{"id":8646,"date":"2025-04-10T17:04:48","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T17:04:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alucobondusa.com\/blog\/?p=8646"},"modified":"2025-11-03T20:06:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T20:06:49","slug":"3a-composites-usa-and-tenmat-achieve-landmark-approval-for-fire-safe-exterior-wall-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alucobondusa.com\/blog\/3a-composites-usa-and-tenmat-achieve-landmark-approval-for-fire-safe-exterior-wall-system\/","title":{"rendered":"3A Composites USA and TENMAT Achieve Landmark Approval for Fire-Safe Exterior Wall System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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NFPA 285 Test Validates ALUCOBOND\u00ae PLUS and TENMAT FF102\/50 System for Complex NYC Code Compliance<\/em><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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3A Composites USA<\/a>,<\/strong> in collaboration with TENMAT<\/a>,<\/strong> is announcing a significant milestone in fire safety for exterior wall assemblies. ALUCOBOND\u00ae PLUS, when used in rainscreen applications in combination with the TENMAT FF102\/50 Rainscreen Fireblock, has successfully passed a series of rigorous tests and complies with the 2022 NYC Building Code.  Notably, 3A Composites USA is the only aluminum composite material (ACM) manufacturer to have conducted an NFPA 285 test that has satisfied the rigorous fire blocking requirements in NYC. This provides architects and developers with a constructible, code-compliant solution for the construction of high-performance building envelopes in New York City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The 2022 NYC Construction Code, based on the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), maintained stringent fireblocking requirements (NYC Buildings Technical Bulletin 2022-013<\/a>)<\/strong> for exterior wall coverings with cavities, particularly those using ACM. The code mandates that NFPA 285 testing \u2014 which assesses the fire performance of multi-story wall assemblies \u2014 must include fireblocking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe NYC building code presented unique challenges, particularly in balancing fire safety with the essential performance of rainscreen systems,\u201d said Mike Marushka, vice president of sales, Architectural Division, 3A Composites Americas. \u201cOur collaboration with TENMAT, and this extensive testing, have yielded a solution that meets stringent fire safety requirements while preserving the integrity of the wall assembly. This achievement empowers architects to design and developers to build safe, eye-catching landmark buildings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TENMAT\u2019s FF102\/50 intumescent fireblocking material, approved under Section 718.2.1 #8 of the NYC code, is a critical component of this solution. The material expands significantly when exposed to heat, effectively sealing cavities in the event of a fire. Its low-profile design allows it to be integrated into rainscreen systems without impeding ventilation and drainage, crucial for long-term wall performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAchieving this approval from the NYC Department of Buildings is a testament to the performance and reliability of our FF102\/50 Rainscreen Fireblock,\u201d said Marco Kristen, president, Tenmat. \u201cThe collaborative testing with 3A Composites USA has provided a validated solution that addresses the specifics of the NYC code, ensuring both fire safety and optimal wall performance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Architects and developers in New York City can now confidently specify the ALUCOBOND\u00ae PLUS and TENMAT FF102\/50 system, a rigorously tested and code-compliant solution. This advanced combination ensures adherence to stringent fire safety standards while preserving the critical water management capabilities of high-performance rainscreen systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Benefits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n