Case study: Durlum airtight metal ceilings

Background

When it comes to providing the best possible healthcare, being able to restrict and manage airflow to reduce the transfer of airborne pathogens is paramount. For this reason, hospitals, clinics, and specialty health facilities are complex buildings that must enable the highest hygiene standards possible, while remaining functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Healthcare facilities are highly trafficked, routinely operating 24 hours a day. This makes it essential that they are constructed from reliable, robust materials that are easily cleaned and maintained. While walls and floors are commonly streamlined, the ceiling accommodates many services which are crucial to the effective function of the building. Aside from the basic lighting, air conditioning and sprinkler services that can be found in most buildings, there are also healthcare-specific items such as communication speakers, curtain support rods, emergency lighting, directional signage and exit information that must be contained within or on the ceiling.

Furthermore, certain areas of hospitals – particularly isolation wards, infectious disease rooms and operation theatres – commonly have airtightness requirements to prevent the spread of airborne particles. Designing a system that can accommodate essential services while remaining airtight is crucial.

Challenges

The key challenge lies in creating a system that is airtight, but still accessible to the ceiling void above.

Some institutions for instance require the ceiling plenum of an infectious disease room to be fumigated each time a patient has been transferred. As such, the accessibility solution needs to be able to withstand frequent demounting. In addition to being able to interface with all of the services and penetrations mentioned above, the system must also accommodate anticipated installations of communication or medical equipment in the future.

Solution

Durlum has a proven system which is made specifically for healthcare environments and has been installed in hospitals and other healthcare facilities throughout Europe and Asia for more than 30 years. The pandemic of recent times has seen demand for such systems increase dramatically and the installation of airtight ceilings are no longer contained to specialist areas but are now being installed in many general areas within hospitals as well.

The metal panel system allows access through any panel rather than having a dedicated access hatch. This allows greater flexibility in floor layout and enables services to be more easily repaired or maintained without disrupting the care occurring below.

Test certificates of airtight function are available for consultants’ use in planning for the performance requirements of the ceiling. Durlum has also recently introduced an airtight lighting module to the ceiling which solves what has been one of the more difficult problems with airtight ceilings.

Click here to download a copy of this case study or for more information, please contact us.

Specification of metal ceilings for transportation projects

With its growing population, Australia’s transport infrastructure needs across road, rail, ports and airports are increasing. Designers, architects and specifiers play a critical role in infrastructure projects that need to manage risk and safety, and ensure both community and commercial viability. For airport and railway station buildings, a well-designed metal ceiling can transform a space into a striking piece of modern architecture, as well as fulfil the vital functions of light, acoustics, concealing and interfacing with electrical and mechanical services.

Download this whitepaper for an introduction to the key considerations when designing metal ceiling systems for transport infrastructure buildings.

ALPOLIC™ warns the building and construction industry

13 years before the Grenfell Tower Tragedy in London, ALPOLIC™ released this video as a warning to the building and construction industry.

ALPOLIC™ fr vs 100% Polyethylene (PE) Core Cladding in a real life fire simulation test.

Despite other suppliers in the industry continuing to promote and sell PE-core materials in Australia, ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd has always put safety before profits.

Why not trust a world leading company with a proven reputation in Fire Safe Cladding.

As well as its superior performance under high temperatures and fire conditions, ALPOLIC™ NC (Non-Combustible) and its fire-resistant aluminium counterpart, ALPOLIC™ fr, are backed by a 20-year full replacement warranty from ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd. Network Architectural is the exclusive Australian distributor of ALPOLIC™.

Watch the full version of the ALPOLIC™️ fr Full-Scale Fire Test

Contact us on 02 8316 5000 to find out more.

Architectural supplier business puts cladding to the blowtorch test

Today Network Architectural, the Australian distributor of high-quality architectural cladding solutions, issued a challenge to insurers and government departments and agencies to take a closer look at one of our industry’s most pressing safety challenges.

“It’s clear that some in the insurance industry have been steering Australian architects and designers towards a single class of cladding (solid aluminium) because they’ve missed the science. They’ve mistakenly ascribed higher fire risk to all composite panels, rather than to the polyethylene core material of some composite panels which is the real risk factor,” said Clint Gavin, Network’s National Sales Manager.

For example, ALPOLIC™ NC (manufactured by ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd in Japan) is a non-combustible mineral core (zero PE) cladding which has outperformed 3mm Solid Aluminium in NATA-accredited AS5113 Large Scale Fire Tests.

“We’ll never sell 3mm solid aluminium cladding”

Network Architectural is a strong proponent of the chain of responsibility and the duty of care it owes to people who are buying buildings, working in them and living in them.

“We believe so strongly in ALPOLIC™ that we’ve knocked back many offers for us to distribute branded 3mm solid aluminium cladding,” said Clint. “We know it’s a hot topic and there are still some doubters. That’s why we put both products to the Blowtorch Test”.

