually melt, the material remains in place, and the metal limits both the amount of combustible core available to the fire and the spread of flame.

Also, of note is the fact that wall cavity heat gain is not typically an issue in MCM systems in the absence of exterior flames. In other words, the wall does not self-sustain once the flame source is eliminated. This is also a benefit of the FR core as it has shown to self-extinguish almost immediately.

This is due to the FR core utilizing the addition of minerals, such as alumina trihydrate or magnesium oxide, that effectively break down when subjected to extreme heat. This then releases water vapor, helps suppress the fire, and causes the self-extinguishing process mentioned above once the flame source is removed (see diagram below).

Are there alternatives to using MCM panels?

MCM panels are a popular construction material and there are many advantages to continue using and specifying them as part of your compliant wall assembly. Alternative options to MCM are non-combustible solid metal panels or engineered metal plate, however, current supply chain issues caused by the high demand for raw aluminum materials, is seeing prices for these products reach all-time highs.

How to specify MCM compliant products

If you require a non-combustible cladding solution that is compliant to NFPA 285, MCM is the more reasonably priced option with the addition of being available in an extensive range of colors, easy to fabricate and install and long-term warranties.

At Fairview our range includes the MCM panel product, Vitrabond FR, that is fully compliant to NFPA 285 (report available on request) as well as the 3mm pre-finished solid aluminum panel (Vitraplate). Contact our team for more information and to discuss your specific project needs.

The post How will NFPA 285 affect MCM in 2025? first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

Mastering Custom Colors and Finishes for Metal Cladding: Your Ultimate Guide

Victoria Tayler — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:34:00 +0000

As a member of the architectural community, we understand how important custom finishes and colors are to the quality and look of the final project. All too often, we’ve seen construction projects take a sharp departure from the original design intent for the metal cladding material due to the inability of other companies to custom match the desired colors and finishes.

Instead, our goal at Fairview is to understand and develop colors and finishes that enable architects and owners to achieve their original design intent. No design departures here.

That’s why our approach is not about what colors and finishes we have in stock—it is about what you as the designer are looking for.

Our custom finishes for metal façade materials will bring your design vision to life exactly as you envisioned

What are Fairview’s Standard Colors and Finishes for Metal Cladding Material?

We currently have millions of square feet of Vitrabond FR ACM in our Connecticut warehouse location. The standard Fairview colors comprise of solids, metallics, and faux zincs. The faux zinc finishes in particular are hugely popular due to their superior quality. See them for yourself by ordering free samples here.

Our special-order range of finishes includes our standard but non-stocking finish series. This series includes painted solid colors, pattern finishes such as woodgrains, faux corten and other rust finishes as well as chromatic color shifting finishes, and natural metals like copper, zinc, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum finishes.

How do Fairview’s custom colors and finishes work for metal cladding material?

At Fairview we understand that each and every engineering project is unique and often requires custom finishes for the metal cladding panels. So, while we have many high-quality colors and finishes to choose from that are in stock, the majority of what we supply are custom finishes. We are happy to help create the custom look that you need.

To create custom colors and finishes, we can exactly custom match a specified paint color, or match an adjacent color such as a custom extrusion color. For this process, we submit a paint chip to our lab to be matched. The lab results are then sent to the client for approval prior to releasing them for production.

Please note that the color-matching capabilities at Fairview are not just limited to our two-coat and three-coat solid mica and metallic finishes. We are able to leverage our industry-leading finish capabilities to develop incredibly close color, pattern, and texture matches to other materials—whether it’s brick, stone, wood, concrete, or another cladding product.

Portfolio of Custom Color Matching Projects with Our Clients:

CSX East – This project, in Washington, DC was a 360,000 square foot custom job requiring 7 different rust finishes for the metal cladding material on the exterior. We worked closely with R2L Architects and our color lab to develop each individual rust color required.

The popularity of the finishes for the CSX East project led us to create The Rust Collection. You can request free samples of any or all of these finishes here.

