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.

Aluminum is becoming the go-to material for designers and construction industry professionals looking for compliant cladding solutions to use on projects in the US. This versatile metal boasts many benefits, including its flexibility, lightweight, and durability. It also comes in various grades, each of which is suitable for different applications. Therefore, it’s important to consider which grade of aluminum is required for your project. Each series is numbered 1-7, indicating the primary alloying element. 

The 3000 and 5000 series are the most commonly used in the building construction industry and we will cover this in more detail, but we will also look at all seven alloys and their most common uses.   

Alloying elements are the backbone of different aluminum grades.  When looking for the right grade of aluminum for your project, it is essential to consider the properties of the alloy. These alloys exhibit varying degrees of workability, corrosion resistance, heat treatability, electrical conductivity, strength, and flexibility, which directly influence their suitability for different applications. 

Here is an overview of each different alloy series:  

1000 Series: These alloys contain at least 99% pure aluminum and are the most commercial of aluminum grades. They are highly corrosion-resistant and are often softer than other alloys. They are ideal for food processing equipment or use on outdoor structures.  

2000 Series: These alloys include copper as the main element. This increases strength following heat treatment but has a low corrosion resistance. Common uses for these alloys include aircraft structures and propellers, automotive bodies and screw fittings. 

3000 Series: 3xxx Series: these alloys are known for their formability and weldability due to their high manganese content. Typical uses for 3xxx series alloys include radiator cores, fuel tanks, cooking utensils, and various building products.

4000 Series: These alloys contain silicon as the main alloying element. These alloys have a low melting point and are commonly used for welding wires or brazing rods.  

5000 Series: Known as ‘marine grade’ aluminum, these alloys contain magnesium which provides excellent corrosion resistance and improved strength, making them a perfect choice for marine applications for example boat hulls, storage tanks and construction materials. 

6000 Series: This type of alloy contains a combination of magnesium and silicon, that improves its strength whilst also enabling it to be formed into complex shapes. These alloys are easy to weld and offer good corrosion resistance. Common applications include transportation equipment.  

7000 Series: Contains zinc making it the highest-strength aluminum alloy. However, its formability is limited due to the hardening effect on the metal when heated during welding and other fabrication processes. It is also highly corrosion resistant making it an ideal choice for structural components for use in bridges or aircraft frames.  

For construction applications, 3xxx and 5xxx series alloys are most commonly used for fabricating solid aluminum plate. Of these two, the 3xxx series is used more often as it has superior workability to the 5xxx series. The 5xxx series marine grade aluminum is strong and corrosion-resistant, which makes it ideal for ships and decorative features on marine vessels and for buildings near coastal areas. However, the 5xxx series exhibits lower machinability and a higher thermal expansion rate compared to 3xxx series alloys, making the latter more suitable for most construction projects.

There are other benefits to using 3xxx series alloys which adds to its appeal amongst fabricators and installers of building facade cladding: 

• rigid structure 
• increased spanning performance 
• superior machinability 
• lower thermal expansion rate

For your convenience, our Vitraplate 3mm(1/8”) solid aluminum panels are available in both 3xxx and 5xxx series aluminum. If you need help deciding which alloy is right for your specific project, please contact our team to discuss. You can also request a complimentary sample to see the product for yourself and even trial fabricating the material in your own shop. Contact us to find out more. 

Paint crazing, also known as cracking or checking, occurs when a series of small cracks or lines appear on the surface of a painted material. This can happen when folding pre-coated aluminum, where the coating is subjected to stress and strain, causing the paint to crack and form small fissures. 

The reason for this is that the coating on pre-coated aluminum is typically made up of multiple layers, including a primer coat, color coat, and topcoat. These layers are applied to the aluminum substrate in a carefully controlled environment and are designed to form a strong bond with each other and the substrate.

However, when the pre-coated aluminum is bent or folded, the coating can become stretched and compressed, causing the layers to separate slightly. This separation can cause the paint to crack or craze, particularly if the coating is not able to flex enough to accommodate the stresses and strains that are placed on it during the folding process. 

The Paint Used in Continuous Roll Coating (Coil-Coating) Contains Resins that are more Flexible than the Resins Used in Paint for Spray Applied Applications. 

