Fairview announces the introduction of Vitrashield, a range of fully tested EW (External Wall) Classified, AS5113 compliant cladding systems. Fairview’s latest façade solution has launched with three standard wall build-up systems that have achieved EW classification following extensive full-scale testing.

Fairview Architectural is Australia’s leading provider of compliant and high-performance cladding products. Vitrashield’s launch marks the company’s progress from solely selling external cladding panels to offering a range of fully tested, EW Classified cladding systems. Very few products in the market have achieved the EW classification.

This innovation follows changes in the test standard as referenced in the amendment to the Building Code of Australia in March 2018, which created a need in the market for compliant cladding solutions that met the current regulations as well as the important EW classification. The new standard offers an additional route to compliance along with deemed-to-satisfy as well as the traditional performance solutions. Vitrashield’s ability to solve recladding challenges is also a key component of its offering to the market.

Developed by Fairview’s Innovation team, Vitrashield comprises of all the components typically found in a lightweight commercial wall build-up; it is then faced with a Vitrashield steel panel with the highest quality corrosion prevention coating.

Fairview Managing Director, Andrew Gillies commented:

“Our aim is to ensure that we have a range of products available to suit our customers’ particular needs; whether they be for small, medium or large construction projects. I’m proud our dedicated innovations and intensive R&D process have solved concerns over compliant cladding with not only one but three systems that are all fully compliant and have achieved EW classification.”

Vitrashield’s system and its cassette cladding panel also make it an ideal solution for façade rectification and recladding projects. Test data from two of the systems that include Polyisocyanurate (PIR) combustible insulation revealed that both were protected by the superior panel that cannot be penetrated by fire. The technology in the Vitrashield panel’s anti-corrosion coating provides a natural ‘self-healing’ effect.

EW classification is achieved by installing the systems as per the tested system. Fairview works with customers to produce a customised Vitrashield system to suit their specific project needs.

The Vitrashield system was launched at the Fire & Materials CPD Seminar in Sydney recently. This is part of a series of six events that Fairview is sponsoring in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland in the month of February. The series is presented by representatives from Wood & Grieve Engineers for architects, builders and installers.