14 Le Count/The Stella – This project, in New Rochelle, NY was designed by Beyer Blinder Belle and required a concrete finish for the metal facade product that could mimic the look of real concrete. What we developed was a finish called “Ivory Concrete”. 142,000 square feet panels of this finish on our Vitrabond FR alongside accents of “Pewter Metallic” and “Anthrazit Grey” add an elegant touch to the exterior.

808-812 Memorial Drive – When you want to refresh two 1970s apartment buildings in Cambridge, MA, what better way to do it than by recladding the existing exteriors? With over 240,000 square feet of Vitrabond FR Metal Cladding Panels in three custom colors: “Clay”, “Sedona” and match to “Pantone 41-6U”.

San Ysidro Land Port of Entry (SYLPOE) – The SYLPOE is well-known for being the busiest land border crossing in North America. For this project, 168,297 square feet of our Vitraplate 3mm Solid Aluminum Plate was used in a variety of custom finishes including: “Cyberspace,” “Network Grey,” “Dynamic Blue” & “Grey Screen.”

Upenn – The unique design on the award-winning Stephan A. Levin building at the University of Pennsylvania could not have been achieved without the development of custom finishes for the metal cladding material. Vitrabond panels were used on the exterior in “Aria White,” “Nordic Green Pre-Patina Copper” and “Cannon Grey.”

Brandeis University – The Skyline Residence at Brandeis University is a sophisticated look, thanks to the development of a “Deep Taupe” custom finish specifically designed by our lab in conjunction with the project design team. The individual finish gives this building a unique and sophisticated look for the metal cladding material on the exterior.

Contact us about Custom Finishes for your metal cladding projects today

At Fairview, our primary goal is to empower architectural designers to seamlessly integrate the aesthetic appeal of any product with the durability and cost-efficiency of composite metal panel systems or metal cladding materials. Simply provide us with a physical sample of the desired finish, no matter how small, and we will develop a precise match in no time.

Fairview’s published color chart serves as an excellent starting point for your design journey, but it does not encompass the full extent of our color and finish capabilities. We can create virtually anything you envision.

Feel free to reach out about our custom color and finish matching services today. We’d love to help you achieve your next metal panel project.

The post Mastering Custom Colors and Finishes for Metal Cladding: Your Ultimate Guide first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

Economics of Aluminum in the U.S. Building Industry

Stephanie Goguen — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:30:40 +0000

Why are aluminum prices and lead times going up?

By now any fabricator in the metal building façade industry has seen price increases from all their raw material vendors. But why so sudden, and why did the prices go up before the tariffs were even applied?

We decided to do a research paper on the economics of aluminum in the US Building Industry to learn more about this intricate economy.

Aluminum 101 – where does it come from?

Primary aluminum is an industrial metal commodity that is highly globalized. Ingots, the stock form of aluminum, are imported from outside sources. Aluminum naturally occurs in the form of bauxite. Initial processing typically takes place in close proximity to bauxite mining locations¹, as bauxite is a very bulky material and it takes 2 to 2.5 tons of bauxite to yield 1 ton of alumina². Similarly, 1.9 tons of alumina produces 1 ton of aluminum by smelting, an electrochemical process that is very energy intensive³. Smelting facilities typically are located either in close proximity to alumina refineries or where there is an abundance of cost-efficient electricity³. Aluminum ingots come from specific areas around the world where aluminum production infrastructure has been established based on these factors.

The Impact of Supply, Demand, and Speculation

Trading of metals has historically occurred since the bronze age. During the industrial revolution, Great Britain became heavily involved in trading metals globally, and the London Metal Exchange was established for futures trading¹. “Futures” are contracts to buy or sell a specific quantity, on a set date and at a fixed price⁴. To this day, commodity prices are determined in general through trading on the London Metal Exchange (LME). The “Midwest Premium” is an assessment of additional value based on the regional supply and demand which affects the actual price⁵. That price has more than doubled from October 2024, in direct correlation with political developments, as can be observed at the graph below.

