Gulf Construction Online - Asbestos-free ceiling tiles gain ground

Kuwait

Asbestos-free ceiling tiles gain ground

01 December 2001

AMF Mineralplatten products are being specified on a number of ongoing projects in Kuwait, according to a spokesman for the Germany-based company.

This is because of the diverse range of ceiling tiles offered which are all free of asbestos, he says.

The range includes mineral, metal, gypsum and wood products.

AMF performance ceilings offer superior fire resistance and protection - having been tested in accordance with different sections of BS476. Light reflectance and special hygienic finishes are additional advantages. These products are also resistant to humidity, he adds.

Its mineral range of ceiling tiles are based on natural raw materials such as mineral wool, perlite, clay, with starch as binder, the spokesman says.

''AMF products are produced without formaldehyde,'' he continues. "The coating consists of a dispersion paint made in its factory out of chalk and solvent-free dispersions. The company's products have undergone tests as per DIN, British Standard and UL. AMF Mineralplatten is certified to DIN ISO 9001 quality standards.''

AMF ceiling tiles have found application in a number of projects in Kuwait. These include the Um Al Hayman housing project for the Public Authority for Housing Care, where its performance range was used, and the Coastguard headquarters for the Ministry of Defence, which utilises its acoustical ceilings, says the spokesman.

The German company, which has a representative office in Dubai, UAE, recently introduced a new ceiling design in the large 1,200 by 1200 mm format.

The new design, known as AMF SKY.dot was introduced in a bid to eliminate the monotony associated with standard ceiling designs, according to the spokesman.

''With the new SKY.dot, the monotony of standard ceilings is a thing of the past. The large 1,200 by 1,200 mm size and the bold creative face combine to produce an exciting new standard in contemporary ceiling design,'' he says.

He continues: ''Modern buildings require progressive ceiling systems. The new AMF Lifestyle programme has created SKY.dot in combination with the Rilievo exposed tee grid system.

"These systems offer the following advantages:

Easy installation and full access with AMF System C exposed grid system;

No additional hangers are needed;

Fire protection for up to 30 minutes; and

Excellent sound insulation with regards to both absorption and attenuation.

The system is available in two versions: fully perforated tile or with a solid backing panel for fire protection.

Meanwhile, the AMF Classic range of large size panels is also supplied with Feinstratos and Feinstratos micro-perforated face patterns as well as metal.