We sat down with Shah to discuss his first impressions, his leadership style and his vision for the next chapter of ALPOLIC’s achievement. 

Now that you’ve had a chance to settle in, what are your first impressions of ALPOLIC Americas?

What I can see right away is how close knit it is here. Teamwork is paramount and I’ve seen that in practice. Regardless of the different titles, everyone can come together here. It’s a different culture than other places I’ve worked at. It’s very unique, that approachable, open door attitude.  And the other thing that stood out was the longevity of many of the employees. I’m sure elsewhere that could lead to people being set in their ways. But I’ve found people here are open to feedback. 

Even something as simple as onboarding. I had some suggestions and they’re going to make changes. It’s a part of my style; I’m not going to let an opportunity go to waste. I’m hoping to bring in my leadership style, a sort of servant leadership, to ALPOLIC so we can continue to make things better for the next person. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

Open, flexible, diverse. Honestly, one leadership style doesn’t work for every situation. But at the end of the day, you just need to connect with your people. As simple as it sounds it’s difficult to do. Meeting people, for me, has always been a pretty smooth process. These days we fist bump as a greeting, but it goes a long way. These small gestures are appreciated, and they come from me naturally. It’s what I define as the human factor. Ultimately, I hope to bring my own unique flavor to ALPOLIC. It’s a process, a dialogue, but so far, people are open and receiving to new ideas.  

How do you see your role as plant manager?

My idea is more to work on the strategic level, not only the ground level. I’m not here to just fight daily fires. After 30 years, ALPOLIC is good at resolving problems. The team has got it, they don’t need me for the day to day. Instead, I will challenge constantly how we can do better; do more with less. Are we only working harder or are we working smarter? This is a great opportunity for us to get better. 

We’ll work to change certain mindsets or assumptions. I don’t think there’s a harm in over-communication internally. It’s okay to voice things and you have to encourage your people to come to the table. I will present ideas and ask questions. “Have you looked into this?” Branching out and working through plans A, B, C and D. 

Ultimately, I look forward to defining my own role, working through the job description versus the expectations I want to set for myself. But I see where I can come in. 

What is your vision for ALPOLIC Americas production?

The leadership team has a vision for where ALPOLIC is going to be 5, 10 years down the road. Production can be prepared to meet that vision with training and development. Empowering your workforce to do better is key. I come from a continuous improvement background and ask, “What other challenges are coming our way?” I want more robust assurances that our process will  always be in control and that our workforce is capable of meeting those challenges. We rely on our operators for their critical decisions on the floor and their soft skills are important. I want to explore technology. New technology and tools provides us greater opportunity for efficiency. I want to continue to bring excitement into production. Technology, training and development. We have to take that leap. 

Mehul Shah has 12 years’ experience in manufacturing and holds Masters degrees in Chemistry, Engineering Management and Chemical Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology.     

The post Building on Success, ALPOLIC Americas Hires New Plant Manager appeared first on ALPOLIC®.

“We have never fabricated anything like this in the past, but once we saw and heard the concept, we knew it was tailored to what our company does best,” said Jeremy Patterson, architectural sales representative with TFC Canopy/ Centurion Ind. “We used our full team to create this design, structural steel designers, engineers, architectural wall panels detailers, canopy project and construction managers, canopy installers, and quite a few different departments on our fabrication floor.”

Over 500 square feet of ALPOLIC in GRV, TDR and BGN Green panels were fabricated into canopy leaves, supported by a structural steel frame. The project was a part of a remodel of the courtyard to improve functionality and cut down on maintenance. Led by architectural firm Barton Coe Vilamaa and general contracting services from FCI, the new courtyard is a singular success and will be enjoyed by the nearly 600 students from kindergarten through fifth grade. 

Patterson is an avid user of ALPOLIC because it delivers innovative solutions for inspirational design. “We handle all design-build projects with the idea of how we can use the most ACM. We know how versatile this product is and our goal is to showcase it in every way we can think of and to push the boundaries on what it can achieve.” Complex forms are possible in the hands of veteran fabricators like TFC. “There are not many ACM Fabricators that have the flexibility and capabilities that we do. The options are endless with the level of customization we can do especially with a project like this to make it unique and one of a kind.”