In addition, the quality of the coating can also play a role in whether or not paint crazing occurs. If the coating is too brittle or too thin, it may be more susceptible to cracking or checking when subjected to stress and strain. 

To minimize the risk of paint crazing when folding pre-coated aluminum, it is important to use high-quality coatings that are designed to flex and accommodate the stresses and strains that are placed on them during the folding process. Additionally, the folding process itself should be carefully controlled and monitored to ensure that the coating is not subjected to excessive stress or strain. 

How Temperature Affects Paint Crazing: 

Temperature can play a significant role in determining whether or not pre-coated aluminum will craze or crack when folded. When the pre-coated aluminum is subjected to high or low temperatures during the folding process, it can cause the coating to become more brittle or more flexible, which can impact its ability to withstand the stresses and strains of folding without crazing. 

If the pre-coated aluminum is folded at a temperature that is too low, the coating may become too brittle and prone to cracking or crazing. This is because the coating is unable to flex and accommodate the stresses and strains that are placed on it during the folding process.

In general, it is recommended to fold pre-coated aluminum at a temperature range that is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 and 27 degrees Celsius), however the optimal temperature range for folding pre-coated aluminum without causing paint crazing will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific coating and substrate materials, the thickness of the coating, and the degree of stress and strain placed on the material during folding.  

An infrared laser thermometer is a low-cost way of ensuring that your pre-coated material is at the right temperature before attempting to fold or form it. 

The Differences Between Coil-Coating and Spray-Applied-Coatings? 

Coil coating and spray applied paints are two different types of paint systems that are used for different applications and with different properties. 

Coil coating is a continuous process of applying paint to a metal substrate, such as aluminum or steel, in coil form before it is cut into sheets. In this process, the metal coil is unwound, cleaned, pre-treated, and coated with paint before being rewound. The paint used in coil coating is typically a high-performance liquid coating that is specifically designed for this application. These coatings are applied in a controlled factory environment and are optimized for speed, consistency, and durability.  

Coil coating paints are typically formulated with high solids, which means that they have a high concentration of pigments and resins, resulting in a thick and durable coating, and are designed to provide excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to corrosion, weathering, and other environmental factors. Coil coatings may also contain special additives that enhance their performance, such as UV stabilizers, anti-static agents, and anti-graffiti agents. 

On the other hand, spray applied paints are applied using a spray gun or similar device, typically in a field or workshop setting, and sometimes with automated equipment. Spray applied paints are typically lower in solids than coil coatings, and are designed to be applied in thinner layers that can be built up over time.  

Spray applied paints may also contain additional solvents, which can help to improve their application properties, but may also release increased VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the environment during the application process.  

Overall, the primary difference between coil coating and spray applied paints is in their application method and composition. Coil coatings are designed for precise and uniform application to metal coils, while spray applied paints are more for applications where consistency and accuracy in the finish is not as important.  

Why is it Important to Use Coil-Coated Finishes on Metal Cladding? 

There are several reasons why it is important to use coil coated finishes on metal cladding: 

1. Durability: Coil-coated finishes are formulated to provide excellent durability and long-lasting protection against corrosion, weathering, and other environmental factors. This is particularly important for metal cladding, which is often exposed to harsh weather conditions and may be subject to significant wear and tear over time.

2. Workmanship: Coil-coated finishes have a flexible resin that allows for forming and bending without cracking the finish.

3. Consistency: Coil-coated finishes are applied using a continuous process that ensures uniform coverage and a consistent finish. This is important for metal cladding, which is often used in large-scale construction projects where consistency and uniformity are critical.

4. Aesthetics: Coil-coated finishes are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, which can be customized to meet the specific design requirements of a project. This is important for metal cladding, which is often used as a decorative element in building facades.

5. Sustainability: Coil-coated finishes are typically formulated with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which makes them a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional spray applied coatings. This is important for metal cladding, which is often used in green building projects and sustainable construction.

6. Cost-Effectiveness: Coil coated finishes are typically more cost-effective than traditional spray-applied coatings, particularly for large-scale construction projects. This is because the continuous application process used in coil coating is more efficient and less labor-intensive compared to traditional spray-applied coatings. 

