Building Protection

PanelWall 2300 is a dry joint ACM cladding system, developed specifically for use as the cost-effective exterior element in a building’s total environmental envelope.  This panel system is installed over the building’s drainage plane* and protects it from direct exposure to climactic elements.  The ACM cladding system is designed to direct moisture, whether from incursion or condensation, through weep holes in the bottom of each panel to the base of the wall where the architect's/ GC's concrete geometry must be designed to keep water from migration under the wall.  Condensation vapor is removed naturally through the positive "chimney effect".  This natural, solar driven, ventilation feature works between the cladding panels and the building’s drainage plane, limiting the possibility of a number of moisture related problems inherent in non-vented “waterproof” systems.

Panel Components

System 2300 panels are fabricated from prefinished Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) manufactured by Alpolic, a division of Mitsubishi Chemical America.  All perimeter extrusions and mounting clips are extruded from 6063 aluminum and fastened with stainless steel countersunk screws.  A galvanic separator is provided to prevent system electrolysis.

*PanelWall 2300 is one component of a complete exterior building envelope that  includes a ½” plywood substrate, rigid insulation (both furnished and installed by others), covered by a Commercial grade Tyvek type vapor and air barrier that is included with this system.  Information on building envelope design, including insulation, drainage planes and fenestration design is available through www.buildingscience.com.

Panel Fabrication

The ACM panels are fabricated in a factory setting within a controlled environment.  Each project is first laid out by computer using the latest version of AutoCad software.  Drawings of the panel lay out, connection details and fastener specifications will be submitted to the owner’s representative for approval prior to commencing production.

System Testing

August, 2004 -  System performance was tested to ASTM designations:  ASTM E-283 (air leakage) and ASTM E-331 (water penetration) by Exterior Research & Design, LLC, Building Science and Envelope Consultants, an independent national testing laboratory.

January, 2006 - System performance was tested to ASTM designations:  ASTM E-283 (air leakage), ASTM E-331 (water penetration), and ASTM E-330 (structural performance).  Tests were performed and verified by Architectural Testing, a national company at the forefront of Comprehensive Testing Services for Building Envelopes.  System testing was performed in their Kent, WA facility.

*   Test data and system engineering calculations are available upon request.