We celebrate projects – both big and small—that showcase how our adaptable metal composite materials are used to bring a vision to life. The simple shade trees at JR Watson are an incredible example of the nearly limitless design possibilities achievable with ALPOLIC.

Photos courtesy of TFC Canopy/Centurion Ind.

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The basics – Rigid, lighter, flatter

Metal composite material (MCM) is produced by bonding thin sheets of metal to either side of a thermoplastic core with heat and pressure. It provides the rigidity of plate metal without the weight or the distortion referred to as oil-canning. Often made with painted or treated aluminum, also known as ACM, MCM are also produced with zinc, copper, stainless steel and titanium, often referred to as natural metals. The thermoplastic core can be a traditional PE or fire resistant which is required for buildings over 40 foot from grade.

Why designers want MCM – Designed how you need, wherever you need it

In addition to the richness of natural metals, MCM is available in practically limitless finish options. Gloss ranges from 6 to 70 allow understated matte and the most opulent high-gloss in shades across the spectrum. MCM can shimmer with special effects and prismatic finishes can even change appearance depending on the viewing angle. Printed patterns create the look of marble and timber without the cost, weight or maintenance. Available in 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, or 6mm, whether you need exterior or interior cladding, or any detail in between, MCM is a perfect fit.

Making life easier for general contractors – Helping meet demands and deadlines

Sustainable MCM is made from highly recyclable materials that support efforts in LEED certification. Accessible American manufacturing headquarters provides quick service and Made in the USA products on demand. In as little as 1,000 sqft, affordable MCM can be produced to custom order with manageable lead times, but sometimes faster is better. With over 100 finishes in stock, these premium materials are ready to deliver exceptional results.

A fabricator’s best friend – Manufacturing a better relationship

Reputable MCM manufacturers will produce sheets that are trimmed and squared. Protective film performs double-duty, protecting the finish as well as providing directional arrows for installation assistance. Materials are primed on the unfished back for additional protection. Quality production operations ensure that sheets are shipped in custom-built 6-sided pallets, sized to each order, to mitigate potential damage during transport. Materials are flipped to order, delivered with the finish side facing up or down as requested. Premium MCM can be easily formed into complex shapes, challenging curves, and fit numerous installation systems.

Giving the owner peace of mind – Providing more value and support

Getting the right look that lasts starts with a great finish. Next-generation FEVE Fluoropolymer paint systems provide truer colors in the widest gloss range. And when only the perfect shade will do, rely on the custom color matching expertise of your MCM manufacturer. These innovative products meet the AAMA 2605 standard, have built-in graffiti resistance and are easy to clean and maintain. Quality composite panels can come with finish warranties of 10, 20 or 30 years, and an in situ warranty gives greater value to your investment with protection that goes far beyond the material cost. MCM delivers the look, performance and longevity every building owner deserves.

Whatever the role on the design and build team, your MCM manufacturer should be there through the entire process, just a phone call away. Manage tight lead times with responsive customer support, order free samples and literature for your design board, and reach out to the manufacturer’s technical service team to get reports like the EPD, PTD, or SDS or to help navigate specifications. From the regional sales manager to the quality assurance department, find a support team that is standing by for your toughest questions. Build your next project with the help of metal composite materials.

The post A Master Class in Metal Composite Materials: From design to build, the details that make MCM preferred by professionals appeared first on ALPOLIC®.

The original storefront of James Royce Rug Gallery did little to stand out among the neighborhood boutiques. The simple, gabled house design of the showroom appeared too washed out in the busy West Hollywood district. Shops along La Cienega Boulevard benefit from a consistently high volume of traffic and curb appeal helps businesses compete for those customers. Mohaber, the owner of James Royce Rug Gallery, charged Cali Architects to deliver a dramatic makeover for increased visibility.

Inspired by the sleek look of a Santa Monica storefront, featuring black and silver panels made with darkened glass, the firm conceived a render with a similar envelope designed to emphasize James Royce Rug Gallery’s elegant, contemporary rug inventory. While the overall look appealed, Mohaber deemed the original choice of materials too shiny and potentially fragile. Cali Architects then turned to ALPOLIC to achieve the desired facade.

