Writing a specification can be difficult. Trying to interpret one can sometimes be harder. Even when starting with an in-house template or using a “canned” spec from a manufacturer, there are often questions or trouble areas that pop up with regularity.

Design flexibility: It’s a term often used by architects when discussing building materials and products. But what does it mean? Why is it important?

Skilled fabrication teams use ALPOLIC to create the complex forms and assemblies that make building exteriors both safe and beautiful. Chad Patterson, once a part of the fabrication world, now uses his extensive background in project management, drafting, estimating, and installation to help educate designers and get them in touch with quality fabricators in their region as ALPOLIC’s senior sales development representative.

ALPOLIC matte finishes have a number of advantages ─ beyond attractive color ─ over materials such as stucco and fiber cement.

Many architects swear by MCM for aesthetics, endurance, and unmatched color retention. Ask 10 architects if they’ve ever specified this cladding material and it’s a safe bet most will answer “no,” and this in spite of the fact it covers tens of thousands of U.S. buildings and its environmental benefits may be without equal in its category.

There are various options for applying paint to metal. In the field it is common to see spray or brush applications; in the factory you can spray, powder coat or coil coat. However, when it comes to the performance requirements of today’s metal architecture, products like metal composite materials almost exclusively use the coil coating process to apply finishes that look practically flawless and can last.

Observing IBC 2015 Section 1407 is one thing. Making sure the MCM panels you specify live up to it is another. Metal composite materials (MCM) have proven to be one of the most versatile architectural cladding products in the designer’s palette.

What you need to know to ensure the integrity of your architectural design Architects and project owners generally have a good understanding of structural, fire, electrical and other building standards – and can easily agree on whether an item is or is not in compliance.

With ALPOLIC®, beauty is more than skin deep. As a leading manufacturer of metal composite materials, we create products that maintain their magnificent finishes for years. We source only the best materials and take into consideration every detail of our manufacturing process. Since beginning production in the United States, we’ve focused on quality, sustainability and customer service, and our partnership with Lumiflon® to produce finished MCM contributes to our vision.