The demand for high-performance, durable, energy-efficient buildings has led to building envelope designs that incorporate greater amounts of combustible material in cladding, insulation, and weather-resistive barriers. Understanding how to meet both sustainability challenges and code requirements can be a complex and confusing process. Beginning with the history of NFPA 285, this course presents an overview of the test method and fire code in relation to various building envelope materials, with particular attention given to metal composite materials ( MCMs).

Aluminum composite material (ACM) is a lightweight composite material consisting of two sheets of aluminum facings thermobonded to a fire-retardant core. This course will discuss the versatility, sustainability, and functionality of fire-rated ACM and its properties. We will discuss why it is selected for architectural cladding, interiors, and signage applications in new and existing buildings around the globe.