Lightweight and adaptable, MCM delivers your vision without compromise

“We always experiment with the aesthetics and quality of different materials,” said Albert Hezgiayan, president and founder of Cali Architects, a design leader in contemporary architecture. “We initially experimented with 3-D rendering, using different materials for the building façade. Not only did ALPOLIC seem to be the best material during planning, but after the panels were fully installed, it looked even better than imagined.” 

During the specification process, the multitude of color variations and wide gloss range of the finishes attracted Cali Architects to metal composite materials. ALPOLIC’s TOB Black MCM provided the ideal color and level of shine the customer requested, framed with sophistication using ALPOLIC stainless steel composite material. D&R Glass, Inc. fabricated and installed the panels expertly. Richard Scott, president, notes that ALPOLIC is used frequently throughout the retail industry. “We promote it because we love the product, specifically due to the finishes.” The result is a chic envelope that showcases the quality products inside. The renovation, completed in 2020, added approximately 800 square feet to the retail space and incorporated over 1,800 sq ft of MCM in a wet seal cladding system. 

Investing in a look that lasts with premium ALPOLIC MCM

D&R Glass, Inc., a veteran fabricator in Southern California, has trusted ALPOLIC often over the last ten years with retail brands both large and small. Scott knew these quality materials could help realize the owner’s vision, providing a look that lasts. “ALPOLIC is known in the industry,” said Scott. “They are a good company.” This project marked the first time Cali Architects has worked with MCM, and the success of the James Royce Rug Gallery retrofit has inspired them to continue to use ALPOLIC MCM on the three-story building behind the showroom. “We are looking forward to using the same material for the new residential extension behind the storefront. The design will allow motorists and pedestrians to see the finishes used from the boulevard.” 

Hezgiayan found that MCM worked well for his design, and the low maintenance became a big selling factor for the owner. Mohaber said the ease with which the ALPOLIC can be cleaned with basic rainwater is a benefit. “Every so often I have a company that comes to wash the exterior. When it dries, it does not leave spots. When it’s clean, it’s beautiful.” The investment in a new storefront has marked his accomplishment. Backed by an industry-leading warranty, his business façade will continue to look like new for years after lessor materials would have failed. 

The process of creating a new space for his business was a trial for Mohaber. As a premium retailer, Mohaber trusted ALPOLIC metal composite materials to showcase the museum-quality collection at James Royce Rug Gallery. “We ran into many problems growing this business; but the ALPOLIC, that was never a problem,” he said. With over 39 years in the business, Mohaber has developed a successful enterprise focused on luxury and refined culture, and his fashion-forward rugs now have a showroom that speaks to that modern design aesthetic.

The post An Upgraded Storefront Featuring ALPOLIC Marks A New Chapter Of Success For Small Business appeared first on ALPOLIC®.

BUILDING A MANUFACTURING REGION IN COASTAL VIRGINIA

When STIHL first began US operations in Virginia Beach, VA in 1974, it worked out of a rented warehouse with only 50 employees. Today, STIHL Inc., makers of the number one selling brand of chainsaws worldwide, employs over 1,900 and operates from a 150-acre campus at their American headquarters. Their spectacular growth required an expansion of their facilities and, in 2017, they set to the task with Hampton Roads-based HBA Architecture and Hourigan Construction as the lead architect and general contractor.

The new building was to combine numerous administrative departments and encompass a new customer welcome center, outdoor demonstration area and provide brand experiences for customers and partners. Significant attention was paid to sustainable building practices, environmental stewardship and quality of life. Beautiful metal composite materials from ALPOLIC helped accentuate the natural beauty of the surroundings and brought the hallmark STIHL brand colors across the entire design. Highly recyclable metal composite materials (MCM) are designed, manufactured and supplied with sustainability in mind for companies, like STIHL Inc., looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

The standout element of the new administration building is the green roof, designed by another Hampton Roads-based company, Beck Roofing. This “living roof” features 56,000 sedum plants and is the largest privately funded green roof in Virginia. Green roofs provide visual appeal, contribute to nature, and lower the carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption because the vegetation retains heat in the winter and cools in the summer. Particularly helpful in Virginia Beach, the vegetated roof adds extra sound insulation to mitigate the passing fighter jet noise from local navy bases. The green roof, along with a retention pond, also helps to manage stormwater runoff.

