Southern Aluminum Finishing Co. Inc. announced that its Series C4000 Drained and Back-Ventilated Rainscreen Panel System achieved classification testing under AAMA 509-22, the latest Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance standard for rainscreen wall cladding systems.

The AAMA 509-22 standard establishes a voluntary testing and classification method for drained and back-ventilated rainscreen assemblies, measuring water penetration to the air/water barrier and airflow within the wall cavity. The SAF system achieved a V1/W1 classification based on testing conducted to ASTM E283, ASTM E331 and AAMA 501.1 protocols.

SAF said the updated third-party testing data is intended to support architects, specifiers and glazing contractors documenting wall assembly performance on commercial exterior envelope projects. The Series C4000 is typically specified under Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection and is SAF’s highest-volume rainscreen panel system.

The open-joint aluminum composite material panel system is designed to manage incidental moisture through a drained and back-ventilated cavity. Water entering the cavity drains through weep paths while airflow behind the cladding promotes drying and helps protect the primary AWB.

According to SAF, the system ships with factory-fabricated panels and pre-fastened track extrusions intended to reduce field labor and simplify installation sequencing. Factory-attached frame extrusions allow panels to integrate directly with horizontal and vertical track components, reducing layout variability during installation.

“SAF has been supplying production-tested rainscreen panel systems since 2010, and the C4000 is the culmination of everything we’ve learned about making these systems easy to specify, easy to install, and built to perform,” said John McClatchey, vice president of marketing for SAF. “An AAMA 509-22 classification gives our customers the independent, third-party verified performance data they need to specify with confidence.”

The C4000 is part of SAF’s broader wall panel portfolio, which includes insulated metal panel systems, ACM and solid metal panel assemblies, NFPA-compliant options for fire-resistance requirements, and repair solutions for phased installation and renovation work.

SAF operates production facilities on both the East and West coasts, serving commercial construction projects across North America.