ACP Aluminum Composite Panel Cladding in Miami
4 mm ACP aluminum composite panel cladding in Miami with FR or A2 cores and NFPA 285 assemblies. Design, fabrication, supply and installation.
- Thickness
- 4 mm (0.157 in.)
- Skins
- 2 x 0.5 mm aluminum
- Core
- FR or A2 mineral
- Finish
- PVDF, AAMA 2605
About acp aluminum composite panels
Aluminum composite panels are two thin aluminum skins bonded to a core. They give large, flat panels with crisp routed corners and a huge range of colors and finishes, at a competitive cost per square foot.
For exterior walls we specify fire-retardant (FR) or non-combustible (A2) cores, and build the assembly to the project's fire requirements, including NFPA 285 where the code calls for it, typically on buildings above 40 ft. In cladding and facades we cover the full scope: design, fabrication, supply and installation, with installation carried out by licensed and insured partner crews.
Anatomy of acp aluminum composite panels
- Composite panelTwo 0.5 mm aluminum skins bonded to a mineral-filled fire-retardant (FR) or non-combustible (A2) core.
- Routed and returned edgesThe back skin is routed and the panel folded, giving crisp corners and returns from a single sheet.
- Cassette or clip systemPanels hang on pins or clips (cassette) or are fixed through extrusions, with joints open or sealed.
- Aluminum sub-framingVertical rails and adjustable brackets fixed to the structure, with thermal isolators and room for movement.
- Air & water barrierThe real waterproofing layer behind the cladding, with the panels acting as a rainscreen in front of it.
- InsulationContinuous insulation in the cavity where the energy design calls for it.
Facades that perform in sun, salt air and hurricane winds.
Performance standards
Cladding in South Florida is judged on fire safety, wind resistance and how its finish survives the sun. These are the standards behind our systems.
NFPA 285 · Fire propagation
Full-scale fire test for exterior wall assemblies that contain combustible components, typically required on buildings over 40 ft. The whole assembly is tested, not just the panel.
ASTM E84 · Surface burning
Flame spread and smoke development; exterior panels are typically specified Class A.
AAMA 2605 · Coating performance
The highest architectural coating standard (70% PVDF resin), including 10 years of South Florida exposure testing for color and gloss retention.
ASTM E330 · Wind load
Panels, fixings and sub-framing are designed and tested for the project's wind pressures, including corner zones.
Miami-Dade NOA / FL Product Approval
Approved wall-cladding systems for permitting in the HVHZ (Miami-Dade and Broward) and the rest of Florida.
AAMA 508 / 509 · Rainscreen
Test standards for pressure-equalized and drained, back-ventilated rainscreen cladding.
Code references are summarized for orientation. Final requirements are confirmed by the engineer of record and the building department for each project.
Design considerations
What our engineering team reviews with the design team before the drawings are final.
- Core selection drives code compliancePolyethylene-core panels are not used on our facades. FR or A2 cores are selected so the whole assembly passes NFPA 285 where required.
- Panel module and yieldPanel sizes are planned around coil widths to reduce waste and cost.
- Thermal movementAluminum expands about 1/8 in. per 10 ft over a 50 °F change; joints and fixings are designed to move.
- Directional finishesMetallic and mica finishes must be installed in one direction to avoid color shift between panels.
- FlatnessPanel stiffeners and sizes are chosen to keep large panels visually flat in the sun.
Cladding materials compared
A quick reference our engineers use with architects and owners when choosing the right system.
| ACP (4 mm composite) | Solid aluminum (2-3 mm) | Compact HPL (6-10 mm) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Two 0.5 mm aluminum skins on an FR or A2 mineral core | Single aluminum sheet, folded and stiffened | Layered fibers and resin, decorative UV-resistant surface |
| Weight | About 1.6 psf | About 1.1-1.7 psf | About 1.8-2.9 psf |
| Fire | FR or A2 core, NFPA 285 tested assembly | Non-combustible panel | Fire-retardant grade, tested assembly |
| Shapes | Flat, routed folds, gentle curves | Curves, deep returns, perforation, 3D | Flat panels, slats, battens |
| Finishes | PVDF solids, metallics, wood and stone looks | PVDF, anodized, metallic, textured | Wood grains, stone, solid colors |
| Best for | Large flat facades at a competitive cost | Signature and coastal architecture | Warm, natural looks with low maintenance |
What we supply
One package from design-assist to closeout, so there is one team accountable for the result.
- Panel and core selection to the fire and code requirements
- Route-and-return, cassette or riveted systems
- Engineered aluminum sub-framing
- Shop drawings and panel layout
- Factory-fabricated panels, labeled for installation
- Installation management with licensed and insured partners
Options & specifications
Final systems, glass and finishes are confirmed per project in shop drawings and submittals.
| Core | FR (fire-retardant mineral core) or A2 (non-combustible) |
|---|---|
| Finish | PVDF in solid, metallic, wood or stone looks |
| System | Cassette (hook-on), route-and-return, face-fixed |
| Brands | Leading ACP manufacturers or approved equivalent |
From plans to closeout
- Plans reviewSend drawings and specs. We review the scope, the wind zone and the code path, and list any questions.
- ProposalA priced proposal with the system, glass and finish, plus value-engineering options where they help budget or lead time.
- Engineering & approvalsShop drawings, structural calculations by a Florida-licensed PE, product approvals and samples for the architect's review.
- FabricationSystems are fabricated to the approved drawings and delivered to suit the site schedule.
- InstallationInstallation by licensed and insured partner crews, with our project manager on site. The permit is pulled by the contractor of record.
- CloseoutPunch list, warranties, as-builts and maintenance information handed over.
Our project · International
ACP Aluminum Composite Panels: FAQ
Is ACP safe for high-rise buildings?
With the right core and a tested wall assembly, yes. We specify FR or A2 cores and follow NFPA 285 where the code requires it. Unrated polyethylene-core panels are not used on our facades.
How long does an ACP facade last?
With a quality PVDF finish, panels hold their color for many years with periodic washing. Manufacturer finish warranties are passed on to the owner.
What is the difference between FR and A2 ACP?
Both have mineral-filled cores. A2 cores have a higher mineral content and limited combustibility, used where the strictest fire classification is required.
Open joint or sealed joint ACP?
Open-joint rainscreens rely on the barrier behind and give deep shadow lines. Sealed joints keep water out at the face. We recommend by building type and budget.
Request a ACP Aluminum Composite Panels quote
Send the scope, drawings or a link to the bid set. We review it and reply with questions, a system proposal or a price.
- Free, no-obligation quote or bid
- Value-engineering options included
- Scope review by our technical team
- One point of contact from bid to closeout
Prefer to talk to our estimating team?