Aluminum Composite Panel is considered one of the best outdoor cladding materials for having a strong, rigid core and great return value. It is maintenance free, weather resistant, and durable, which makes it a popular choice for high rise buildings, including schools, government establishments, private offices, and hospitals. However, ACP was once infamously known because of devastating fire incidents which put a dent on the material’s safety and security credibility.
Factors Influencing Fire Risk
ACP is a composite material made of an aluminum core sandwiched together with two thin aluminum skins, adhesives, and a paint layer responsible for its vivid, non tarnishing appearance. The plastic (polymer) core, either polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl fluoride (PVDF), contains combustible materials which propagate the fire quickly. The aluminum skins, on the other hand, act as a conductor of heat, which can ignite the core faster. Aluminum has a low melting point, around 660°C, which can be reached or exceeded in a fire, producing heat, toxic smoke, contributing to fire escalation. All these factors contribute to the material’s propensity to ignite fire and spread it rapidly in a building’s exterior.
The flammability of the material is determined by a series of standard laboratory tests that measures the material’s reaction to heat and flame, measuring key factors such as flame spread rate, heat release, smoke production, toxic gas emissions, self extinguishing features, and ignition resistance. Building materials that do not meet the National Construction Code (NCC) requirements have a higher risk of fire, causing significant damage to the property. Different countries practice precautionary measures differently, but the responsibility heavily lies on the builders, surveyors, and local suppliers.
The Alutech ACP Sheet Advantage
Alutech Aluminum Composite Panels have a Fire Safety Rating Class B1 under the European EN 13501-1 standards, which means that the material is difficult to ignite, or flame retardant. Materials under this classification resist burning, are slow to catch fire, self-extinguish after the ignition source is removed, and have low contributions to fire spread. For this reason, it is recommended on public buildings, commercial spaces, and even residential areas. Keep in mind that the material has limited combustibility, thus, added precautions are required on high rise buildings as they usually have stricter guidelines. Alutech ACP has been a partner of a variety of local consumers. It is used in both interior and exterior projects, has a wide portfolio of projects, and has shown its superior versatility for all kinds of weather conditions. With rising safety concerns, trust a local brand that assures you protection and peace of mind all year long.
Knowing the material’s fire safety rating will help you understand how the product should be used, how it can be utilized, and where it should be installed. Do not compromise your safety and security by using materials that heavily react to fire and facilitating aluminum cladding installation that deviates from safety code standards. Alutech ACP Panels are officially distributed to Polylite, a trusted polycarbonate and aluminum composite panel supplier in the Philippines. Visit the Polylite website to check the aluminum composite panel price Philippines and see our list of branches. For more questions and concerns, contact us in the following details:
(02) 8808-7659