Maintaining as much of the native landscape was an important criteria for the company. To minimize the construction’s footprint, the original 21,000 square foot administration building was razed. “We had to have a site survey done and hired an arborist,” said Mariusz Mijal, Associate Principal at HBA Architecture & Interior Design, Inc, who noted the company looked to accommodate employee needs, while at the same time focusing on tree preservation.

For better quality of life for the employees, the perimeter offices and cubicles were designed with glass partitions to allow natural light to penetrate the interior spaces which were supported with soundproofing and white noise machines; particularly helpful when conducting training or product demonstrations.

ALPOLIC DELIVERS LASTING PERFORMANCE

Mijal explains the choice of metal composite materials from ALPOLIC came down to performance. “Metal panels gave us the high-tech look we were going for, and ALPOLIC gave us the longevity of performance. With the size of the panels, we needed materials that stayed flat and gave us the company-matched colors. They need to perform.”

Roof Services, another Virginia Beach-based company, was selected to deliver a cladding system that met both the performance and aesthetic needs of the client. After seeing the finished fabrication, Mijal was delighted. “The product is great.” ALPOLIC maintains a full technical service support staff to help design and build professionals on MCM use from ideation to installation. Mijal indicated that installation details found on ALPOLIC’s resources page helped form the basis of the rainscreen application.

In total, over 32,000 square feet of ALPOLIC MCM in orange, MZG Mica Grey and BSX Silver Metallic were used on the three-story main building, guardhouse, and outdoor demonstration center. The STIHL campus boasts one million square feet of building space, the administration building being one of nine on the sprawling wooded property, nestled discretely beside retail spaces with the quintessential Virginia Beach jet noise above.

STIHL Inc has grown considerably since its early days, and now produces in a single day what they made in that first year in Virginia Beach. And the company continues to invest in its facilities in southeast Virginia. Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads have been great for manufacturing because of its proximity to ports, the region’s affordability, and the access to a skilled and diverse workforce. Similarly, ALPOLIC’s American headquarters has made its home in Hampton Roads for the last 30 years. Together they, and other companies, have invested in the local communities and committed to good corporate stewardship, building a brighter outlook for the region.

The post Hampton Roads manufacturing HQ features sustainability & ALPOLIC MCM appeared first on ALPOLIC®.

Metal Composite Material (MCM) warranties address the color fastness guarantee of the finish. The standard typically states that the color will not fade beyond a Delta E5 for the length of the warranty. But what does this mean?

Highlights

Delta E (or ∆E) is a calculation of the change in color as measured in the Hunter Lab color space on a three-dimensional axes L a b.MCM finish warranties guarantee a color change of no more than Delta E5 over the length of the warranty, under defined terms and conditions.

Fluoropolymer paint systems, such as FEVE, provide exceptional color accuracy and resist color fade with warranties for 10, 20 or 30 years.

If you think about an ellipse containing all allowable color, any color has a sort of address, determined by the ratio of pairs of opposites. Simplistically, how much red or green it has, how much yellow or blue it has, or how light or dark it is. Colors whose addresses are closer together have a lower Delta E.

What is Delta E and why does it matter?

Delta E is the measured change of color from one color sample to another. Color matters. We use color to send a message or create a feeling. For corporations, colors represent a brand, acting as a part of the company identity as important as the name or logo. And when it matters most, close enough doesn’t cut it. Because visual perception can vary, color is defined in a 3D color space using a three-point axes. Delta E represents the difference between a given color and a different color. There are two important reasons to measure color difference. First is color matching to ensure paint accuracy before it is applied to an MCM panel. The second is to determine the degree of change over time, often seen as fading, in order to verify the paint performed as expected after panel installation.

Let’s look at how color is measured.

Color is measured in three dimensions, L, a, and b using the Hunter Lab color scale and measuring with a Spectrophotometer.