Overall, the use of coil-coated finishes on metal cladding provides a range of benefits, including durability, consistency, aesthetics, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. These benefits make coil-coated finishes an excellent choice for architects, builders, and designers who are looking for a high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option for metal cladding. 

For more information on this topic and our Vitraplate pre-finished solid aluminum plate Contact Us.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system was developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1998 to provide third-party verification that a building project has reached LEED Certification. There are four levels of certification (Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) that a building project can achieve by being awarded point-based credits within the rating system.

LEED has evolved and grown over the years. The current version is LEED version 4 which focuses on different building and renovation types. The LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C) reference guide focuses on eight building types and can be viewed here.

There are several ways that metal cladding products such as solid 3mm aluminum and aluminum composite materials can be used to earn credits towards the “Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials” LEED rating system category for a building. Here is an example of the credits possible for new constructions:

To find out what credits a product has, ask the manufacturer for their LEED Data Sheet. You will then receive something that looks like this:

The products are services provided by manufacturers like Fairview and do not earn project points themselves. Our role is instead to educate our team and our customers on how our products can contribute to a building’s overall LEED rating. We also become involved in the process when supplying LEED product compliance is required.

An example of this is the SYLPOE – San Ysidro Land of Port of Entry. This project is the first LEED Platinum land port of entry out of more than 20 LEED-registered border crossings in the US. This project features 168,297sf of our 3mm solid aluminum Vitraplate panels. More information on this project here.

You can download our LEED Data Sheet from our Digital Document Binder. Alternatively, for more information on LEED in general and Fairview’s metal cladding products, please contact our team today at helpdesk@farview-na.com or use our online form.

At Fairview Architectural, we love to talk about our Vitraplate 3mm solid aluminum cladding panels. Over the years, we’ve worked with many fabricators and have worked hard to learn what issues are most important to getting the job done well. We are passionate about enabling our network of fabricators to improve production efficiencies, reduce risk, and save money. And our Vitraplate products do just that.

Vitraplate solves many of the issues fabricators experience with traditional fabrication. Therefore, it is one of Fairview’s fastest-growing product lines. But what makes Vitraplate such a great product line? This article will discuss the 7 reasons why you should consider using Vitraplate for your next project.

What is Vitraplate?
Vitraplate is Fairview’s pre-finished solid aluminum cladding panel product. It is coated with the same industry-leading PVDF coil coated paint system that our popular Vitrabond materials are coated. Vitraplate can also be coated with an anodized finish.

Vitraplate is available in 3mm (1/8 inch) thicknesses and widths up to 62 inches. Custom widths are also available upon request.

Vitraplate panels are pre-finished. That, combined with the flexibility of the PVDF coating, means Vitraplate panels do not require fabrication prior to coating. This greatly reduces lead times and limits potential damages and construction costs.

Vitraplate aluminum cladding panels are durable, high impact-resistant, and can also be curved, rolled, perforated, and fabricated into custom shapes.

What are the benefits of using Vitraplate?
Over the years, we’ve learned what challenges fabricators often face with traditional plate fabrication. So, we’ve developed our Vitraplate products to solve for these challenges.

Vitraplate has many benefits:
• Easy-to-source sheets
• No need to send individual panels out for post-painting
• Reduced logistical challenges
• Shorter lead times
• Lower material costs
• Superior finish quality
• Greatly reduced risk

Fairview provides our single-skin aluminum plate products already finished, which eliminates the risk and the hassle of post painting mill-finished aluminum. Fairview also provides flexibility and quick turnaround times by having close to 1 million pounds of mill-finished aluminum coil in stock in our warehouse at all times.

Also, our Vitraplate products are shipped and delivered just like ACM: pre-finished with protective film applied and ready to fabricate.

Contact us today to get started on your next project
At Fairview Architectural North America, we are proud of our Vitraplate product line. We offer the greatest selection of colors and finish options in the industry and are dedicated to the timely and consistent delivery of innovative façades that exceed the requirements and vision of each project.

Does the information above sound good to you? Reach out to us today to learn more about our Vitraplate product line. We’d love to discuss how we can help on your next plate project.