 

Scientific evidence is clear

Network Architectural had full confidence that this blowtorch test would demonstrate how the two products perform under extreme heat, having witnessed how solid aluminium performed in NATA Lab AS5113 tests, and given the team had already seen evidence that ALPOLIC™ NC is safer under these conditions.

It’s been an open ‘secret’ in the industry for some time that solid aluminium has some highly- concerning performance characteristics under extreme heat and flame.

Specifically, the results of all large scale wall tests performed in Australia and around the world, reveal that when solid aluminium cladding is subjected to extreme heat, large chunks of flaming and molten aluminium are seen to fall to the ground.

Network Architectural is issuing a challenge to all promoters and distributors of 3mm solid aluminium cladding in Australia to do the right thing and release their AS5113 Full Scale Fire test results without delay.

ALPOLIC™ NC fire safe cladding option and its fire-resistant aluminium counterpart , ALPOLIC™ FR, are backed by a 20-year full replacement warranty from manufacturing giant ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd.

As well as its superior performance under high temperatures and fire conditions, ALPOLIC cladding is known for lower maintenance, lack of oil canning effect, and proven results under Australian conditions over 35 years. With monthly shipments from Japan, Australian architects and designers can be assured that ALPOLIC™ by ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd not only performs better but that it will be available on time when needed on site.

Network Architectural is the exclusive Australian distributor of high-quality architectural solutions including ALPOLIC™ NC, ALPOLIC™ FR, Fibreclad, Prodema, and Durlum Metal Ceilings. www.networkarchitectural.com.au

ALPOLIC™ NC / ALPOLIC™ A1 DtS Non-Combustible Cladding White Paper

This White Paper discusses the test results and performance data of ALPOLIC™ NC / A1 DtS Non-Combustible Composite Cladding manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd In Japan. Independent testing and analysis has been performed by NATA-Certified ExcelPlas Labs who are specialists in the compositional analysis and testing of polymers and polymer composites.

Download this whitepaper to find out more.

The truth and safety of world-class aluminium composite panels

Aluminium composite cladding is an umbrella term for a range of cladding products, and the flammable component responsible for the cladding fires was the 100% polyethylene core at the centre of the cladding. For a cladding product that provides excellent thermal performance, along with a host of other desirable characteristics, designers and specifiers should opt for a mineral core aluminium composite cladding solution.

Download this free whitepaper to learn more.

Victorian Government bans high-risk flammable cladding for multi-story buildings

We at Network Architectural would like to applaud the Victorian Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne’s decision to ban the use of high-risk, flammable aluminium composite panels for use as external wall cladding for all multi-storey developments for the future.

 

The line has now been drawn in the sand. Aluminium Composite Panels MUST HAVE a core material of greater than 93% inert filler (inert content) by mass in external cladding as part of a wall system for Type A or Type B construction in Victoria.

 

ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd in Japan has developed the new ALPOLIC NC Non-Combustible Mineral Core Aluminium Composite Material that achieves all of the safety requirements that have been recently implemented in Victoria.

 

  • Core material composed of greater than 95% inert filler (inert content) by mass
  • Non-Combustible laminas as t ested to AS1530.1
  • Fully compliant to Australian Standards through DtS Pathway (C1.9) for use wherever non-combustible materials are required
  • 20 year FULL Cover Warranty (incl. rectification costs) direct from globally trusted manufacturer (ALPOLIC™ by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Co., Ltd)
  • Manufactured in Japan with proven world class quality control
  • Proven coating durability in Australian conditions for over 30 years
  • Significantly less CO2 emission in manufacture than any alternative compliant aluminium façade material
  • Significantly less heat transfer than any alternative compliant aluminium façade material

 

Keep an eye out for this world leading cladding on a building near you.

 

Click to download a copy of this announcement.

Are you using the right wall sarking on your building?

One question we often get from Contractors and Builders about sarking is: am I using the right wall sarking on my building?

It’s a good question, especially because the Australian legal requirements have changed over the last few years. It’s important to ensure that you’re using the right one for your construction project.

Here’s a guide to provide you with some assistance.

What is wall sarking?

Wall sarking is a flexible, pliable membrane which acts as a ‘wall wrap’ (which it is sometimes called) to help protect against the elements and provide greater insulation.

What wall sarking do you need?

It depends on what Construction Certificate has been approved for your project.

There are two main certificates that determine which wall sarking you require.

1. 2016 Construction Site Certificate

If your project has a 2016 Construction Site Certificate, then you require a sarking product that is suitable for use in a non-combustible external wall construction in accordance to National Construction Code (NCC) 2016, Volume 1, Building Code of Australia (BCA) Amendment 1 Section C1.9.

Generally speaking, this applies to projects where the application for a construction certificate was lodged prior to the 1st of May 2019.

Wall sarking suitable for use in a non-combustible external wall is a heavy-duty wall wrap made up of a layer of woven glass fabric with aluminium foil laminate designed to provide protection against water and offer insulation properties in commercial wall applications.

