Vitraplate - Fairview Architectural North America

Going Vertical – Why Vitraplate® is the Go-To for High-Rise Safety and Strength

Daniel Bobos — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:00:34 +0000

The Hidden Cost of Post-Painting

In the façade industry, every delay has a price. When cladding panels leave the shop unfinished, you’re not just sending metal to the painter—you’re sending your schedule, your margins, and your control along with it… and you are entrusting hours of shop labor to your vendor.

Post-painted panels introduce unpredictable variables: coating inconsistencies, weather delays, shipping damage, and unplanned touch-ups. Each variable compounds into rework, cost overruns, and frustrated clients.

And what about risk? You have invested cash into the raw materials, the shop labor, the equipment run time. All of this combined is now sent to the painter. If the painting process has issues will they pay for all the costs you must incur to remake a panel?

Vitraplate® changes that equation.

1. Code Compliance Starts with Non-Combustibility

When it comes to high-rise façades, fire performance isn’t negotiable.
Vitraplate®’s 100% solid aluminum composition is ASTM E136 certified non-combustible — meaning it passes the toughest fire safety requirements for buildings over 40 feet.

Unlike composites that rely on fire-retardant cores, Vitraplate® delivers total compliance peace of mind with no substitutions, additional testing, or design workarounds required.

“Non-combustible from the start — no exceptions, no extra steps.”

2. Built for Strength and Stability

At heights where panels face higher wind loads and thermal movement, rigidity and consistency are non-negotiable.

Vitraplate® provides exceptional impact resistance, flatness, and dimensional stability, maintaining its shape even under extreme pressure or temperature shifts.

It installs like ACM but performs like solid plate — ideal for towers, hospitals, and campuses where both safety and precision matter.

Engineering Benefits:

Superior tensile and yield strength compared to ACM
Minimal expansion-contraction cycles
Compatible with high-wind installation systems like Arrowhead®

3. Prefinished for Predictable High-Rise Timelines

Painting delays in high-rise projects are more than inconvenient — they’re catastrophic.

Vitraplate® eliminates this bottleneck entirely through its proprietary prefinished, factory-controlled coating system.

That means faster fabrication, 95%+ on-time delivery, and no waiting on third-party painters or weather-dependent schedules.

With shorter project cycles and reliable sequencing, teams can stay on the critical path from design through installation — a crucial advantage when dealing with multi-million-dollar builds.

4. Aesthetic Freedom Meets Safety

High-rise doesn’t have to mean industrial.

Vitraplate® offers a broad range of finishes — from metallics and anodized looks to custom colors and realistic faux-finishes— all using our proprietary flexible-resin finish system for up to 40 years of performance – even on the coast.

Architects can achieve bold, distinctive façades that meet the safety and compliance standards of the most conservative specs.

5. Prefinished for Predictable High-Rise Timelines

Painting delays in high-rise projects are more than inconvenient — they’re catastrophic.

Vitraplate® eliminates this bottleneck entirely through its proprietary prefinished, factory-controlled coating system.

That means faster fabrication, 95%+ on-time delivery, and no waiting on third-party painters or weather-dependent schedules.

With shorter project cycles and reliable sequencing, teams can stay on the critical path from design through installation — a crucial advantage when dealing with multi-million-dollar builds.

Predictability built in. Every floor, every time.

The Takeaway

In high-rise construction, risk compounds with every story. Vitraplate® mitigates that risk through solid metal strength, proven fire compliance, and total fabrication control.

It’s the smarter, stronger, and safer way to go vertical — without compromise.

Request a sample

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Why Prefinished Cladding Beats Post-Painted Every Time

Daniel Bobos — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:00:40 +0000

The Hidden Cost of Post-Painting

Vitraplate® changes that equation.

Prefinished Panels: The Predictable Alternative

Vitraplate® is a prefinished, non-combustible solid aluminum plate engineered for predictability.

By eliminating post-painting altogether, it delivers 97% on-time delivery and a zero rework workflow that fabricators, GCs, and architects can trust.

Where traditional processes introduce friction, Vitraplate® streamlines it:

No painting hold-ups. Coating is done before fabrication under controlled conditions.
No color mismatch. PVDF and FEVE coil coatings maintain batch-to-batch consistency.
No secondary processes: Complete the panel fabrication all at once, no need to uncrate and add stiffeners after painting.

We can deliver fabricated panels to the jobsite just two days after receiving the Vitraplate® material.

Massachusetts-based façade fabricator and installer

Why Fabricators Love Prefinishing

Fabricators are the first to feel the pain of post-painting — and the first to benefit from eliminating it.

Vitraplate®’s Proprietary Flexible-Resin CoatingTM reduces a weeks-long fabrication project into just days, and completely removes the risk of paint batch variations and damaged panels due to additional handling. The result?

Clean lines, perfect folds, and a warranty-backed finish.
Predictable pricing and scheduling, without the dependency on third-party painters.
Improved shop flow with fewer storage, handling, and quality control bottlenecks.

Why GCs and Installers Rely on Vitraplate®

For Installers and General Contractors, prefinished panels mean predictable performance.

