4 Reasons Why Fire Spreads In a Typical LDPE Core ACP Cladded Building

LDPE core ACP cladding
  1. Ignition of Foam Backer Rod and Polyethylene Sealant: The foam backer rod and polyethylene sealant are among the first ignited materials. The fire can quickly spread through the continuous sealant and backer rod. The presence of bitumen paint, which is highly flammable, can accelerate this process.
  2. Cavity and Lack of Barrier: The sealed façade creates a cavity that lacks adequate fire-stopping measures, such as cavity barriers. This configuration can act like a chimney or a tunnel, enabling the fire to spread rapidly upward through the building.
  3. Melting of LDPE Core and Aluminum Skin: The LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) core of the aluminum composite panel melts at high temperatures, and the molten droplets can fall and spread the fire further. The aluminum skin also melts, contributing to the spread of fire.
  4. Fire Spread Aided by External Factors: The fire can spread from the back and the front of the façade, driven by external winds and architectural cavities. This spread is further fueled by the droplets of molten LDPE and debris from burning panels, which can ignite other flammable materials nearby.