Environmental
Q. How can C/S prove it is the leader in sustainable wall protection?
Q. Why PVC-free wall protection?
Q. What is a PBT?
Q. What does MBDC Cradle to Cradle Certified® mean?
Q. Is Acrovyn 4000 GreenGuard certified?
Q. Is there recycled content in Acrovyn 4000?
Q. Why ISO 14001 certification?
Q. How can C/S supply Acrovyn 4000 at the same price as traditional wall protection?
Q. Is C/S looking at bio-based products for future generations of Acrovyn?
Technical Support Data
Q. Is Acrovyn fire rated?
Q. What is the difference between Class 1 fire rating and Time-hour fire rating
Q. What is the value of the UL Label?
Q. How are the UL Labeled products identified?
Q. Why must Acrovyn products be acclimated in an environment 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) for at least 24 hours prior to installation?
Q. What warranties are available for Acrovyn products?
Wall Panels
Q. Are Acrovyn panels fire rated?
Q. Is wall panel installation complicated?
Q. Where can Acrovyn panels be used?
Q. What design flexibility do I have in using Acrovyn panels?
Q. What panel sizes are available?
Q. What panel thicknesses are available?
Q. Are Acrovyn panels moisture balanced?
Q. Are there other panel and/or finish options available?
Rigid Wall Covering
Q. Is it easy to install?
Q.Why are proper drywall spackling, finishing and preparation strongly recommended prior to rigid sheet installation?
Q. Can I use other adhesives for applying Acrovyn?
Q. Is it possible to seal the joints?
Q. Can I use rigid Acrovyn on radius conditions?
Q. Can .040" or .060" Acrovyn sheet be used smooth side out?
Q. Are there areas where I shouldn't use Acrovyn sheeting?
Q. Can I use rigid Acrovyn to protect my doors and door frames?
Environmental
Q. How can C/S prove it is the leader in sustainable wall protection?
A. C/S walks the talk. We are the only wall protection manufacturer to commit to eliminating PVC. Not only do we offer multiple sustainable products, but our environmental stewardship has been recognized and/or certified on numerous occasions (PA Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, 2nd consecutive recipient of Practice Greenhealth’s Champion for Change Award, MBDC Cradle to Cradle® Certification, etc).
Q. Why PVC-free wall protection?
A. There are strong arguments within the plastics community questioning the safety of PVC; however, the arguments for human health and safety prevail at C/S. Vinyl chloride monomers, halogenated/brominated fire retardants, plasticizers and other materials added to enhance the physical performance and fire rating of PVC have all been shown to be harmful. Dioxin is among the top PBTs on EPA’s toxic list and is attributable to a number of materials, PVC being one. The environmental concerns of PVC have led numerous local authorities in the U.S. and several European countries to discourage the use of PVC. In the new LEED® Pilot Program, Pilot Credit 2* encourages the reduction of PBTs and specifically calls out PVC as a plastic that should be avoided. (*This is being reviewed for three LEED® rating systems.)
Q. What is a PBT?
A. Persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs) are toxic chemicals that remain in the environment and pose risk to human health and ecosystems. They are a threat because they do not break down easily in the environment, which is why they are described as persistent, and they can build up in the food chain over time, or bioaccumulate. PBTs are harmful to humans because they are known to cause damage to the nervous and reproductive systems. Most PBTs are man-made, but some PBTs have existed in nature and have only become a problem because of their increased use in man-made products, such as mercury. Acrovyn 4000 is PBT-free.
Q. What does MBDC Cradle to Cradle Certified mean?
A. MBDC is a world-renowned third party organization that evaluates and certifies a company’s product and processes against the cradle to cradle standards. Cited by many to be one of the most rigorous environmental standards, MBDC has not just certified our base resin, but all our practices, processes and complete product down to its chemical constituents at the level of 100 parts per million (ppm). The five key criteria that MBDC bases its certification on are:- Materials – The actual material composition identified and assessed down to the 100 ppm.
- Material Reutilization/Design for Environment – The manufacturing process is evaluated and the recycling of the material is clearly defined (cradle to cradle).
- Energy – Responsible energy consumption is evaluated.
- Water – Responsible water consumption and conservation measures are evaluated.
- Social Responsibility – Fair employee compensation plan, community support program, etc., are all documented and reviewed.
Q. Is Acrovyn 4000 GreenGuard certified?
A. No. GreenGuard certifies that products meet the CA 01350 protocol for good indoor air quality, while MBDC evaluates much more as stated above. Since Acrovyn 4000 meets CA 01350 it meets the GreenGuard protocol.
Q. Is there recycled content in Acrovyn 4000?
A. No, not according to LEED's definition of recycled content (ISO 14021). However, the majority of our manufacturing scrap is reused in our product components, such as regrind retainers and gaskets.
Q. Why ISO 14001 certification?
A. ISO 14001 is the foremost international standard for responsible environmental management. C/S chose ISO 14001 as the umbrella under which it manages and audits its diverse and many environmental initiatives.
Q. How can C/S supply Acrovyn 4000 at the same price as traditional wall protection?
A. The modified polyester base resin is commonly used for eye-glasses, etc. so it is readily produced and available economically. It's also manufactured the same way PVC wall protection is.
Q. Is C/S looking at bio-based products for future generations of Acrovyn?
A. Yes. C/S continues to review the evolution of bio-based compounds for potential use in future generations of Acrovyn. We believe additional time, research and discernment is necessary before the use of bio-polymers can be accepted as a socially, ethically and environmentally sound practice. Our move towards bio-based materials will be dependent upon the satisfaction of our requirements that these newer products meet the practical, biological and ethical standards held by the design/build community and the oversight groups who monitor and certify their composition. Until then, we will continue to use only those raw materials that have been sourced responsibly while meeting the strictest definitions of being truly "eco friendly" without compromise.
