White Paper
MCM and MCM Systems for Building Cladding in North America
The use of metal composite material (MCM) as an exterior cladding on high rise buildings is common throughout the world. There are many positive aspects of MCM, however recently, a number of dramatic fires reported around the globe have heightened concern regarding the use of MCM for exterior applications. The intent of this white paper is to provide information about MCM and MCM systems and the controlling factors in North America to ensure these types of fire incidents do not take place.
The use of metal composite material (MCM) as an exterior cladding on high rise buildings is common throughout the world. There are many positive aspects of MCM, however recently, a number of dramatic fires reported around the globe have heightened concern regarding the use of MCM for exterior applications. The intent of this white paper is
to provide information about MCM and MCM systems
and the controlling factors in North America to ensure these types of fire incidents do not take place.
MCM was first introduced in North America with two aluminum skins bonded to a solid polyethylene core in the 1980s. Over time, alternate fire retardant (FR) core compositions were introduced addressing the needs for fire performance required by the codes.