Domestic Manufacturing in Decline

Statistics on aluminum as a commodity do not distinguish aluminum used specifically for the building industry⁶. From 2020 to 2023, Canada was the source for 56% of all imported primary aluminum⁶. Major aluminum smelting infrastructure is located in Canada because of the profusion of hydroelectric energy there⁷. Production of primary aluminum in the United States has been minimal for some time with a continued decline through 2024⁶, decreasing by 30 percent from 2020⁸. The imposition of tariffs in March 2025 is for the stated intent of increasing domestic production of primary aluminum by bringing existing smelters up to capacity and incentivizing the construction of new smelters⁸. Primary aluminum is produced from alumina⁸, which is largely imported.

Is Aluminum made in USA subject to tariffs?

What is seemingly unreconcilable is that the tariff on all imported aluminum is 25%, yet the price of aluminum with the Midwest Premium has gone up nearly 150%. The Midwest Premium is assessed by S&P Global Platts, a price reporting agency with no financial stake in commodity prices⁵. It is important to understand that the Midwest Premium is based on regional supply and demand. The disproportionate increase is attributed to incredible uncertainties, such as the fact that the tariff could be increased at will by the political administration of any country, foreign suppliers may not be willing to pay the tariff, the possibility of trade war resulting in embargoes, perhaps buyers expecting subsidies, or the expectation of higher value use for aluminum such as defense industry. The Midwest Premium is merely a reference to the projection of the regional supply and demand, factoring in both past results and future outlook, including potential impacts of tariffs and trade wars. The aluminum processors then add the Midwest Premium to their price of aluminum, unrelated to their actual costs, and indiscriminate of whether the primary aluminum was made in USA or imported. Therefore, aluminum that has been 100% made in the USA is impacted by the tariffs at the same rate as aluminum made from imported primary aluminum.

When will aluminum prices and lead times come back down?

On Thursday March 13th, a delegation from Canada met with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce; the readout from that meeting states that the asserted intentions of the tariffs are to “eliminate the current status quo⁹.” A new aluminum smelter is a large capital investment, costing at least $1 billion, and takes three years minimum to build and become operational¹⁰. Modernization and expansion of existing aluminum smelters in the U.S. would only be a relatively less costly and quicker means to increase domestic capacity. In the case of aluminum, the tariffs do not address two core issues: alumina would be largely imported, and the high price for electricity which is the predominant factor for aluminum smelting.

Until domestic smelting capacity increases and the price of electricity comes down, significant reduction in aluminum prices is only a dream.

References

¹Buchan, D. and C. Errington. 2018. Commodities Demystified: A Guide to Trading and the Global Supply Chain – Second Edition. Trafigura.

²World Bank. 1981. Bauxite and Aluminum Handbook.

³Aluminum: The Element of Sustainability. 2011. The Aluminum Association.

⁴Guide to the London Metal Exchange. 2022. The London Metal Exchange.

⁵Myths and Facts about the Midwest Premium. S&P Global Platts.

⁶Merrill, A. M. 2025. Aluminum. U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries.

⁷Hydropower in Canada: Past Present and Future. 2008. Canadian Hydropower Association.

⁸Adjusting Imports of Aluminum into the United States. 2025. Proclamation No. 10895. Federal Register 90 (31).

⁹Readout from Secretary Lutnick’s Meeting with Minister Leblanc, Ontario Premier Ford, Minister Champagne, and Ambassador Hillman.

U.S. Department of Commerce.

¹⁰Watson, C. D. 2022. Aluminum Manufacturing: Industry Trends and Sustainability, Document R47294. Congressional Research Service.

The post Economics of Aluminum in the U.S. Building Industry first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

Vitraplate® Non-Combustible Aluminum Façade Materials

Victoria Tayler — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:15:08 +0000

How Does the Building Code Define Vitraplate® as Non-Combustible?
The International Building Code (IBC) Section 703.4 establishes the criteria for determining a product’s non-combustibility. This definition is necessary, as ASTM E-136, a standard test for non-combustibility, is primarily applicable to elementary materials rather than manufactured or painted products such as Vitraplate®.

Does Vitraplate® pass the ASTM E-136 test to prove that they are non-combustible?
The ASTM E-136 test is for elementary materials only and is therefore not for any painted product. As such, the aluminum used in Vitraplate® passes the ASTM E-136, meaning that Vitraplate® non-combustible.

