Tenmat, a recognized leader in passive fire protection, has announced that its FF102/50 Intumescent Fire Block has successfully passed an NYC-compliant NFPA 285 fire test as part of a collaborative rainscreen cladding assembly with ALPOLIC and CLADIATOR. The test was conducted at Intertek Laboratories and confirms the system’s compliance with New York City’s stringent façade requirements.

Built for New NYC Code Requirements

The collaboration was driven by the adoption of the 2022 New York City Building Code, which now requires fire blocking within rainscreen assemblies that include combustible components. To meet these new standards, Tenmat, ALPOLIC, and CLADIATOR combined:

• Tenmat FF102/50 Intumescent Fire Block

• ALPOLIC/fr metal composite material (MCM) panels

• CLADIATOR Slotted-Z system

The unified system successfully completed the NFPA 285 fire test at Intertek, demonstrating that it can deliver both code compliance and high-performance façade design.

“CLADIATOR is proud to partner with ALPOLIC and Tenmat to highlight how this achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to safety, sustainability, and smart building design, as all three manufacturers share similar commitments to our industry,” said Tolga Bilge, VP of operations for CLADIATOR. “This compliance opens new opportunities for NYC developers, architects, and building envelope consultants, ensuring confidence in material selection while reducing project risk and liability, all while advancing and accelerating LEED certifications.”

Design Freedom with Fire Safety

This collaborative solution does more than check a code box—it supports architectural creativity. For architects and specifiers, the tested assembly offers greater design freedom without sacrificing safety, performance, or budget.

ALPOLIC has long been known for its flatness, durability, and versatility—qualities that make it a preferred choice for custom façades and bold architectural statements.

“We are proud to be part of this landmark collaboration,” said Octavio Diaz, sales director at ALPOLIC. “Achieving code compliance with our fire-retardant core—alongside these outstanding partners—paves the way for ALPOLIC to continue its contribution to the iconic architectural landscape that defines New York.”

Tenmat FF102/50: Engineered for Modern Rainscreens

At the heart of the assembly is Tenmat’s FF102/50, a compact, fast-acting intumescent fire block engineered specifically for ventilated cladding and rainscreen systems. Under normal conditions, it supports:

• Airflow

• Moisture control

• Energy efficiency

When exposed to high temperatures, the FF102/50 expands up to 25 times its original thickness, sealing cavities to help stop vertical and horizontal flame spread. Its rigid profile enables easy installation and long-term durability, making it suitable for both new construction and retrofit applications.

“With the successful completion of another critical NFPA 285 test in a series of ongoing evaluations, Tenmat Intumescent Fireblocking continues to deliver a game-changing solution for architects and engineers seeking flexibility in metal composite material (MCM) cladding systems,” said Marco Kristen, president PFP North America. “By providing the critical fireblocking required by the NYC Building Code while also maintaining the functionality of ventilated rainscreen systems, Tenmat offers a unique solution that enables MCM to confidently re-enter the architectural conversation—bringing code compliance, innovation, and design freedom back into the landscape.”

Tested to NYC Conditions, Ready for Dense Urban Sites

For this NFPA 285 evaluation, the wall assembly was constructed specifically to match updated NYC code requirements. Fire blocks were installed around window openings and slab lines—exactly where the code mandates protection. The result is a fully ventilated wall system that:

• Meets modern building science standards

• Provides critical fire resistance

• Supports high-performance façade design

With this successful test, Tenmat’s FF102/50, ALPOLIC/fr, and CLADIATOR’s Slotted-Z now offer a comprehensive, code-compliant rainscreen solution tailored for dense urban environments like New York City. Together, the three companies are helping shape a safer, more resilient future for architectural envelopes—where fire safety, performance, and design innovation can coexist.