The science of construction product development, which is already proceeding at a blinding rate, has shifted into an even higher gear. Consider the DuPont™ ArmorWall™ System, which promises to deliver a “5-in-1 exterior wall solution.” This system is now available to commercial builders from Acme Brick, which has supplied premium construction products sine 1891
This trend of employing high technology in the construction industry has been evident in several new building techniques. One is Passive House construction, an air-sealing process for reducing residential utility use. Plus, cladding products such as CUPACLAD Rainscreen cladding and MAC Metal Architectural cladding have dramatically improved energy efficiency.
What This Means for You — The ArmorWall System is a premium, high-performance wall solution for commercial buildings that incorporates five traditional building enclosure elements:
Since its founding in 1891, Acme Brick has embraced technological innovations in the manufacture and sales of construction materials. Commercial builders now have access to the ArmorWall System, which will forever change the way exterior wall construction is completed. Click here to learn more.
According to DuPont, manufacturer of the ArmorWall System, this ground-breaking exterior wall product “enables attachment of cladding rail assemblies virtually anywhere on the panel face without needing to fasten them back to studs. Essentially any cladding type, including rainscreens like MCM and fiber cement, EIFS, stucco, conventional brick and thin brick become easier and quicker to install thanks to ArmorWall’s unique Magnesium Oxide (MgO) structural sheathing, providing exceptional strength and durability.”
“This product can replace several individual components that would otherwise need to be purchased and installed on site separately,” said John Brewer, Acme Brick’s vice president of sales. “We think it will be a real benefit to our commercial customers in the Southwest, and we’re pleased to be their exclusive source for it.”
The threat to property and loss of life from wildfires has forced many cities to strengthen fire codes throughout the world. But this has been especially prevalent in the southwestern U.S. In turn, insurance rates have increased for these structures, As a result, commercial builders and owners have struggled to deal with this “new normal.”
The ArmorWall System represents an excellent antidote to this expensive trend. Commercial buildings of all types can benefit from this innovation.
ArmorWall Plus Fire-Rated Structural Insulated Sheathing (FR SIS) offers multiple fire-rated assemblies when tested as prescribed by ASTM E119 or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 263 standards. A second series, ArmorWall™ SP Plus FR SIS, offers enhanced fire-rated assemblies. Additional information for achieving fire-resistance ratings is available through ICC-ES ESL 1302.
The ArmorWall™ System has been successfully evaluated to the DuPont Commercial Wall Assembly Test Protocol. The protocol includes structural loading and thermal cycling prior to air and water penetration resistance per ASTM E2357 and ASTM E331 up to 15 PSF of water penetration resistance. Here is additional information on the DuPont Commercial Wall Assembly Test Protocol.
Both series of ArmorWall Plus FR SIS come in 48” x 96” panels. DuPont offers a choice of three thicknesses, including 2” (R10), 2.75” (R15), or 3.75” (R21).
Brewer adds, “The ArmorWall product family is certified by GreenCircle and can contribute toward LEED credits for sustainable building design and construction. Once the system is installed, and seams and fasteners sealed, the enclosure may be considered ‘dried-in.’ This allows interior construction to begin right away, speeding construction schedules.”
For building owners, along with their architects and builders, time is money, and ArmorWall saves both. Here is a quick summary to consider about this exemplary exterior building product.
Acme Brick sales offices in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma are now offering DuPont’s ArmorWall Plus Fire-Rated Structural Insulated Sheathing (FR SIS) for commercial buildings. For more information on this innovative building product, contact an Acme specialist or set an appointment for an onsite demonstration.