Has Vitraplate® passed an NFPA 285 full scale wall assembly fire test?
The NFPA 285 test does not apply to Vitraplate®. It also does not apply to the non-combustible wall assembly applications where we recommend using Vitraplate®. The NFPA 285 is specifically made for combustible products, to allow their use in wall assemblies that are meant to use products rated as non-combustible according to the building code. Fairview Architectural has many products for many applications. Other MCM/ACM manufacturers with a single product range must try to make their product fit where it shouldn’t. By contrast, Fairview promotes VitrabondFR® where wall assemblies are permitted to contain combustible products and promotes Vitraplate® for use in non-combustible wall assemblies.

Why not have Vitraplate® tested in an NFPA285 wall assembly test? Wouldn’t that open up a greater market share?
It is not about market share – we simply develop the RIGHT product for the RIGHT application, and don’t try to promote saving pennies at the cost of life safety. Fairview Architectural was the first to discontinue the use of the flammable PE core ACM, and the first to develop non-combustible pre-finished solid aluminum building façade material, known as Vitraplate®.

Is there a full-scale wall assembly fire test for Vitraplate® in North America?
At this time non-combustible products themselves are not required to undergo full-scale wall assembly testing, and there are no full-scale fire tests for non-combustible products in the North American market. Fairview Architectural ensures that our products meet and exceed the testing criteria for the applications they are designed for, and invest into the development of the right product for each application.

Are other fire tests such as ASTM E-119 or ASTM E-84 required for Vitraplate®?
Many tests, such as ASTM E84 are used to determine the risk of using combustible products in construction. Specifically, ASTM E84 is to determine the surface burning characteristics of building materials. As Vitraplate® is classified as a non-combustible product according to ASTM E-136 and IBC Section 703.4, there is no surface burning, so ASTM E84 is not required by the building codes, nor is it applicable to the product.

Likewise, ASTM E119 as relates to walls is a test used for determining how long a fire can be prevented from passing through a wall assembly. An example of this is when you have a partition wall between a garage and living space, some codes require double 5/8” Type X gypsum to achieve a 2 hour rated wall. As a cladding material, there is no correlation between Vitraplate® and the ASTM E119 standard, therefore there is no way to perform this test according to the test standards and the use of the product.

Conclusion

We envision a building façade industry free of flammable cladding materials. We all understand that buildings need paint, adhesives, waterproofing, paper backers on drywall, etc… and we are working with conscientious insurers, code consultants, fire marshals, and architects who have embraced our vision as together we lead the change to a safer building façade industry.

The post Vitraplate® Non-Combustible Aluminum Façade Materials first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

The Impact of the 2022 NYC Building Code on Exterior Wall Assemblies: A Proposed Solution

Debi Robins — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:37:36 +0000

The Challenge: Additional Testing Required by the NYC Building Code.

The 2022 NYC Building Code brings with it significant challenges to using aluminum composite material (ACM) in exterior wall assemblies. The new code’s stringent requirements mean that standard product-based full scale NFPA 285 fire tests are no longer acceptable. Instead, multiple project-specific NFPA 285 tests for various wall configurations could be required for each project, leading to increased costs, project delays, and potential design limitations.

The inclusion of ACM in exterior facades has become a popular choice due to their aesthetic appeal, durability, and resistance to oil-canning. However, these materials, although often fire resistant, are not classified as non-combustible, triggering the need for extensive fire testing to meet the 2022 NYC Building Code’s mandates.

The Solution: Use Vitraplate, a Non-Combustible Cladding Material.

Fairview Architectural has invested significantly into research and development, and now has a viable solution to mitigate these challenges. The utilization of Vitraplate prefinished aluminum as a non-combustible alternative to ACM. Vitraplate offers the same wide range of finishes and colors as ACM, providing comparable aesthetic appeal without the fire safety concerns associated with ACM. By selecting Vitraplate and designing a non-combustible wall assembly, building owners and developers can avoid the cost of multiple NFPA 285 tests and avoid the risk of not using non-combustible materials, streamlining the approval process and accelerating project timelines.

