Alubond USA launches fire-resistant panels
01 May 2016
Alubond USA has introduced the first A2 fire-resistant aluminium composite panels in the UAE, taking the lead in the country’s resolve to address building fire safety following the recent spate in fire accidents.
“It is the only aluminium composite panel brand in the UAE to introduce A2 fire-rated cladding and comply with all the requirements of the new UAE fire and life safety code of practice drafted by the country’s Civil Defence,” says Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk, chairman and founder of Mulk Holdings that owns the brand Alubond USA fire-rated panel systems. “As a market leader in aluminium composite wall systems, Alubond USA has once again led the initiative, ahead of the new code enforcement.”
He adds that authorities have already started implementation of the code for exterior cladding application, at a brisk pace.
Ul Mulk comments: “We would like to set a precedent in the UAE market that when it comes to fire safety, there is no compromise. Alubond USA will offer the safest cladding solutions as per global standards to the UAE market.”
These exterior cladding systems comprise aluminium composite panels (ACPs) consisting of two aluminium skin coils sandwiching a central core of mineral elements. It is vital to ensure that the entire firewall systems are fire tested, in addition to installing fire-rated panels, he points out.
“Alubond USA is also the first aluminium composite panel in the UAE market to have tested successfully for the complete aluminium composite wall systems, according to the American test standards for NFPA285, recognised by the UAE civil defence,” Ul Mulk emphasises. “It is worth noting that it has been passing this test consistently over the past two years – much before the requirement was mandated in the UAE fire and life safety code of practice. Additionally, Alubond USA has successfully completed testing for the core used in its panels, and its panels are built solely using fire-rated core that have passed through multiple tests and certified by the UAE civil defence. This puts us in a unique position among our competitors.”
Committed to the fire safety awareness programme, he says his company will be conducting a series of seminars for fire consultants, fabricators, property owners and architects. A customer helpline and web support has been established to provide any assistance required by its partners in the building industry.”
He adds that Mulk Holdings welcomes the introduction of the new fire and life safety code of practice and is confident that these revisions will enhance the UAE building materials industry.
Ul Mulk is also keen that the new regulations also address the safety of existing buildings. “The new regulations have amply covered the future and under construction buildings. However, we also want to tighten the safety requirements for existing buildings and are determined to propose solutions to the regulatory authorities and consultants for existing buildings and hope to see further amendments in the UAE fire code.”