When measuring the a axis, it starts with all green at the left. As it moves to the right, one green element of the whole is replaced by one unit of red. Moving farther right, more red is added replacing more green. At the extreme right all red is shown. To illustrate this point, think of a container of drops of color. It begins where all of the drops are green. As it moves right one drop of green is removed and replaced with one drop of red. The farther right it moves more green is removed and replaced with red. The container always holds the same amount of drops but the ratio of the red to green changes.

On a graph we will locate where on this axis your particular a reading is. We can mark it with a line. Similarly, when measuring the b axis, it starts at the back with all yellow and as it moves toward the front one element of blue is substituted for a yellow element. Moving forward more blue is substituted until you reach the very front where only blue is shown.

Again, on a graph we will locate this axis of your particular b reading. When we combine the graphs we have an intersection of a and b.

Now think of a tablet of 100 pages where this intersection is shown as a dot. At the top page it is the top of the L reading, the lightest version of the color. As you move through the pages the color becomes darker. Page 67 is darker that page 50, for example.

When your target color is determined, each of the readings are made, L, a and b, and we end up with your specific color. Consider this the address of the color, much like the address of a high rise at the intersection of a street and avenue and on a particular floor of the high-rise. This is ground ZERO. Now we move to the formulated color and compare its readings to that of the target. Each reading will check the distance on that axis from the target.

To calculate the Delta E variance from the produced color to the target, you square each reading’s distance (to ensure a positive number). Then you add all of the squares of those readings and take the square root of that number and this gives you the Delta E variance.

Small differences can have a great impact on the Delta E.

A lower Delta E means there has been less color shift.

A higher Delta E means a more significant color shift.

A Delta E of 1 may be perceptible by some with close inspection.

A Delta E of 5 may be noticeable at a glance.

In our first example, if the a reading is off by only 1 (square of 1 is 1) and the b reading is off by only 2 (square of 2 is 4) and the L reading is off by only 3 (square of 3 is 9) then the end result is the square root of 1 + 4 + 9 or square root of 14 or 3.74. That means the Delta E would be 3.74.

To make this more visual let’s look at a PANTONE (PMS) color chart. PMS is ink on paper rather than paint on metal, but many colors are selected from the Pantone book as the target.

Let’s look at two targets and two close numbers next to them.

The difference or distance between these addresses are: L = 19.18, a = 2.98, b = -18.52.

Adding the square of each and then taking the square root equals DE 26.83.

The Delta E difference between these two colors is 26.83, still outside of the Delta E 5 that is covered under the warranty Delta E5.

Another example would be target PMS 3945 and PMS 3935.

The distance between these addresses are: L = 1.37, a = 1.38, b = 0.91.

Adding the square of each of the above and then taking the square root of that total equals 2.15.

The Delta E difference between these two colors is DE 2.15, which is within the limits of a DE5 warranty.

Invest in a paint system that lasts.

Understand that a small movement in the color reading can greatly impact where the color ends up. Fluoropolymers like FEVE and PVDF do the very best job of holding the original color for the longest time. For a more comprehensive look at the differences between paint systems read our blog comparing polyester and fluoropolymer paints.

Finding the perfect color for your project or corporate identity is important. Keeping that carefully selected color looking its best for decades is also important. You deserve color accuracy and longevity. Your paint system should limit the fading of the color, often caused by UV exposure, toxic atmosphere, proximity to salt water and more.

We use Delta E to make sure our paint matches are accurate and to set limits on how much a color can change over the life of a finish warranty.

The industry standard for producing paint colors within a batch is Delta E 1 for a solid color and Delta E 2.5 for a color with a flake, such as Mica or Metallic.

Typical MCM finish warranties guarantee color changes no greater than Delta E 5 for the duration of the warranted period.

Your choice in paint and the pigment of that paint will determine how long the warranty period will be.

Jack Finn, the Eastern North American Specialty Sales Manager for ALPOLIC Materials, has been working in the building sales industry for more than 25 years. With extensive experience in corporate identity program management for the building envelope, he knows how important it is to get the right look and have it last. 

Learn more about finishes in the rest of our three-part series.