The benefits of using Vitraplate are substantial:

Cost Savings: Eliminating the need for multiple NFPA 285 tests results in significant cost reductions.
Time Efficiency: Streamlined approval process accelerates project timelines.
Design Flexibility: Vitraplate’s versatility allows for diverse design options without compromising fire safety.
Enhanced Safety: As a non-combustible material, Vitraplate contributes to a safer building environment.

Adopting Vitraplate as a preferred material for exterior facades can be a game-changer for the construction industry in New York City, and is the product of choice to meet the 2022 NYC Building Code.

By embracing this innovative solution, we can collectively address the challenges posed by the 2022 NYC Building Code while maintaining the highest standards of fire safety and aesthetic appeal.

What is the NFPA 285?

NFPA 285 is a test standard set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It outlines a fire test method for evaluating the fire propagation characteristics of non load-bearing exterior wall assemblies that have products that are not classified as non-combustible. This standard is crucial for ensuring the safety of buildings, particularly high-rise structures, by assessing how well an exterior wall can resist the spread of fire.

Purpose: To determine the ability of an exterior wall assembly to prevent or limit the spread of fire from an interior to the exterior of a building.
Test Procedure: Involves subjecting a full-scale exterior wall assembly to a standardized fire exposure and measuring the subsequent flame spread, heat transfer, and other relevant factors.
Criteria: A wall assembly passes the NFPA 285 test if it meets specific criteria, such as limiting flame spread to the interior of the building and preventing excessive heat transfer.
Importance: Compliance with NFPA 285 is often required for certain types of buildings, especially those with multiple stories, to ensure safety and reduce the risk of fire-related damage.

NFPA 285 is a Vital Tool for Assessing the Fire Resistance of Exterior Wall Assemblies – Promoting Safer Buildings.

Suggested further reading

Want to learn more? Here are some additional blog posts that you may find of interest:

– Solid aluminum panel cladding – passing trend or here to stay?

– Why is coil coated metal the best choice for exterior facade panels

– Do aluminum panels need to be welded?

Contact our team for more information and to discuss your specific project needs.

The post The Impact of the 2022 NYC Building Code on Exterior Wall Assemblies: A Proposed Solution first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

Case Study: The Stella, New Rochelle, NY

Victoria Tayler — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 03:09:09 +0000

Project: The Stella (14 LeCount)

Location: New Rochelle, NY

Architect: Beyer Blinder Belle

Fabricator: ES Windows

Product: Vitrabond FR – Aluminum Composite Material

Finishes: Ivory Concrete, Pewter Metallic & Anthrazit Grey

Quantity: 142,000 sf

Project Details

The Stella in New Rochelle, NY is a 27-story mixed-use high-rise development designed by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects. Based in the heart of downtown NY, the aim of the development was to combine affordable residential housing with a large ground-floor commercial space.

The design intent for the exterior façade was to create a contemporary design that would incorporate a range of building materials. In addition, an intention for the exterior façade was to develop a finish on aluminum composite panels that could mimic the look of real concrete, in particular, Ivory Concrete. This would allow the project to have the look of a concrete façade but with the benefits that come from using metal cladding materials.

Fairview’s Solution

Fairview Architectural was brought in to assist with the project due to our expertise in creating unique finishes on aluminum composite cladding. Fairview Architectural’s color laboratory was used, in conjunction with the project team at Beyer Blinder Belle and ES Windows.

The final finish chosen for The Stella not only looks like concrete it also has a textured look and feel that makes it almost impossible to tell the difference between real concrete panels and the Ivory Concrete on aluminum composite panels.

Mark Knapp from ES Windows who installed the panels commented:

“We were brought on to this project to offer design assistance. The architects were looking for an aluminum alternative to an existing construction material. We couldn’t be happier with the result. Fairview really showed their expertise in creating this custom-matched finish and we wouldn’t hesitate to use them on similar projects in the future. They are the industry’s best-kept secret when it comes to finishes and color matching.”

