Exteriors that change color when the light hits, large and radiused canopies, and landmarks that look like icebergs, by utilizing metal composite materials (MCM) you can achieve this and so much more. The many characteristics of MCM make it a great material for added uniqueness to the exterior facade on your next project. The key to achieving awesome uniqueness is quality, and quality starts with the specification.
MCM is most typically specified in Division 7 of the project manual but can also be placed in Division 5 if column covers are used on the project. The MCM specification is structured the same as the others, but the key is in the details. To ensure that the MCM is supplied and fabricated by a quality sheet manufacturer and fabricator here are a few suggestions worth, including:
- Specify the related testing per the IBC. The system connecting the material to the exterior facade should be fully tested to AMMA 501.1, 501.4, 508, 509 Rainscreen standards, ASTM E283, E330 as well as the NFPA 285 multistory test.
- Review the project location for the structural wind load requirements. In most cases, L/60 will suffice unless located in a strong wind zone.
- Investigate what the warranties include and what they do not.
- Know what the sheet manufacturer and fabricator provide. Manufacturers of Reynobond, Alucobond, Alfrex and Larson supply the sheet materials to fabricators. Fabricators then route and return the sheet before providing the system which attaches the exterior facade to the building structure.
- When specifying fabricators, select from the MCA Certified Premium MCM Fabricators. There are eight North American Fabricators meeting the stringent qualifications for certification ensuring you are getting an experienced fabricator, and a fully tested and quality MCM facade system.
- Select a sheet material: the most common thickness is 4-mm FR (Fire-Retardant) core.
- Finish: PVDF, FEVE or anodized, standard or custom color.
- Select an appropriate system for the project: wet system, dry system, DBVR (drain back ventilated rainscreen) or PER (pressureequalized rainscreen). Make sure the system specified correlates to the system depicted in the architectural drawings.
Specifying quality and tested products along with a quality fabricator and installers completes your exterior facade and achieves beyond your imagination. If you need a great example for a complete specification, the Metal Construction Association’s website has a downloadable copy of the MCM Master Specification, ensuring your specification gives you the quality your project deserves.
Tiffany Wildern is the pre-construction manager at East Coast Metal Systems, Triadelphia, W.Va. For more information, visit www.ecmsinc.net.