Laminators Incorporated Announces New And Improved ACM Cladding Systems

Hatfield, PA – The International Building Code (IBC) has established performance requirements for water management, thermal performance, and fire resistance for exterior wall envelopes. Unfortunately, complying with these building code performance requirements forces designers and installers into a complex balancing act. Meeting any one performance requirement in isolation of the others can lead to a conflict or unbuildable condition. Achieving a code-compliant ACM veneer assembly often requires the use of proprietary solutions that involve complex detailing and planning, thereby increasing labor and material costs while reducing the flexibility for making adjustments during construction.

Laminators Incorporated has sought to address that issue through the development of a new, fully designed, integrated and tested ACM panel and installation system. Combining their new Back-Drained and Ventilated, Field-Fabricated installation systems with their Omega-Lite® ACM panel, Omega CI® rigid insulated panel and an air and water barrier offers a simple design solution for installations requiring continuous insulation while maintaining code-mandated performance requirements for water control and fire resistance.

According to the company, the new Back-Drained and Ventilated, Field-Fabricated installation systems (1-Piece, Tight-Fit Molding; Clip & Caulk™) offer a traditional, yet high-tech appearance at an affordable cost. For the 1-Piece, Tight-Fit Molding system, the aluminum moldings used to encapsulate panel edges are available in both flat and reveal styles, providing two different aesthetic options for installation. The Clip & Caulk installation system provides the traditional look of a shop-fabricated wet seal system without the added labor and cost of panel fabrication. The systems’ sub-framing components provide enhanced performance through improved moisture management and increased ventilation.

The redesigned 1-Piece, Tight-Fit Molding and Clip & Caulk installation systems are compliant with the NFPA 285 standard for multi-story fire testing for installations over Omega CI and exterior-grade, glass-mat faced gypsum sheathing.

When combined with Omega CI [continuous insulation product], Laminators’ Back-Drained and Ventilated, Field-Fabricated installation systems offer an effective solution for veneer installations over continuous insulation while balancing thermal performance, water management, and fire resistance code requirements.

Omega CI is a rigid continuously insulated structural system comprising a polyisocyanurate (“polyiso”) foam bonded to a premium performance glass backer and a 5/8" fire treated plywood face. The plywood layer provides a dimensionally stable substrate by normalizing attachment loads (avoiding deformation of the rigid foam insulation) and is also fire-treated to allow for a class A fire rating and NFPA 285 compliance. The foam insulation layer provides thermal resistance to achieve the desired R-value for the wall assembly without causing thermal bridging. Omega CI is available in 4’ x 8’ sheets and 2.1” overall thickness, providing R-9.6 for IECC/ASHRAE 90.1 prescriptive continuous insulation requirements.

The systems install directly to the plywood sheathing layer of Omega CI, which remove complex detailing and extensive planning associated with most proprietary solutions for installation of ACM veneer systems over continuous insulation. Installers will find the sub-framing components can easily be relocated during construction providing them with the flexibility necessary to accommodate for changing field conditions. The systems also provide designers and installers the freedom to choose any air and water barrier product that can be installed over plywood sheathing (specific product must be used to meet NFPA 285 requirements).

Simple and flexible, Laminators’ new 1-Piece, Tight-Fit Molding and Clip & Caulk systems can be fabricated directly on the job site, saving time and money by allowing installers to adapt to as-built conditions during installation. For more information on Laminators’ Back-Drained and Ventilated installation systems and the Omega CI continuously insulated structural system, visit laminatorsinc.com or call 800-523-2347.

About Laminators Incorporated

Laminators Incorporated, a leading manufacturer for over 50 years, offers a complete line of composite panels for the commercial construction and sign making industries in the United States and Canada.  Laminators’ lightweight systems are exceptionally strong and durable, and provide various application solutions making the panels quick and easy for users to fabricate and install.  Laminators Incorporated is committed to providing value through high quality products, innovative application solutions and superior customer service.

About Laminators Inc.

Laminators Incorporated, a leading manufacturer for nearly 60 years, offers a complete line of composite panels for the commercial construction and sign-making industries in the United States and Canada. Laminators’ lightweight systems are exceptionally strong and durable, and provide various application solutions making the panels quick and easy for users to fabricate and install. Laminators Incorporated is committed to providing value through high-quality products, innovative application solutions, and superior customer service. To learn more, visit www.laminatorsinc.com.