When subcontractors use Vitraplate® for their panels, installers and GC’s can rely on more accurate scheduling, fewer supply disruptions, and prevent call-backs due to mismatched panels.

That translates to:

Fewer on-site adjustments and no field repainting.
Shorter installation timelines.
Reduced call-backs and warranty claims.

Pre-Finished Vitraplate® is the way to go!

Project Manager, University of Michigan Project

Why Architects Specify It

Architects face constant pressure to balance design intent, compliance, and constructability.

Vitraplate® simplifies that process with certified non-combustible material, proprietary 70% PVDF Kynar flexible-resin coil coatings, and virtually unlimited color flexibility — all backed by clear documentation and test data.

Instead of wondering whether the final finish will match the rendering, architects can design boldly, knowing the product will look and perform exactly as intended, without the traditional variations that come with spray-painting.

Design fearlessly. Specify confidently.

Prefinished Means Sustainable, Too

Post-painting doesn’t just slow projects—it wastes materials and energy.

By coil-coating panels before fabrication, Fairview reduces overspray, VOC emissions, and transportation steps. Aluminum’s 100% recyclability and Vitraplate’s long finish life mean lower environmental impact over the building’s lifecycle.

The Bottom Line

Prefinishing turns one of the industry’s most unpredictable steps into one of its greatest advantages.
With Vitraplate®, you get:

Faster fabrication and installation.
Measurable labor and cost savings.
Documented compliance and finish warranties up to 40 years.

In short: fewer steps, fewer risks, and more predictability — all backed by Fairview’s promise of responsiveness, transparency, and performance.

Ready to Go Prefinished?

See how Vitraplate® can transform your next project from variable to victory.

Request a sample

The post Why Prefinished Cladding Beats Post-Painted Every Time 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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

Gain Interesting Insights into Vitraplate® 3mm (1/8″) Pre-Finished Aluminum

Fairview Architectural — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:05:34 +0000

Vitraplate® is a 3mm (1/8″) Pre-Finished solid aluminum cladding product made from 3000 series and 5000 series aluminum. The designation refers to the alloy composition of the cladding material, which has significant influence on the structural and physical characteristics. For example, aluminum alloy 3003 has a nominal content of 98.6% aluminum and 1.2% manganese (Mn) as the main alloying element for increased strength and formability. It is used as sheet for exterior cladding applications, and is a good substrate for architectural finishes². The 3003 aluminum alloy has strain-hardened temper for increased strength and hardness.

Pre-Finished Aluminum: Supply Chain and Processing

The supply chain of aluminum is complex. Fairview Architectural purchases coils of the mill-finish aluminum from aluminum coil manufacturers such as Texarkana Aluminum. Coil manufacturing is an intermediate process that involves receiving ingots, the stock form of aluminum, from an outside source. It is important to realize that the aluminum industry has become highly globalized⁷. Production of virgin aluminum metal, known as primary aluminum, is an electrochemical process that is very energy intensive⁷. It is Texarkana Aluminum’s initiative to use primary aluminum that is produced with sustainable energy⁸, such as natural gas or renewable energy sources. Texarkana Aluminum products have a post-industrial (pre-consumer) recycled content of 65%⁹. The aluminum is melted and cast into “rolling ingots” specifically for the hot-rolling process. These are fed through a reversing mill and a continuous hot rolling mill which progressively stretch and reduce the aluminum into sheet⁵. Then cold-rolling is performed to achieve the desired strength and temper, and the continuous aluminum sheet is coiled⁶. The term “mill-finish” describes the exposed finish of the aluminum inherent from the processes of the mill².

Exceptional Finishes

Vitraplate® has a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) exterior finish meeting AAMA 2605 performance standards¹⁰, providing an exceedingly high level of durability¹¹, and resistance to dirt accumulation because of its fluoropolymer formula¹². 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 speckling. Specific formulations are proprietary, but constituents such as metal oxides and mica pearlescent are used for aesthetic effects¹¹. The finish is factory-applied by coil coating¹³, a highly automated and highly efficient process. On a continuous coil coating line, the aluminum 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)¹⁴. The exterior finish coating is extremely resistant to adverse conditions including airborne pollutants, salt spray in coastal environments, and other atmospheric corrosives¹¹.

Cladding Efficiency

To understand the efficiency of choosing prefinished Vitraplate® aluminum, the process of post-painting must be understood. The post-painting process for façade cladding panels starts with the fabricator receiving mill-finish aluminum sheets. Fabrication involves cutting to size, then routing and folding at the perimeter edges to result in continuous returns. Panels are packaged and shipped to a post-painter. Each panel is manually cleaned, then sprayed with a primer-coat. Once dried, paint is sprayed on to the panels. Additional coats are sprayed depending on the finish desired. Finished panels are sent back to the fabricator and panel stiffeners are added if required. Completed panels are packaged and shipped to the jobsite for installation.

