Exploring The Compliant Options Available

Currently, the building industry in Victoria and the whole of Australia are experiencing an era of rectification as combustible cladding is being identified and ordered to be replaced. Under current guidelines, a building may need to replace exterior walls that are built with Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) and/or Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).

While there are many non-combustible options for external cladding, it can be confusing to navigate what materials are compliant and which aren’t. Maz Group recommends that your materials should comply with the following Australian Standards.

AS1530.1 – This standard requires materials to be tested for their combustibility to evaluate the potential fire hazard of the material. The material will be put through a fire test by being heated to a set temperature and assessed on the criteria set out by the standard.

AS1530.3 – This standard tests the flammability of the materials and their components. The material will be tested beside radiated heat and see how the material fares concerning the proximity of that heat.

AS3837 – This standard determines the ignitability, heat release rate and mass-loss rate of the chosen material when exposed to radiated heat. It also will conclude smoke release rates among other things and is required by the NCC.

Solid Aluminium Panels

Solid aluminium panels are widely considered the best replacement for ACP. These panels are made of only aluminium without the composite Polyethylene core that makes ACP highly flammable. This type of external cladding is very versatile, making it easy to perforate or curve. It’s low maintenance, lightweight and durable.

Installing this type of panel will also lower construction costs as the sizes, shapes and malleability are similar. There is a number of brands of solid aluminium panels that are available in a wide range of colours.

Fibre Cement Panels

In the past, fibre cement has been overlooked as a cladding material due to its heaviness. Now, with the demand for more lightweight alternatives to ACP and EPS, many suppliers have created less weighty versions of this product. This choice is hard wearing and impact resistant to provide a timeless façade to any building.

Fibre cement has received an excellent fire safety rating and won’t affect the rate of fire spread on a building’s exterior walls. It’s also resistant to mould and bacteria. Some examples of fibre cement suppliers are SwissPearl and CSR Cemintel.

Interlocking Aluminium Panels

These unique interlocking panels make installation easy. They seamlessly fit together to provide a safe and secure façade that is fire resistant. This type of cladding usually comes powder coated for a smooth finish. Available in many colours and finishes, you can choose from vertical or horizontal options.

Aluminium is non-corrosive, making it a low maintenance choice for exterior cladding. Stryum and Zintl craft current versions of interlocking aluminium panels.

Any of these materials would serve as a feasible and preferable option to combustible cladding panels. Each of the materials mentioned is non-combustible and certified by the NCC.

If you need help recladding your building, contact the experts in cladding replacement at Maz Group today.