Alubond USA introduces A2 fire resistant aluminium composite panels in the UAE

Alubond USA has introduced the first A2 fire resistant aluminium composite panels, a first in the UAE.

Aluminium composite wall systems, a critical class of components of the modern-day external cladding, symbolize the bustling landscape of the UAE. An aluminium composite panel consists of two aluminium skin coils sandwiching a central core of plastic plus mineral elements. The content of minerals in the core determines its fire resistance. The A2 fire resistant aluminium composite panels of Alubond USA have the highest mineral content in their core, which make them the safest products in the market for fire resistance.

The Civil Defence is in the process of drafting the new UAE code of life and fire safety, expected to be released by the end of this month.

The Civil Defence regulations for fire safety in the UAE, over the years, have incrementally grown to be more comprehensive. It has moved from being just a panel certification process to a three level testing and certification, of the aluminium composite panel, panel core and the entire panel system with accessories and sub-frame. A check at all these three levels ensures there are no let-offs.

Alubond USA is the first aluminium composite panel in the UAE market to have tested successfully for the complete panel wall systems, as against just a panel.

For the UAE this is indeed a very welcome entry as far as ensuring proactive safety regulations in the Middle East are concerned. The recent fire incidents have further strengthened the resolve of the nation to prevent any fire incidents and work towards a comprehensive fire and life safety code.

However, experts opine that while it is important to control the cladding quality in new projects, the challenge of securing old/existing projects from fire mishaps needs to be strategized and mandated. An effective solution practiced in other leading cities is the use of A2 fire resistance aluminium composite panels at regular intervals of the existing building, by replacing the current non-fire rated cladding on the building.