3A Composites USA, in collaboration with TENMAT, is announcing a significant milestone in fire safety for exterior wall assemblies. ALUCOBOND® 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.

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

“The NYC building code presented unique challenges, particularly in balancing fire safety with the essential performance of rainscreen systems,” said Mike Marushka, vice president of sales, Architectural Division, 3A Composites Americas. “Our 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.”

TENMAT’s 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.

“Achieving this approval from the NYC Department of Buildings is a testament to the performance and reliability of our FF102/50 Rainscreen Fireblock,” said Marco Kristen, president, Tenmat. “The 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.”

Architects and developers in New York City can now confidently specify the ALUCOBOND 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.

Key Benefits

• Code Compliance: Meets the stringent fireblocking requirements of the 2022 NYC Construction Code.
• Validated Performance: Successfully passed rigorous NFPA 285 testing.
• Water Management: Maintains the essential ventilation and drainage of rainscreen systems.
• Intumescent Technology: TENMAT FF102/50 expands to seal cavities in the event of a fire, providing enhanced safety.
• Reliable Solution: Provides architects and developers with a trusted and validated system.

3A Composites USA and TENMAT are committed to providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. This approval marks a significant advancement in fire safety for exterior wall assemblies, offering architects and developers a reliable and code-compliant solution for their projects in New York City.