By contrast, the coil-coating process is much simpler. Prefinished aluminum sheets are shipped from Fairview Architectural to the façade panel fabricator. Fabrication involves cutting to size, then routing and folding at the perimeter edges to result in continuous returns. When fabricated, panels are ready to mount onto a corresponding attachment system made of extruded aluminum profiles. Completed panels are packaged and shipped to the jobsite for installation. Using coil-coated Vitraplate® reduces the fabrication time and lowers risk.

Get in touch with a Fairview Architectural team member today for your next façade project!

Disclaimer

This article of Architectural Stewardship was sponsored by Fairview Architectural North America. Published here.

References

¹Vitraplate® Technical Manual. 2020. Fairview Architectural.

²Aluminum Extrusion Manual, 4th edition. 2014. Aluminum Extruders Council.

³Davis, J. R. 2001. Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys. Page 351-416. In: Alloying: Understanding the Basics.

⁴Raabe D., D. Ponge, and others. 2022. Making Sustainable Aluminum by Recycling Scrap: The Science of “Dirty” Alloys. Progress in Materials Science

⁵Hot-Rolled Aluminum, Environmental Product Declaration. 2014. The Aluminum Association

⁶Cold-Rolled Aluminum, Environmental Product Declaration. 2014. The Aluminum Association

⁷Aluminum: The Element of Sustainability. 2011. The Aluminum Association.

⁸Sustainability Statement. 2022. Texarkana Aluminum, Inc.

⁹LEED Certificate. 2024. Texarkana Aluminum, Inc.

¹⁰Vitraplate® Technical Manual. 2020. Fairview Architectural.

¹¹Iezzi, R. A. 2015. Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Based Coatings Technology. In: ASM Handbook, Volume 5B, Protective Organic Coatings. K. B. Tator (ed.)

¹³Color Design Guide. 2019. Fairview Architectural.
¹²Ehrlich, B. 2014. Cladding: More Than Just a Pretty Façade. Environmental Building News 23(9): 1-10.

¹⁴Pilcher, G. R. 2012. Market Analysis Preview: Coil and Extrusion Coatings. In: CoatingsTech. American Coatings Association

About the Author: Josh Bowditch

As a native resident with architectural experience and environmental regard, Josh Bowditch is intent on publishing about sustainability in the architectural and building construction industry locally. From being in the architectural profession, Josh has an understanding of the processes involved. Is it possible to reconcile environmental considerations with development? The word sustainability has various connotations but indeed can be viewed in the context of stewardship.

The post Gain Interesting Insights into Vitraplate® 3mm (1/8″) Pre-Finished Aluminum first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.

Explore Top School Cladding Projects

Victoria Tayler — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 22:30:11 +0000

As the school year begins, explore a curated selection of standout school projects designed to inspire. From cutting-edge modern designs to timeless architectural classis, each project showcases the remarkable versatility of metal cladding solutions.

1. East Shore Middle School – Milford, CT

Bone White, an Architect favorite. The Express Range finish was the color chosen to provide East Shore Middle School with a refreshing and modern exterior, using 4mm aluminum composite Vitrabond panels.

2. Gettysburg Middle School – Gettysburg, PA

Showcasing 9,300 square feet of Vitrabond FR aluminum composite panels in a sparkling Silver Metallic Finish, this school project in Gettysburg, PA, highlights another favorite from the Express Range.

3. Joseph Estabrook School – Lexington, MA

Situated in Lexington, MA this project highlights the sleek, modern aesthetic and low-maintenance versatility of aluminum composite cladding panels. The Joseph Estabrook School selected Champagne Metallic and Rubis Red finishes, adding a vibrant touch of color.

4. Potomac Shores Middle School – Cambridge, MA

Potomac Shores Middle School in Dumfries, VA, chose Vitrabond FR exterior cladding panels in the highly popular Bone White finish. This shade of white evokes associations with cleanliness, minimalism, and simplicity.

5. Minneapolis Center for Adult Education

The exterior of the Minneapolis Center for Adult Education features the Faux Zinc Light finish, one of the popular faux metal options. This college thrives with buzz and vibrancy in its metropolitan setting.

6. Oregon State University, Portland, OR

The Oregon State University Collaborative Life Sciences Building features Vitrabond FR metal composite panels with matching Edgeline material in a custom woodgrain Maple finish. This unique woodgrain finish was specially crafted for the project by the team at Fairview.

l7. Brandeis University – Skyline Residence

A custom Deep Taupe finish on Vitrabond FR 4mm aluminum composite panels was specially developed by the team to meet the exterior requirements of this project. Deep Taupe has the ability to harmonize with both warm and cool tones, making it an excellent choice for creating a cohesive and inviting exterior.

8. UPENN – Philadelphia, PA

The multi-award-winning Stephan A. Levin Building at the University of Pennsylvania features a distinctive exterior facade with Nordic Green Pre-Patina Copper and a custom Cannon Grey finish. This combination creates a truly unique and striking appearance.

These projects use a variety of finishes from our Express Range to Specialty Finishes and unique custom-created colors. Contact us today and discover the possibilities for your next project.

The post Explore Top School Cladding Projects first appeared on Fairview Architectural North America.