Tenmat and ALUCOBOND® Partner on Fire-Rated Blocks for Cladding Systems

Large white panel with Tenmat and Alucobond logos, exposed to fire for a passive fire protection test.

Expanding intumescent technology prevents flames from spreading through ventilated cavities

Wilmington, DE – June 9, 2023 – In response to the adoption of the 2022 Building Code by New York City, Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced firestopping materials and solutions, has partnered with 3A Composites USA, the global manufacturer of ALUCOBOND® PLUS 4mm aluminum composite material (ACM) to conduct a joint NFPA 285 fire test.

Together, the companies performed a groundbreaking NFPA 285 fire test at Intertek Laboratories, leveraging the expertise of Tenmat’s FF102/50 fire block and highly regarded ALUCOBOND to meet the rigorous new regulations of the building code.

The newly adopted code requires fire blocking within rainscreen assemblies, if combustible materials are used within the wall assembly.  With testing complete, the architectural community has more cladding options to choose from without increasing assembly costs.  For decades, ALUCOBOND has been a dominant cladding of choice around the world due to its formability and flatness allowing custom facades and freedom of design. “We are excited to provide a constructible and cost-effective solution that allows the architectural community to continue using ALUCOBOND to bring their vision to life.”, stated Nick Scheib, general manager at 3A Composites.  “This joint effort between Tenmat and 3A Composites represents our commitment in providing solutions for the marketplace.”

In response, Tenmat has developed a quick acting intumescent fire block for ventilated rainscreen and cladding systems, the FF102/50. The innovative FF102/50 fire blocks are designed to allow the practical benefits of cladding systems, such as energy conservation, air circulation, and moisture dissipation, while meeting the new code requirements.

Tenmat’s FF102/50 employs state-of-the-art intumescent technology that expands 25 times its original thickness when exposed to fire, effectively counteracting the adverse consequences of the concealed space behind the cladding.

 

Minutes to Install, Permanent Peace of Mind

This successful NFPA285 test is one of the first of its kind to be specifically designed and installed in accordance with the new stringent requirements of the 2022 New York City Building Code. The FF102/50 fire block was expertly deployed around window openings and at all slab lines, meticulously adhering to the position requirements for fire blocking material in the updated building code. Under normal conditions, Tenmat’s rigid and highly expansive intumescent fire block enables the maintenance of an open ventilated cavity, preserving the energy conservation and building science benefits associated with cladding systems, while concurrently serving as a formidable fire barrier in the event of a building fire. With the successful completion of the NFPA 285 test, validating the performance of Tenmat’s FF102/50 and 3A Composites’ 4mm fire retardant ALUCOBOND® PLUS both companies are and envision a construction landscape in New York City where passive fire protection standards are enhanced.

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. Our state-of-the-art, in-house R&D Laboratory and ISO 9001:2015 accredited production facilities have been developing and manufacturing technically superior passive fire protection products and intumescent materials for over 100 years. All Tenmat products have been fire tested by independent third-party labs such as UL and Intertek. 

Tenmat USA is headquartered in Wilmington, DE. For further information about Tenmat and our line of innovative firestopping materials and solutions, please call 1-800-821-3436, email info@tenmatusa.com or visit www.tenmatusa.com.

 

About 3A Composites

3A Composites is a leading producer of materials for the metal facades market. Since 1969, the company has been developing, manufacturing and marketing high-quality aluminum composite panels, structural composite material, plastic sheets and lightweight foam boards for the architecture, visual communication and transport and commercial building industries.

3A Composites is part of the international 3A Composites Group, which belongs to the listed company Schweiter Technologies headquartered in Horgen, Switzerland. Visit https://www.3acomposites.com for details.

The 3A Composites USA headquarters are located in Davidson, N.C.  U.S.-based manufacturing facilities are located in Benton, KY, where they produce ALUCOBOND, used in the architectural and building cladding industries for over 50 years. For more information about ALUCOBOND PLUS, ALUCOBOND AXCENT, and ALUCOBOND EasyFix call 1-800-626-3365, email info.usa@3AComposites.com or visit www.alucobondUSA.com.

 

Discover Innovative Intumescent Technology in this Construction Specifier

Magazine cover featuring modern building with text: Transforming Buildings Using Zinc Cladding.

June Edition of The Construction Specifier features a detailed article highlighting Tenmat’s cutting-edge intumescent materials and solutions.

The June edition of The Construction Specifier features a noteworthy piece focusing on the relevance of intumescent technology in the residential and commercial construction industry. The outline of this article features the definition of intumescent, the various solutions intumescent can be formed into, and the range of applications this technology applies to. Interested in exploring this cutting edge technology? Click Here to Read More.

Fighting Fire and Sound

Ceiling cross-section with recessed light fixture and Vanco and Tenmat logos, highlighting passive fire protection.

