Illawarra Mercury

Choosing cladding can be an extremely important decision

Choosing cladding can be an extremely important decision
Choosing cladding can be an extremely important decision

Advertiser content for Fairview.

When it comes to choosing cladding it is important that you make an informed decision, based upon the best information possible.

The 2017, Grenfell Tower fire, which tragically claimed the lives of 72 people, and last year's Spencer St Fire down in Melbourne, are prime examples of the dangers of unsuitable cladding.

When it comes to cladding, you want your choice to not only be flame-proof but future-proof too.

That's why after investing almost a million dollars in testing, we're 100pc certain that Vitracore G2 is the most stringently tested product of its kind on the market.

We also know for a fact that the tests Vitracore G2 satisfies are the best kind of proof you need to know you're investing in safety.

To become a compliant, safe and fit-for-purpose aluminium cladding product, any panel has to undergo and satisfy (or pass) a variety of tests and criteria mandated by governing state and national building regulations.

These codes and criteria are independently set and enforced by governments and their agencies, not by the cladding manufacturers who must make products that meet key test requirements.

Vitracore G2, for example - acclaimed by some as "the country's best-performing aluminium cladding panel" - has never been involved in the ignition, fueling or spreading of a single facade fire incident, anywhere, ever.

That's because its profiled aluminium-core has zero polyethylene content. It is simply made from three layers of aluminium, which doesn't spread flames.

While the national testing criteria for compliant cladding allows for up to 2mm of adhesive (glue-like) content (which many FR panels do have), Vitracore G2 has under 0.2mm. So, it's hugely within code-prescribed safety parameters. In fact, the thickness of adhesive on our panel is comparable to common coatings.

As we said in the lead, when choosing your cladding it is important to look at the evidence before making a decision.

So, here comes more test-based evidence backing our claim that Vitracore G2 is 100pc test proof. After spending a million plus dollars in product development and testing, we have no shortage of proof.

Vitracore G2 passes - or satisfies - both essential tests stipulated by Section C, Volume 1 of the National Construction Code; NCC2019A1: 1530.1;& 1530.3.

We'll repeat that: Vitracore G2 cladding passes - or satisfies - both essential tests stipulated by Section C of of the National Construction Code; Volume 1 NCC2019A1: 1530.1;& 1530.3.

Tested to AS1530.1 (by the CSIRO) - a small-scale test that specifically measures combustion of its layers - Vitracore G2 is deemed non-combustible, meaning its layers don't catch fire! .

On a larger assessment, AS1530.3 specified by code - which tests a cladding panel in its entirety - independent, verified tests (again at CSIRO) showed G2 produced the lowest result possible for ignitability, heat evolved and spread of flame.

Choosing cladding can be an extremely important decision
Choosing cladding can be an extremely important decision

Under large-scale test conditions, G2 also performs under the official and independent 'built-wall' test situation, involving a heat crib which burns under a G2-clad facade for more than thirty minutes at peaks of over 1000 degrees!

Vitracore G2 successfully satisfied the requirements of BS8414 and BRE 135, which are the globally recognised standards for large-scale, cladding facade tests.

Furthermore, G2 has also been tested to Australia's first large scale fire performance test to be referenced in the building code with high-performance results at Warringtonfire.

All flame spread and temperature requirements were met and produced significantly less debris measured than many other aluminium options, including solid aluminium or "NC" variants.

Having satisfied all the tests noted prior, G2 is totally unique in the cladding panel market.

You see, its compliance with so many test methods and criteria, means there are multiple routes or ways that help render it compliant within any given facade system.

Whether you're building or re-cladding, you'll find G2 provides the ultimate in form, function and fire-safe performance (an absolute must from the compliance and insurance perspectives).

Vitracore G2's tried and tested performance is a big positive for building, infrastructure and public safety but it's a huge negative for the competition, who'll do anything to give it a spray (via backyard tests) and talk it down.

This is contradicted however by actual tests and scientific evidence. In fact, to put these knocks into perspective, Vitracore G2 performed heroically as a fire-resistant, fire-break solution in a top secret, super-scale, mega-wall fire test conducted in 2018 by an independent testing agency, a top-flight university, a famous city council and one of Australia's pre-eminent fire engineering boffins.

Choosing cladding can be an extremely important decision
Choosing cladding can be an extremely important decision

We don't own the test footage so we can't yet share it publicly but we are allowed to show you the video privately, so please drop us an email if you're interested.

Thankfully, our governments set and enforce building codes on all key materials and processes used in construction in order to safeguard and secure our entire community.

Trusted products - like Vitracore G2 - are aware of these codes, comply with their requirements and are tested to adhere to the codes applying at any time.

Vitracore G2 aluminium cladding has gone far and beyond the most demanding and stringent levels of testing stipulated, and remains among the safest and most certified, complaint cladding products you can choose.

In truth, its test performance and compliance certification exceeds many demonstrated by any solid aluminium cladding products!

Vitracore G2 remains the first and original aluminium layer cladding panel available in Australia that's been correctly tested as having satisfied virtually all requirements of all the following standards: AS 1530.1; AS 1503.3; BS8414; BRE 135; and AS5113 (excluding the debris requirements).

When it comes to cladding, you want your choice to be as bullet-proof as possible; you want it to be code proof, compliance proof, facade proof, fire-test proof, flame proof, future proof, hail proof, insurance proof, rain proof, regulation proof, rust proof, standards proof, and water proof.

Industry experts agree that Vitracore G2 indisputably meets or exceeds the performance criteria set out within the governing codes, and this is the best kind of evidence you should rely on.

If you still need convincing, we're happy to meet online or face-to-face and prove our points! Contact 1800 007 175 or email us at helpdesk@fv.com.au

Advertiser content for Fairview.