Part 1: Polyester Versus Fluoropolymer Paint in Interior or Exterior Applications.

Part 2: In Situ. How a little Latin could save you thousands on your next project. 

The post How Is Color Measured? Calculating Delta E appeared first on ALPOLIC®.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 1, 2021—Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc. announced today that it has merged with seven of its subsidiaries in the United States to form an expanded and integrated company. The core businesses of the merging companies include acrylic monomers, polyester film, specialty resins, performance polymers, imaging materials, battery materials and metal composites.  

The merging companies are Dianal America, Lucite International, MC Ionic Solutions US, Mitsubishi Chemical America, Mitsubishi Chemical Imaging Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Performance Polymers and Mitsubishi Polyester Film. This regional integration is part of a global Mitsubishi Chemical initiative that is also underway for selected subsidiaries in Germany and the United Kingdom.

“The strength of Mitsubishi Chemical is in the diversity of our products, technologies and employees around the globe. The U.S. merger will improve efficiency and collaboration across our businesses, further enabling the development of comprehensive and innovative solutions that our customers seek,” said Randy Queen, president of Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc. “By aligning the technical expertise, resources and capabilities that each company possesses, we are better positioned to address the evolving and complex needs of our customers. The merger will have a synergistic effect, accelerating our regional efforts in areas such as digital transformation, advanced business analytics and contribution toward a circular economy—each of which will generate long-term value for our customers and shareholders.”

The regional headquarters for Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc. is located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

About Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc.

Mitsubishi Chemical America is a leading global provider of chemistry-based solutions for numerous key industries and is one of four regional headquarters for its parent,  Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. Our solutions are realized through our core values of sustainability, health and comfort to achieve KAITEKI—the sustainable well-being of people, society and our planet Earth. By creating KAITEKI value today, we help to ensure value for tomorrow. For more information, visit, mitsubishi-chemical.com.

Press Contact:

Becky Merryman | Director, Marketing Communications

Becky.merryman@m-chem.com

The post Mitsubishi Chemical Merges Selected US Group Companies into Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc. appeared first on ALPOLIC®.

Sometimes buildings need a facelift. When presented with a façade that needs more than just a fresh coat of paint, building owners have a potentially costly decision to make. In the case of One Palliser Square, the problem was more than cosmetic. The original precast concrete had started to fail. It needed a solution that could be installed efficiently to limit the disruption to the building’s occupants. It needed a solution that was flexible enough to meet the design intent of the architects and support renovations in energy efficiency. It needed ALPOLIC MCM.

One Palliser Square before the retrofit. The precast concrete facade was failing.

One Palliser Square holds a significant place in Calgary’s diverse skyline. Set at the foot of the iconic Calgary Tower, the property is noted for its original Brutalist design and its central location in the bustling downtown area. The building houses a variety of commercial tenants, offering recreational and wellness amenities, around the clock security and proximity to Calgary International Airport and major regional attractions. After more than half a century, the building’s owners called for an update to the exterior.

This endeavor was part of a series of renovation projects by Aspen Properties, totaling $13 million. Gibbs Gage Architects of Calgary were charged to refresh the building with a contemporary look that harmonizes with more recent downtown landmarks and speaks to the overall landscape of Western Canada. Jonny Hehr, managing director of design, wanted a dynamic façade that felt more in line with the Calgary of today and relied on ALPOLIC MCM to get the job done. “ALPOLIC is a leader in the industry and a trusted name for quality,” said Hehr. Gibbs Gage’s retrofit design centered on the interplay of ALPOLIC MCM finishes. Matte was chosen to frame the glazing, Mica to play dynamically with the sun and a solid white created movement up the tower, pulling the eye to the top. “The colors chosen change the building’s appearance throughout the day,” Hehr explained.

ALPOLIC MCM in different finishes create the illusion of movement.

In total, 150,000 square feet of five different ALPOLIC finishes are featured in the retrofit design of One Palliser Square, replacing the precast concrete of the original façade. The positioning of long ALPOLIC white panels alongside those of the darker finishes in an indiscriminate pattern gives the impression of falling icicles. The installation of corner lighting on the building enhances the shine on each panel and integrates with the lighting of the adjacent Calgary Tower for added visual appeal. With the programmable LED strips there are infinite possibilities. “The project has transformed the building, which was impressive for its time. But it has reinvented and re-established it on the skyline,” praised Hehr. He loves to hear people ask, “Has it always been there?”

