Tenmat, ALPOLIC®, and CLADIATOR® Achieve NYC Code Compliance for Unified Rainscreen Cladding with Successful NFPA 285 Test

Wilmington, DE – Tenmat, a recognized leader in passive fire protection, in collaboration with ALPOLIC® and CLADIATOR®, is pleased to announce Tenmat’s FF102/50 Intumescent Fire Block has successfully tested an NYC compliant assembly for this collaborative rainscreen cladding solution. This milestone follows the successful completion of an NFPA 285 fire test conducted at Intertek Laboratories.

This strategic partnership was driven by the adoption of the 2022 New York City Building Code, which now requires fire blocking within rainscreen assemblies that include combustible components. To meet these new standards, the companies conducted a successful joint NFPA 285 fire test at Intertek Laboratories, combining Tenmat’s FF102/50 fire block, ALPOLIC® panels, and CLADIATOR’s Slotted-Z into a unified system.

This collaborative achievement not only meets code requirements—it empowers design. For architects and specifiers, this means greater design freedom without sacrificing safety or budget. ALPOLIC® has long been celebrated for its exceptional flatness, durability, and versatility—qualities that make it a preferred choice for custom facades and bold architectural statements.

“We are proud to be part of this landmark collaboration,” said Octavio Diaz, Sales Director at ALPOLIC. “Achieving code compliance with our fire-retardant core—alongside these outstanding partners—paves the way for ALPOLIC to continue its contribution to the iconic architectural landscape that defines New York.”

At the heart of this solution is Tenmat’s FF102/50, a compact, fast-acting intumescent fire block engineered for ventilated cladding systems. It allows for airflow, moisture control, and energy efficiency—key benefits of rainscreen design—while activating in the presence of fire to seal off cavities and prevent flame spread.

When exposed to high temperatures, the FF102/50 expands up to 25 times its original thickness, forming a robust fire block that helps contain fire and protect building occupants. Its rigid structure supports easy installation and long-term durability, making it a practical choice for both new construction and retrofit applications.

“With the successful completion of another critical NFPA 285 test in a series of ongoing evaluations, Tenmat Intumescent Fireblocking continues to deliver a game-changing solution for architects and engineers seeking flexibility in metal composite material (MCM) cladding systems,” said Marco Kristen, President PFP North America. “By providing the critical fireblocking required by the NYC Building Code while also maintaining the functionality of ventilated rainscreen systems, Tenmat offers a unique solution that enables MCM to confidently re-enter the architectural conversation – bringing code compliance, innovation, and design freedom back into the landscape.”

This NFPA 285 test assembly was specifically constructed according to the updated NYC code, with fire blocks installed around window openings and slab lines—precisely where the code mandates protection. The result is a fully ventilated wall system that meets modern building science standards while delivering critical fire resistance.

With this successful test, Tenmat’s FF102/50, ALPOLIC®/fr, and CLADIATOR’s Slotted-Z offer comprehensive, code-compliant rainscreen systems in dense urban environments. Together, the companies are helping shape a safer, more resilient future for architectural design.

About Tenmat

For over 100 years, Tenmat has been a leader in the development, engineering and manufacturing of intumescent materials that offer advanced passive fire protection and fire blocking capabilities. Tenmat offers a unique range of flexible, lightweight, and ready-to-use products and solutions for the most demanding firestopping applications. All Tenmat products have been fire tested by independent third-party labs such as UL and Intertek. For further information visit www.tenmatusa.com.

About CLADIATOR®:

CLADIATOR® is a manufacturer of thermally isolated structural cladding attachment systems. The company's universal systems offer improved thermal efficiencies while achieving rain-screen principles such as air & moisture ventilation with the use of long-lasting globally responsible materials. To learn more, visit  www.cladiator.com.

About Mitsubishi Chemical America  - ALPOLIC Division

ALPOLIC® Metal Composite Materials (MCM) have been manufactured since 1991 at Mitsubishi Chemical America’s Chesapeake, VA location. Part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s vast array of products and services, ALPOLIC ® MCM is among the most versatile and useful architectural materials available, and the company's manufacturing, distribution and support capabilities extend worldwide. ALPOLIC ® offers the rigidity of heavy-gauge architectural metals in a lightweight composite material, with a standard polyethylene or fire-resistant core available in an unmatched selection of colors and finishes. For more information about ALPOLIC ®, visit www.ALPOLIC-Americas.com or call 800-422-7270.