August 2006.

Sotech’s Optima rainscreen is first to be approved to LPS 1181 part 4

In what may be seen as a sector changing move, architectural cladding specialist Sotech has become the first manufacturer to receive LPCB approval for its Optima rainscreen panel.

The Company’s Optima Aluminium rainscreen cassette panels have received LPCB approval to LPS 1181 Part 4: ‘Requirements and Tests for External Thermal Insulated Cladding Systems with rendered finishes (ETICS) or Rain Screen Cladding systems (RSC) applied to the face of a building.’

This standard is intended to represent the action of a fire exiting a window opening and flames impinging on the external surfaces of the cladding system and where a void exists, in the case of rain-screening cladding systems, the extent of fire spread through the void.

This LPCB approval applies to Optima Aluminium rainscreen cladding when fixed to buildings with a solid structure such as concrete, bricks or blocks.

John Egginton, Managing Director of Sotech comments: “The LPCB approval for our Optima rainscreen offers a major benefit to architects and designers who are now able to specify, uniquely, a system that provides a significant safety advantage and potentially, cost benefits in relation to insurance premiums. Additionally the opportunity to move Optima into the residential sector will provide the potential for further exciting developments.”



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