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

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 More about Innovative Intumescent Technology in this month’s issue of Construction Specifier

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.

Passive Fire Protection 101 – Don’t Fail Building Inspections

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.

Don’t Take a Gamble on Passive Fire Protection

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.

Tenmat puts the sound back in fire rated ceiling assemblies

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 .

Tenmat acquires PFC Corofil

Tenmat (part of the Diamorph Group) are delighted to announce the acquisition of PFC Corofil, from The Encon Group, effective from close of business on Tuesday 30th November 2021.

PFC Corofil is a UK based, family run business, trading in the passive fire protection industry since 1962. Their reputation, technical expertise and quality of products will be a welcome addition to the Tenmat family.

The addition of PFC Corofil will assist with the establishment and introduction of Tenmat into international markets, as well as new product areas, ensuring that trusted passive fire protection products are available and accessible to more communities.

Tenmat are pleased to have also secured, through this acquisition, a supply agreement with Encon, a specialist distributor of building products in the United Kingdom, that will help to maintain PFC and Encon’s long standing and successful relationship.

“Joining Tenmat with PFC will provide a great platform to further service the Passive Fire Protection market across all customers and markets in the UK and across the globe, both businesses have a strong basis in robust test data as well as a history of innovation.” Ed Peltor, Managing Director

TENMAT Fire Rated LED Downlight Covers win Top Product Award

Electrical Products & Solutions Magazine selects TENMAT Fire Rated LED Downlight Covers as Top Product

The US trade publication Electrical Products & Solutions (EPS) has named TENMAT 1 Hour Fire Rated LED Downlight Covers one of the Top Products for electrical contractors in 2020.

EPS recognizes that the new TENMAT light covers are the most versatile solution to safely fire protect in-ceiling low-profile LED light fixtures and prevent flame spread in case of a fire.

Low-profile and wafer style LED lights are becoming increasingly popular in both retrofit and new construction applications as they consume less electricity and burn much cooler than incandescent lights. However since these lights still penetrate the fire resistance-rated ceiling, the building code requires them to be enclosed with a solution that will maintain the fire resistance rating of the ceiling assembly.

TENMAT covers were specifically designed to meet this building code requirement and provide a 1 hour fire resistance rating for your LED light fixture.

In addition, the unique design gives the architect, developer and electrical contractor more freedom in light and trim selection as the covers are suited to fit a wide range of light sizes, types and brands.

The flexible and lightweight nature of the covers makes installation quick and easy to provide a fire rated LED light, decreases the stress put on the ceiling and significantly reduces labor costs compared to standard dry-walled box constructions, making it the ideal solution for electrical contractors.

The high expansion and insulating properties of the cover ensure that both, flame spread and heat transmission, are stopped for 60 minutes (FF109-200 and/or FF109-250).

For our full line of fire rated LED light enclosures, please visit www.tenmatusa.com/fire-rated-light-enclosures

Happy Holidays 2020

Happy Holidays from the entire TENMAT team.

 

We are wishing all of our customers, partners and employees happy holidays and a prosperous and healthy 2021. Thank you for your continuous support throughout the year and your ongoing business.

Our US office will be closed on December 24 and December 25 but we will be back for you on Monday, December 28. To contact us, please call us at 1-800-821-3436 or contact us here.

 

NEW Fire Protection Foams and Sealants

Fire Protection Sealant

TENMAT adds full line of Fire Protection for electrical wires, conduits and cables in membrane and through penetrations in walls and ceilings, including Fire Protection Foams, Fire Protection Sealants and Fire Protection Blocks.

The FF365 is TENMAT’s new Fire Protection Sealant designed to help properly fire rate membrane penetrations in walls and ceilings. The FF365 is suitable for irregular, hard-to-access, and small penetrations and can be used in combination with other TENMAT products such as the FF260 Blocks, the FF160 Plugs and the FF130E Recessed Light Cover series.

The FF360 Fire Protection Foam is a UL classified two-component intumescent foam that can be used in combination with the FF260 Blocks or FF160 Plugs to seal wall and ceiling openings. FF360 is suitable for irregular or hard-to-access openings and can also be used as a single product solution.

The FF260 TENMAT Fire Protection Blocks can be stacked and cut to fire rate wall penetrations. FF260 blocks are designed to be stacked and cover larger penetrations, such as cable tray openings, etc. FF260 is made of a soft and flexible intumescent material which allows for easy retroactive installation of cables or pipes in openings up to 384 in² with a max. dimension of 32””.

These innovative materials:
• Are CLEAN to work with
• Have QUICK handling times
• Are EASY TO RETROFIT after they’ve been cured

Benefits of TENMAT Fire Protection Foams, Fire Protection Sealants and Fire Protection Blocks include:

• Fire tested and rated
• Easy Retroactive Installation
• Cost-effective
• Easy application
• Suitable for openings that are difficult to access or that are irregular
• Fast and clean work
• Suitable for large and medium openings with a mix of penetrating elements
• Flexible
• Single product solution
• UL Classified

TENMAT products can be used in firestopping applications throughout the entire United States and Canada; from office buildings and high rises, to small apartments, over single-family homes to multifamily dwellings, college dormitories, hospitals, assisted-living facilities, and hotels.

For more information about TENMAT’s new Fire Protection Foams and Sealants, please visit www.tenmatusa.com/fire-rated-penetration-products/

TENMAT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

TENMAT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

Dear Valued TENMAT Customer,

TENMAT as a responsible and essential supplier to key industries, such as healthcare, construction, oil & gas, defense, and many more,  has been assessing daily the impact of the COVID-19 virus and in particular, how this may affect our customers and employees.

We have taken extensive measures to protect the health and safety of our employees while minimizing the impact on the day-to-day running of the business.

Our US sales & distribution center in Newport, Delaware, as well as all of our manufacturing facilities are in full operation and we have a robust contingency plan in place to ensure that operations continue as normal. We have increased our stock levels of fire rated recessed light enclosures, fire rated troffer covers, insulation protection covers and all other items to ensure uninterrupted operations. We can reassure you that we do not foresee any difficulties in continuing to supply all of our customers.

Please see this important update from our CEO, Gordon MacLeman, concerning TENMAT’s Operations and Supply Chain.

TENMAT Inc is available for any assistance or questions you have at this time. Please contact us at info[at]tenmatus[dot]com or call 1-800-821-3436.