Tenmat announces partnership with A/V manufacturer, Vanco International, LLC

Tenmat is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between two industry leaders in passive fire protection and A/V, Tenmat and Vanco International LLC.

With a 60-year legacy of serving the AV industry, Vanco International engineers, manufactures, and sells premium audio/video products and electronic accessories that are 100% QC tested from their U.S. headquarters. Tenmat, on the other hand, has been a leader in the development, engineering and manufacturing of intumescent materials that offer advanced passive fire protection and fire blocking capabilities.

Together, Vanco International and Tenmat will be joining forces to provide passive fire protection for Vanco’s Beale Street speakers in a way that has not been accomplished before.

With this partnership, individuals will have a flexible, lightweight, and easy install fire-rated solution for Vanco’s Beale Street speakers.

We are thrilled to be partnering with Vanco International and look forward to the exciting new opportunities this collaboration will bring. Together, we are committed to protecting our present and future communities from the unfortunate event of a fire.

Interested in learning more about Vanco International? Click Here.

Passive Fire Protection 101 – Don’t Fail Building Inspections

Text reads Passive Fire Protection 101 with the Tenmat logo and red angled lines on a white background.

Don’t Fail Building Inspections

Knowledge about the regulations regarding recessed lights in fire-resistance-rated ceilings can help avoid costly mistakes and legal actions. There seems to be a great deal of confusion about what exactly fire-resistance-rating means, where it is applicable, and the solutions available to meet the building code requirements.

The widespread adoption and understanding of codes requiring continuity of fire-resistance-rated assemblies throughout the world has made this subject more and more relevant to contractors, builders, code officials, architects, building owners and managers, and homeowners. But instead of decreasing confusion over the issue, continuous changes in state code adoption legislation and increased demand for fire-resistance-rated, code compliant products and systems have far outpaced the availability of education on the topic.

What does fire-resistance-rating actually mean?

A fire-resistance-rating typically states the duration for which a building element or an assemblage of materials can withstand a standard fire-resistance exposure test. A fire-resistance-rating is usually given to an assembly consisting of various building materials that can resist the exposure of a standardized fire exposure for a set amount of time, or it may contain a variety of other criteria involving other evidence of functionality or fitness for purpose.
Fire-resistance-ratings were developed to evaluate the performance of building elements and assemblies during an intense fire exposure and can be applied to wall, floor, or roof systems, also known as horizontal assemblies.

How do you properly fire rate a ceiling?

The 2021 version of the International Building Code addresses this issue explicitly in section 714.5.2, Membrane Penetrations:

714.5.2 Membrane penetrations. Penetrations of membranes that are part of a horizontal assembly shall comply with Section 714.5.1.1 or 714.5.1.2. Where floor/ceiling assemblies are required to have a fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.

In addition, this section of the Code includes several exceptions. The following exception applies to listed luminaries (light fixtures). Please refer to the entire Code language and exceptions which apply to other types of membrane penetrations.
Exceptions:

8. Ceiling membrane penetrations by listed luminaires (light fixtures) or by luminaires protected with listed materials, which have been tested for use in fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with the instructions included in the listing.

To meet this membrane protection code requirement, the ceiling must serve as an unbroken, continuous fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly for a specific period of time.

In fire-resistance-rated wallboard applications, a typical assembly might have one layer of gypsum wallboard used on the underside of a floor/ceiling assembly that has been tested in accordance with the ASTM E 119 or UL 263 requirements for the hourly fire-resistance-rated assembly. In some cases, this could be a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated assembly; however, the time requirement may be greater than 1-hour, depending on the occupancy, height, and area of the building.

Use solutions that work best for your project and timeline.

There are several different solutions for fire-resistance-rated ceiling membrane applications with a diverse range of prices, approvals gained from fire-testing, and complexity. A common solution is prefabricated Fire-Resistance-Rated Light Fixtures, which have a variety of proven fire-resistance testing but are also the costliest choice
To avoid using these expensive lights, many construct boxes made from gypsum wallboard to surround the lighting fixture. This is very labor-intensive and may increase the cost of installation beyond budget limits, in addition to possibly not having a fire-resistance-rating.

Metal enclosures are also becoming an increasingly popular choice in the fire-resistance-rating dilemma. However, these are not UL-classified as a fire-resistance-rated assembly and so are not suitable for applications where fire-resistance is required.
A popular solution that is UL-classified are Fire-Resistance-Rated Light Covers. These covers are suitable for various recessed light fixture sizes and luminaires, and they comply with building code requirements for continuous fire-resistance in horizontal assemblies.

The covers are widely accepted by code officials throughout the entire United States, and possibly in other countries as well. One- and two-hour Fire-Resistance-Rated Light Covers are available from a variety of manufacturers at several different price points. They are proven to act as a suitable fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly when called upon by fire and smoke.