The Finish

Ivory Concrete is a coil-coated finish on 4mm Vitrabond® FR aluminum composite panels. This cladding material consists of two sheets of 0.02” aluminum sandwiching a fire-retardant core. The coil-coated finishes use a Kynar PVDF resin that makes it possible for the panels to be formed and rolled without any cracking or crazing.

Get your samples of Ivory Concrete today!

Awards

Westchester Home Builders Awards – Best Luxury Multifamily Development

The post Case Study: The Stella, New Rochelle, NY first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

Top 10 construction projects using unique and custom finishes

Victoria Tayler — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 05:57:11 +0000

Architects are tasked with finding the perfect finish for their projects. With the right finish, you can create a unique and striking look that will really make your project stand out from the rest. At Fairview, we have helped architects develop some of the most complex and beautiful custom finishes for projects throughout North America. Here are our top 10 custom projects that have really made an impact.

1. CSX East – Washington, DC

Our team worked with R2L Architects to develop seven different rust finishes for the metal cladding material on the exterior of this project in Washington, DC. We used our color lab to ensure each individual rust color was just right.

Find out more here.

2. The Heming (Scotts Run), Washington, DC

The Heming building is part of the Scotts Run development in Washington, DC. Designed by CallisonRTKL, now known as Arcadis, this development features over 190,000sf of Vitrabond FR panels in two custom finishes, Dusty Charcoal and SOG Gray. The exterior finishes also include two of Fairview’s Express Range finishes that are in stock and ready to ship within 2-5 days.

Find out more here.

3. 808-812 Memorial Drive – Cambridge, MA

We manufactured 240,000 sf of VitrabondFR cladding panels to refresh these 1970s apartment buildings in Cambridge, MA. The design for the exterior was developed using custom finishes: “Clay”, “Sedona” and a match to “Pantone 41-6U”.

Find out more here.

4. 14 LeCount/The Stella – New Rochelle, NY

This project designed by Beyer Blinder Belle architects required an imitation concrete finish on metal cladding. We developed a special finish called “Ivory Concrete” that was able to perfectly mimic the look and texture of concrete. A total of 142,000sf of Ivory Concrete was used on this project.

Find out more here.

5. Oregon State University, Portland, OR

The Oregon State University’s Collaborative Life Sciences Building project showcases a custom woodgrain finish in Maple. This project is also a great example of how a seamless exterior can be achieved using Vitrabond FR MCM panels with matching Edgeline flashing material.

Find out more here.

6. The Parker – Alexandria, VA

This residential development in Alexandria, VA was designed with an exterior façade that is bright and fun and brings joy to the neighborhood. This can also be seen in the names chosen for the custom finishes Laughing Orange and Humorous Green that were developed on Vitrabond FR MCM panels.

Find out more here.

7. UPENN – Philadelphia, PA

The multi-award winning Stephan A. Levin building at the University of Pennsylvania features a unique Nordic Green Pre-Patina Copper and a Cannon Grey custom finish on VitrabondFR facade cladding panels.

Find out more here.

8. Wyndham Garden Hotel – Brooklyn, NY

Designed by Horst Design International, the Wyndham Garden Hotel features a custom exterior façade using a chromatic coral finish. Chromatic finishes symbolize prestige, quality and status and will make a statement on any building project.

Find out more here.

9. The Essex – New York, NY

The Essex is a residential development located at 125 Delancey Street in New York. It is one of the tallest buildings on the Lower East Side and was designed by Handel Architects. The exterior façade features an asymmetrical design with folded metal panels in a variety of patterns made from more than 165,000 sf of VitrabondFR MCM in custom bronze metallic and custom black metallic finishes.

Find out more here.

10. Brandeis University – Skyline Residence

Our VitrabondFR 4mm aluminum composite panels in Deep Taupe were used on Brandeis University’s Skyline Residence. This custom finish was specially designed by our team to meet the specific needs of this project.

Find out more here.

At Fairview, we have the capability to create custom finishes or color matches to achieve the desired outcome for an architect on their project. Get in touch to find out more about our custom matching service and also our standard to specialty range of finishes.

The post Top 10 construction projects using unique and custom finishes first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.