Fluoropolymer coatings are generally non-combustible; however, their underlying foundation must be compliant with new Australian standards.
Several recent fires in Melbourne have prompted a lengthy audit process of Australian buildings that have used flammable materials in the cladding coating the building’s façade. There are several things to watch out for when investigating building cladding, and specific materials that ought to be avoided in construction at all costs. Fluoropolymer coatings are generally non-combustible; however, their underlying foundation must be compliant with new Australian standards. A&I Coatings provides fluoropolymer coatings at an affordable rate and all of our products are compliant.
To ensure your building cladding is safe, have the materials professional inspected by a third-party assessor. They will be able to tell you if your building fully complies with AS 1530.1 code by subjecting a sample of your cladding material to a high-temperature furnace. Flame retardant qualities of your cladding including ignitability, flame propagation, heat and smoke release will all be measured and evaluated to make sure you’re using the right choice of materials in the construction or augmentation of your building. Always ask for official testing and compliance certificates when purchasing cladding.
Most building cladding is made from aluminium, which is a safe alternative to aluminium-composite cladding. However, if aluminium used in your building site contains polyethylene it is immediately posing a fire danger to your building. Polyethylene sits between two aluminium sheets as a way of saving cost on materials but ignites immediately after exposure to flame and sets the façade of a building on fire during an otherwise harmless situation. Indeed, if you’re aware that your aluminium building cladding contains polyethylene in its makeup, be sure to contact to the Government Department of Planning and report it to prevent potential damage to building inhabitants and structures manifesting.
Fluoropolymer building coatings over a solid aluminium frame are a safe alternative that ensures your building looks great and sparkles in the sunlight. A&I Coatings’ protective fluoropolymer materials inhibit damage from sunlight by exhibiting extremely UV-resistant properties and maintain far superior weathering performance. They are reflective and aerodynamic and add a sharp aesthetic to the façade of any building.
Compressed Fibre Cement (CFC) cladding is also readily available to be coated in fluoropolymer paint and is another safe alternative to improving your building’s exterior. CFC materials complement fluoropolymer coatings with their own UV-resistant and corrosion-resistant properties and are completely flame-retardant. Despite the material you use, ensure that it’s compliant and not posing a fire risk, and then the world is your oyster when selecting which finish to apply to your building to complete it in style.
For all fluoropolymer building cladding coatings, reach out to A&I Coatings today for an effective solution at an affordable rate. Browse our entire product offering for all types of surface protection materials and continue reading our blog for ongoing insights into best practice in surface protection and applications of different materials, which are also described in their makeup in detail. We are available 7-5pm Monday to Friday for all your building cladding paint and surface protection needs.