Tenmat’s Fire Rated Recessed Light Covers are the solutions you’re looking for.

TENMAT fire rated enclosures and firestopping products have been designed to meet the building code and to help maintain the integrity of fire-resistance rated ceilings when penetrated by recessed lights, LED luminaires, fluorescent fixtures or in-ceiling loudspeakers or walls when penetrated by wires, cables, pipes or mixed penetrations. Tenmat’s unique design gives the architect, specifier and installer more freedom in fixture selection as the covers are suited to a wide range of recessed fixtures.

The flexible and lightweight nature of the covers makes installation quick and easy, reduces the stress put on the ceiling and significantly reduces labor costs compared to standard dry-walled box constructions. The high expansion and insulating properties of the cover ensures that both flames spread, and heat transmission are stopped for 60 minutes.

Talk to a member of our team today about how you can implement passive fire protection in your next construction project.

Tenmat is Lighting Up the Dakotas!

Tenmat and jth Lighting Alliance logos with a handshake in the background, symbolizing partnership.

Tenmat announces new partnership with JTH Lighting Alliance

Tenmat is delighted to announce our newest relationship with JTH Lighting Alliance in North Dakota and South Dakota.

JTH Lighting Alliance, located in North and South Dakota, is “a nationally respected lighting and lighting controls manufacturer’s representative committed to providing in-depth knowledge of new products, trends, and emerging technologies to all participants of our alliance”. JTH Lighting Alliance is expanding its portfolio into offering innovative fire protection solutions for lighting.

The line card will include Tenmat’s FF109-200 & FF109-250, FF109-300 & FF109-350, FF109-X, and FF130 – 2’ x 2’ & FF130 – 2’x4’. Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive fire protection products and materials is excited to partner with local lighting experts to further promote life safety and fire protection solutions.

For inquires in North Dakota and South Dakota, please click here.

If you are interested in becoming a Tenmat partner, please click here.

Tenmat Has Landed in the Evergreen State!

Tenmat and J. Wright Lighting logos with red geometric lines on a white background.

Tenmat announces new partnership with J.C. Wright Lighting Sales, Inc.

Tenmat is delighted to announce our newest relationship with J.C. Wright Lighting Sales, Inc. J.C. Wright Lighting is “Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho’s Primer Lighting and Controls Manufacturer Representative.” J.C. Wright Lighting is located in Spokane, WA – for a full list of J.C. Wright Lighting territories, please click here.

The line card will include Tenmat’s FF109-200 & FF109-250, FF109-300 & FF109-350, FF109-X, and FF130 – 2’ x 2’ & FF130 – 2’x4’. Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive fire protection products and materials is excited to partner with local lighting experts to further promote life safety and fire protection solutions.

For inquiries for Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, please contact J.C. Wright Lighting Sales, Inc.

If you are interested in becoming a Tenmat partner, please contact us.

Don’t Take a Gamble on Passive Fire Protection

Announcement for the EduCode International Conference, Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2023, with Tenmat logo at the bottom.

Tenmat will be exhibiting at the 2023 EduCode International Conference

The only thing you shouldn’t gamble in Las Vegas is life safety. This is the reason why Tenmat will be exhibiting our line of fire-rated covers for recessed light fixtures, LED downlights, and in-ceiling loudspeakers at the 2023 EduCode Conference.
If you are an inspector, plans examiner, permit technician, code enforcement officer, building official, architect, engineer, manager, leader, director or are otherwise working or interested in a safe built community, please stop by the Tenmat Booth from February 28 to March 1. The Expo is organized by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council where building safety professionals, code enforcement officials and inspectors go to learn about the latest products and services needed to keep buildings safe and meet and maintain compliance with accepted codes and standards.

Tenmat will be exhibiting and answering all questions about our product portfolio consisting of fire rated enclosures for recessed lights, luminaires, in-ceiling loudspeakers, and troffers. A large proportion of Tenmat’s business is working with other passive fire protection manufacturers to design, develop and fire test products for them with Tenmat intumescent material as its functioning component.

Our innovative line of UL fire rated light covers for recessed lights, in-ceiling loudspeakers, and troffers are an easy to install and cost saving option to maintain the required fire resistance of the ceiling. Tenmat’s wide product variety gives electrical contractors, architects, and electrical engineers more freedom in fixture selection as the covers are suited to fit a wide range of recessed fixtures and fluorescent luminaires.

We are looking forward to meeting you at our booth! Not Attending? If you or your agency is interested in learning more about the Safety Hazard of Unprotected Ceiling Openings. Please click here to book your FREE webinar.

Life Safety is Getting Bigger in Texas!

