PAC-CLAD metal wall panels from Petersen have passed the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association 285 Standard for exterior wall assemblies. The test results expand cladding options beyond masonry for designers and specifiers when using spray foam as continuous insulation on exterior walls of any height, while satisfying International Building Code requirements.
 
The NFPA 285 test provides a method for evaluating the fire propagation characteristics of exterior, non-load-bearing wall assemblies and panels. The test is intended to evaluate the inclusion of combustible components within wall assemblies and panels of buildings that are required to be of non-combustible construction. The test was backed by Carlisle Construction Materials, which owns Petersen, to test its spray foam insulation. Carlisle included PAC-CLAD metal cladding in the test to provide design professionals with a complete brand-specific NFPA 285 wall assembly.
 
“Because Petersen products are included in this successful wall assembly test, architects and specifiers can now confidently choose PAC-CLAD wall panels as a specific brand of exterior metal cladding for these applications. Petersen remains committed to investing in product safety and code compliance. It is our goal to provide architects with design flexibility, and confidence in their product selection,” said Mike Petersen, president. 
 
The NFPA 285 compliant assembly can be found under UL file R40016 and incorporates the following products: SealTite PRO Closed Cell Spray Foam, DC315 intumescent coating and approved protective topcoat by IFTI, and PAC-CLAD aluminum cladding. This product combination met the acceptance criteria for NFPA 285 tested at Underwriters Laboratory fire labs in Northbrook, Ill.
 
“Achieving continuous insulation and satisfying IBC requirements for use of spray foam on exterior building walls of any height should not limit building designers’ choice of cladding options to masonry,” says Kevin Wiacek, product marketing manager for Carlisle Spray Foam Insulation. “Meeting the acceptance criteria for the NFPA 285 test with Carlisle’s PAC-CLAD aluminum panels gives designers and architects a new wall panel option with 46 color choices.”

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