In all Construction Sites with a 2016 Certificate, the sarking must comply with the ‘deemed to satisfy’ requirements of BCA 2016 Amendment 1 Clause C1.9.

For these requirements, you should check out the Bradford Thermoseal Firespec, which you can order through Network Architectural here.

Thermoseal Firespec

View the datasheet for Thermoseal Firespec here.

You may also find this chart useful in determining which product is best suited for your project:

2. Construction Site Certificates post 1st May 2019

As of the 1st of May 2019, all Construction Certificates approved in accordance with the NCC 2019, now have new exclusions for sarking-type materials.

Clause C1.9 (e) (vi) states that sarking-type materials which do not exceed 1mm in thickness and have a Flammability Index not greater than 5, may be used where a non-combustible material is required in Type A and B construction.

This permits you to select wall sarking options that have more of vapour permeable membrane to address condensation issues such as mould because it allows walls to ‘breathe’. This ensures that condensation does not present a risk to building occupants.

For this kind of project, the below products are ideal, which you can order through Network Architectural here.

Enviroseal RW

View the datasheet for Enviroseal RW here.

Enviroseal CW

View the datasheet for Enviroseal CW here.

You may also find this chart useful in determining which product is best suited for your project:

 

Do you want to know more about wall sarking products?

Just like you, we believe in using high-quality building materials which are compliant, safe and cost-effective. At Network Architectural, we stock all of the wall sarking products you need for your project.

The above information is just general. You can find the full technical sheet here.

If you would like more personalised assistance about wall sarking or you would like to place an order, contact us today on 13 71 75 or send us a message.

Our team of building supplies and architectural experts will be happy to help.

The 6 questions to ask about warranties on Cladding Products

Cladding products are commonly used in building and construction projects to provide a protective layer over the material underneath.

The most important decision comes down to selecting which cladding product is right for your project.

The first thing that builders, architects and construction professionals look at is the degree of thermal insulation, weather resistance and overall appearance each option offers.

However, the warranty is often overlooked.

It’s just as important to consider the warranty and what it includes when making your choice because cladding is a long-term decision.

Here are the 6 questions you should ask (or perhaps insist on) in relation to cladding warranties when selecting cladding products for your project.

1. Who is providing my warranty?

There are many products on the market where the local agent or distributor provides your cladding product’s warranty. This may seem fine but what if they go out of business tomorrow, next week, next month or next year? Or what if they change their business name or discontinue to stock cladding lines?

How will you make a claim?

You need to make sure you get a manufacturer’s warranty. This should include the actual warranty as well as ALL of the details of the manufacturer, so you know who to pursue if you need to make a claim.

2. Where does my warranty come from? 

It’s always a good idea to use products where the warranty is being provided by a “reputable” manufacturer who has a record of standing behind their products.

All manufacturers have problems from time to time but the manufacturers you want to deal with are the ones who stand behind their products, stand behind their agents and distributors, and ultimately stand beside you if there is ever a problem.

Ask yourself this question: Am I confident that the manufacturer of my product will stand beside me to resolve any problems I may have?

3. What does my warranty include and exclude? 

Make sure your warranty does not include a number of exemption clauses in the fine print that end up making it not worth the paper it is printed on. 

While it may seem daunting, take the time to read the warranty just so you’re not caught unawares about where its limitations are.

4. Do I need to keep records of cleaning and maintenance of panels to maintain my warranty? 

Most warranties will insist on keeping records of your cleaning and maintenance procedures for the life of the warranty. If this is not done you can void your warranty. 

However, NOT ALL manufacturers insist on this though so make sure you do your homework on this issue and comply accordingly.

It’s worth the effort in the end.

5. Do the products I am using have 100% traceability?

All cladding products should have permanent identification marking (not stickers) on their products so that they can be 100% traceable back through the production process (as referenced by the new Australian Standard 5344).

Sadly, this is not always the case and there are many products sold into the Australian market that fall short of this basic “good practice” manufacturing.

100% traceability will assist the manufacturer in identifying any issues they may have with the supplied product and makes it easier to claim.

6. Should I get a sample copy of the warranty before I place my order?

Absolutely – yes!

It is your right to see a copy of the ‘typical’ warranty document that will be available at the end of your project.

It is also your right to raise any questions or concerns you may have with this document BEFORE you place any orders. 

You SHOULD NOT accept an agents or distributors warranty. This is potentially worthless when it comes to making a claim. INSIST on a manufacturers warranty and INSIST on getting ALL the manufacturer’s details BEFORE you place any orders.

Be very careful if your supplier does not, or will not, provide this information.

How to ensure you’re getting the right warranty.

If you’re concerned about your Cladding warranty, it’s best to choose a trusted and well-established supplier of cladding products. Network Architectural provides a large range of cladding products, all backed by large and reputable companies who provide manufacturer warranties. For further information on our cladding offers, please contact our office on (02) 8316 5000, or visit our website.