Two people shaking hands with the ALA and Tenmat Passive Fire Protection logos in the foreground.

Tenmat announces new partnership with Architectural Lighting Alliance (ALA)

Tenmat is delighted to announce our newest relationship with Architectural Lighting Alliance (ALA).

Architectural Lighting Alliance is “a full-service manufacturer’s representative currently representing the lighting industry’s top architectural and commodity lines.” ALA has three offices, located in Dallas, Shreveport, and Lubbock – for a full list of ALA’s territories, please click here.

The line card will include Tenmat’s FF109-200 & FF109-250, FF109-300 & FF109-350, FF109-X, and FF130 – 2’ x 2’ & FF130 – 2’x4’. Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive fire protection products and materials is excited to partner with local lighting experts to further promote life safety and fire protection solutions.

For inquires in Northern Texas, please click here.

If you are interested in becoming a Tenmat partner, please click here.

Tenmat is Going West

Outline of Arizona with Tenmat and Arizona Lighting Sales logos inside.

Tenmat announces new partnership with Arizona Lighting Sales

Tenmat is thrilled to announce our partnership with Arizona Lighting Sales in Arizona.

Arizona Lighting Sales, located in Phoenix and Tempe, is “your source for illumination & the technology to control it” in Arizona. With the addition of Tenmat’s line of fire-rated covers for recessed can lights, LED luminaries, and LED downlights, Arizona Lighting Sales is expanding its portfolio into offering innovative fire protection solutions for lighting.

The line card will include Tenmat’s FF109-200 & FF109-250, FF109-300 & FF109-350, FF109-X, and FF130 – 2’x2’ & FF130 – 2’x4’.
Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive fire protection products and materials is excited to partner with local lighting experts to further promote life safety and fire protection solutions.

For inquiries from Arizona, please contact Arizona Lighting Sales.

If you are interested in becoming a Tenmat partner, please contact us.

Tenmat puts the sound back in fire rated ceiling assemblies

Two blue fire-rated ceiling speaker enclosures, one upright and one showing the inner side, with text above and below.

Tenmat announces new fire protection cover for in-ceiling loudspeakers.

Over the past few years, Delaware-based Tenmat has altered the way builders, contractors and architects deal with the problem of maintaining a ceiling’s fire rating when installing recessed light fixtures. With the introduction of the FF109-FRSC, the range of application of this highly effective product has now expanded to loudspeakers with dimensions up to 10”.

Recessed speakers in ceilings are widely used in residential and commercial buildings.

Each ceiling is subject to fire regulations and where applicable the ceiling construction needs to be fire rated. However, once a hole is made in the ceiling for recessed speakers, as well as lighting, the integrity of the construction and its ability to perform in a fire is reduced significantly. This is the reason why the NEC states in Section 640.25 about Loudspeaker Installation in Fire-Rated Partitions, Walls, and Ceilings:

“Loudspeakers installed in a fire resistance-rated partition, wall, or ceiling shall be listed for that purpose or installed in an enclosure or recess that maintains the fire resistance rating.”

In the past, sound professionals relied solely on custom-building sheetrock or drywall enclosures around speakers to maintain a ceiling’s fire-rating, which is costly and time consuming to build.

In response, Tenmat developed the FF109-FRSC, composed of an intumescent material, which allows for 60 minutes of protection from heat, flames, and smoke. In addition, the sound absorbing properties of this propitiatory intumescent material enhances the acoustic performance of the structure for crisper and clearer sound.

With the product’s easy installation and its resulting labor-savings, sound professionals worldwide value the FF109-FRSC. Additionally, the lightweight covers do not require any additional maintenance and are unaffected by moisture after installation.

The benefits of the FF109-FRSC Fire Rated Speaker Cover include:

• 1 Hour Fire Tested
• Only fire tested solution for retrofit applications
• Easy Installation – can be fitted in seconds – no screws, drilling or additional sealant required
• Ultra flexible (Ideal for remodel and retrofit applications)
• Fits most in-ceiling loudspeakers up to 10″
• Significant Labor savings
• Lightweight (1.5 lbs.)
• Flexible material enables the cover to be fitted around obstructions or retro-fitted
• In a fire, the intumescent material expands 5 times of its original thickness, closing the vent hole and preventing flame spread
• Easy to remove and re-install for light fixture maintenance
• Enhances the acoustic protection of the ceiling
• Maintenance free
• 60-minute fire protection

Tenmat is the market leader in the production of Fire Rated Recessed Light Covers which satisfies the International Building Code (IBC), as well as the National Electric Code (NEC).

Tenmat Fire Rated Speaker Covers are used in various applications throughout the entire United States and Canada; from multi-residential homes to retail spaces, hospitals, and assisted-living homes. To learn more about the Fire Rated Speaker Covers please visit the product page on tenmatusa.com .