Reports in the media have led to some concerns regarding the use of ACP panels like those that formed part of the cladding system on Grenfell Tower in London. It should be noted the products offered by Symonite are very different to that used on Grenfell Tower. Symonite only supplies panels with a fire-resistant core.

Whilst Symonite believes that the current fire safety standards in New Zealand are some of the most comprehensive, and that architects, fire engineers and councils do a good job of ensuring buildings in NZ provide good fire safety, there will no doubt be a review of the current fire safety standards.

A number of Symonite's clients have been enquiring about alternatives to ACP. Symonite, have for sometime been offering Reynodual as an ACP alternative.

Consisting of two aluminium sheets bonded together with a total thickness of 3mm, Reynodual pre-painted double sheet aluminium panel guarantees good wind resistance and meets the stringent fire protection requirements of EN-13501-1, class A2. This makes it ideal for facade projects such as:

• High-rise buildings
• Industrial buildings
• Public buildings
• Tunnels, stations, subway stations
• Airports
• Hotels, hospitals, shopping malls
• Stadiums, event halls

Reynodual complements Symonite's extensive range of lightweight, cost-effective cladding options.

Symonite uses all the same fixing systems and fabrication methods to create facades that in all respects look identical to ACP.

Changes to fire safety requirements for external cladding that came into effect in June this year specifically refer to aluminium as meeting the requirements for both Type A and Type B buildings.

Fire rated ACP, as part of a compliant cladding system, remains a suitable material, however, Reynodual will provide that added level of protection from flame spread and potential changes to the building code.