But the cladding offered more than just an attractive look. MCM’s light weight and easy installation allowed for upgrades without a total tear down of the wall assembly. Retrofitting, as opposed to demolishment, allows for cost savings and environmental stewardship. Incorporating green building design was integral in the One Palliser Square project from the onset. Construction company EllisDon created a panel assembly that maximized panel yield and minimized waste, benefitting both the environment and the budget. Removing the heavy concrete façade also reduced the load on the wall assembly considerably, paving the way for improved insulation and increased energy performance. ALPOLIC products may also easily be installed onto virtually any substrate, and use of the /fr fire-resistant core is the perfect solution for highrises.

The One Palliser Square retrofit helps modernize downtown Calgary’s skyline.

The project brought new life to an established institution in Calgary and allowed for a dated appearance to make way for a standout in the downtown skyline. Hehr is pleased with the luminescent appearance of the building made possible with ALPOLIC. “We get other alternatives presented to us, but when you read the fine print, you see that they aren’t made with the same quality materials or offer the same warranty. We choose ALPOLIC because we know what we get at the end of the day.”

Aspen Properties hopes that the revitalized One Palliser Square will lead the way to attracting new tenants for the building and more opportunities for the company. Having worked with ALPOLIC MCM for years, they hope to bring these innovative solutions to projects across Alberta.

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If the versatility of metal composite materials (MCM) has caught your eye or you’ve heard how its light weight and rigidity make it easy to fabricate, you may be ready to add MCM to your next project specification. But where do you start? Writing specifications that include MCM can be intimidating. Some design teams have templates that get recycled which leads to a choppy mess of pieced together project information. Even though most manufacturers offer canned specs designed to make the process easier, there is still room for confusion. One big obstacle is how to effectively translate what specifiers are requesting into clear language understood by contractors. Michael Bowie, technical support specialist for Chesapeake, Va.-based Mitsubishi Chemical America’s ALPOLIC Materials, helps identify the most common trouble areas and ways to successfully navigate them.

Paint Specifications

How much information should go into paint specifications? If you’re detailing out paint formulations, Bowie thinks you’ve gone too far. Alternatively, overly vague language or even worse, no limits on paint systems open the spec up to products that just don’t perform. Yes, you need to include paint in your spec but Bowie suggests that rather than getting caught up in the details, specify a paint that meets a recognized industry standard suitable for your project. Require an AAMA 2605-compliant paint system, certified by the paint manufacturer, for a paint finish that lasts.

MCM Specification

Another question commonly asked is, “Where do I include metal composite materials?” The tendency is to include the specification of MCM panel wall systems in whatever area makes sense to the person creating the spec, but that can make it harder to find by a person who would put it in a different section. Bowie recommends going by the Construction Specifier Institute guidance: 07.42.13. Division 7: Thermal and Moisture Protection, section 42: Wall Panels, subsection 13: Metal Wall Panels. If you want to drill down further, 23: Metal Composite Material Wall Panels.

Final Products

Architects writing specs speak collectively of the finished cladding system, but there are many components to a wall assembly. The company that manufactures your MCM panel may not be the company that creates the installation system, for example. Performance requirements need to be independent of each other to ensure clarity, according to Bowie.

For the MCM panel, be specific in the finish, core and warranty needed. For the system, should it be a sealed system, like a wet seal or dry seal, or a form of rainscreen? Breaking up the components will also highlight if something is missing. For example, include the air/water barrier in a spec for a rainscreen system, a designation that is often missed.

Write to Code

Bowie stresses the importance of safety, and everyone, from the architect to the specifier and general contractor, is responsible for adhering to local codes. When it comes to building safety, an ambiguous or poorly written spec is unacceptable. MCM should meet the Class A standard under ASTM E84. These materials are compliant for buildings under 40 feet from grade. Buildings above 40 feet are required to have wall assembly systems that pass NFPA 285. This is not a component test. The NFPA 285 is a wall assembly test that requires that all elements in the wall be tested together. Follow the code and do not accept anything less than strict code compliance.

Product Warranties

Not all warranties are created equal. It’s not enough to say that panels have a 10-year warranty and their finishes are warrantied for 20 years. Warranties aren’t just about time. What sort of performance guarantees are you getting and how do they back that up? Specify that warranties cover panels repaired or replaced in situ; that paint should not exceed a ΔE5, chalking at no more than 8, gloss loss no more than 40%.

What do you want from your next project? A well-written specification is an encompassing document that will help convey design intent and performance expectations. Incorporating metal composite materials—that deliver both the look and performance you need—doesn’t need to be a challenge. Use these tips to create a better spec that works as a road map to bring that vision to life.

Featured on Metal Architecture.

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Demand a warranty that stands behind its product.

We’ll admit the fine print on finish warranties is not the most riveting reading material. If it’s reviewed at all, it’s often a high-level look at the terms, like how many years the policy covers a panel and, potentially, its finish. Too often an architect requires a warranty based on length rather than content. Knowing “what” is warranted is as important as how long it is warranted, and the coverage says a lot about the manufacturer’s faith in the products it sells.

Not all warranties are created equal.

ALPOLIC Metal Composite Material (MCM) is backed by one of the strongest warranty in the business thanks to an easily overlooked Latin phrase. Here’s an excerpt from our 20-year Coating Warranty: “MCA’s exclusive liability under this warranty, or otherwise, will be limited to refinishing, repairing or replacing in situ, at MCA’s sole option, the defective coated metal.”

In situ is the key to our warranty’s value.

A Latin phrase meaning “in place”, these two words make all the difference. In the event you ever have to execute a warranty claim, some MCM manufacturers will only cover the cost of the MCM. Others will only cover a prorated portion of the MCM cost over the lifetime of the warranty period. The bulk of the replacement or repair costs would then fall on the building owner.

Typically such warranty details are moved to the second page of a lengthy warranty document and often ignored. But closer inspection may reveal such statements as Material Only, No Labor or Refund Purchase Price. This is a red flag that the warranty is only covering a small portion of the replacement costs. In situ is your protection against unwanted and undeserved replacement costs for non-performing materials.

There are three common types of panel warranty coverage.

1. Prorated Material Cost: The value of the warranty coverage begins with the material purchase cost, but decreases over the time limit of the warranty. A prorated warranty executed at the end of the warranty time limit gets very little back.

2. Material Only: The original purchase price for the material is covered over the warranty time limit. However, the cost of materials increases over time and this may not cover the current MCM cost, let alone the other costs associated with remediation.

3. In Situ: This warranty covers repair or replacement costs over the time limit of the warranty. The cost of the material is not prorated. The value of the material is not lessened by inflation. This warranty covers the costs of the current value of the material, the removal of the wall panels, and fabrication and installation of the new panels.

What does that difference look like? We invite you to use the calculator on our website to estimate the lifetime value of your warranty.

Fill in the expected total project square footage, the estimated square foot cost of the MCM and its fabrication and installation cost. Warranty length and inflation value can be modified if you choose. The chart will then automatically propagate the expected warranty value over time, comparing the three types of warranty coverage. Is this what your client is expecting?

Calculate the Value of Your Warranty.

Before your next MCM purchase, know that you deserve a warranty that stands firmly behind its material. You deserve to know more than the length of warranty. Ask for in situ, with clearly stated exclusions. A simple heading at the top of the document stating “number of years of warranty” will not protect your client.

Jack Finn, the Eastern North American Specialty Sales Manager for ALPOLIC Materials, has been working in the building sales industry for more than 25 years. With extensive experience in corporate identity program management for the building envelope, he knows how important it is to get the right look and have it last. 

Learn more about finishes in the rest of our three-part series.

Part 1: Polyester Versus Fluoropolymer Paint in Interior or Exterior Applications.

Part 3: Measuring color difference is important because close enough doesn’t cut it.

The post In Situ. How a little Latin could save you thousands on your next project. appeared first on ALPOLIC®.