^ Back to TopTechnical Support Data
Q. Is Acrovyn fire rated?
A. Yes. Acrovyn is UL Classified and Labeled Class 1 or Intertek Labeled. The following lists the six distinctly different applications for Acrovyn. (Refer to actual test results found here.)
- Acrovyn Profiles (handrails, crash rails, bumper guards, accent rails and corner guards)
- Acrovyn Wall Covering
- Acrovyn Wall Panels (tested in accordance with meet ASTM E84 Class B fire characteristics)
- Acrovyn Fire Rated, Flush Mounted, Corner Guards are UL Labeled with 1-hour and 2-hour ratings (acts as a fire barrier when used with fire rated walls)
- Acrovyn Door Protection is Intertek Labeled for 20 minute wood fire doors (particle board core with wood stiles and rails; surface mounted or concealed intumescent required) and 60 minute wood mineral core fire doors with non-combustable stiles and rails (surface mounted or concealed intumescent required).
- Acrovyn Door Frame Protection is Intertek Labeled for 60 minute standard steel UL Subject 63 fire door frames (intumescent edge seal required).
Q. What is the difference between Class 1 fire rating and Time-hour fire rating
A.Class 1 designates the material's surface burning characteristics when tested in accordance with UL723, ASTM E84 and CAN/ULCS102.2. The governing building codes such as ICC, NFPA, UBC, BOCA and SBCCI mandate that all building materials carry a minimum of a Class III rating. Acrovyn is Class 1, signifying a much lower flame spread rating than required by Code.
Time-hour rating is the appropriate designation for those products applied onto or into equally rated doors, as well as fire rated flush mounted corner guards installed in fire rated walls. Applying a material that is not time-rated to a rated door and/or door frame will negate the rating of the assembly.
Q. What is the value of the UL Label?
A. The Underwriters Laboratories certifies, via its Label, that each piece of Acrovyn constantly meets or exceeds the requirements of the specified test procedure and outcome. C/S is part of the UL Follow-Up Program, which ensures we continue to use classified materials and components.
Q. How are the UL Labeled products identified?
A. Furnishing a test report is insufficient; therefore, the products must be labeled with a UL approved label. Acrovyn products are labeled on the packaging.
Q. Why must Acrovyn products be acclimated in an environment 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) for at least 24 hours prior to installation?
A. Product acclimation prior to installation helps prevent unnecessary shrinkage or expansion problems after installation is complete.
Why must Acrovyn products be acclimated in an environment 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) for at least 24 hours prior to installation?Q. What warranties are available for Acrovyn products?
A. Click on the link to view the Acrovyn five(5) year limited & Chameleon lifetime warranty.
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Wall Panels
Q. Are Acrovyn panels fire rated?
A. Yes. They are tested in accordance with ASTM E84 Class B fire characteristics.
Q. Is wall panel installation complicated?
A. No. Acrovyn panels are easy to install using M-1 construction adhesive. There is virtually no substrate preparation when installing the panels, which translates into major savings for both installation cost and time. C/S also offers a demountable wall panel system for Acrovyn and Renaissance wood panels.
Q. Where can Acrovyn panels be used?
A. Acrovyn panels can be installed over any flat surface such as ceramic tile, block and painted or vinyl clad drywall. The use of optional mounting systems allows panels to be easily removed for maintenance/access.
Q. What design flexibility do I have in using Acrovyn panels?
A. Acrovyn wall panel systems offer almost limitless flexibility by using custom sizes, edge treatments, mounting options and textures.
Q. What panel sizes are available?
A. Standard Suede texture is available in 46" x 94" or 118" (1.17m x 2.39m or 3.0m) square edge wall panels and 43” x 90” or 114” (1.09m x 2.29m or 2.90m) for beveled edge wall panels. Stipple, Mesa, Stone Chips, Irish Linen, Leather, Pindot, nominal 1” Beadboard, nominal 2 3/8” Beadboard, Pinstripe, Single Tread, Quatro and Dado textures are available in 43" x 90" or 114" (1.09m x 2.29m or 2.90m) square edge panels and beveled edge panels. Panels can be field cut using a saber saw. (Edge moldings should be used to protect cut edges.) Also, panel sizes are not restricted to standard sizes; call for details.
Q. What panel thicknesses are available?
A. Standard 3/8" (9.53mm) thickness allows panels to interface properly to existing door and frame conditions.
Q. Are Acrovyn panels moisture balanced?
A. Yes. The moisture resistant vapor barrier on the backside of the panels prevents the panels from curling.
Q. Are there other panel and/or finish options available?
A. Yes. Our real metal and wood panels use the same fire rated particle board core as our Acrovyn panels. Choose from 18-22 gauge stainless steel or wood veneer in various wood species and finishes.
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Rigid Wall Covering
Q. Is it easy to install?
A. Generally, yes. To avoid installation problems, an experienced installer of rigid sheet is recommended. Installing rigid Acrovyn requires different installation skills from installing flexible wall covering. The rigid nature of the material requires scoring it 4 times with a utility knife. Electric shears or a RotoZip® tool may also be used. Since overlapping and double cutting are not possible, a variety of joint treatments are available to achieve an acceptable installation.
Q. Why are proper drywall spackling, finishing and preparation strongly recommended prior to rigid sheet installation?
A. The tapered edges of standard drywall telegraph through the sheet and may be visible depending on lighting conditions. Although unfinished square edge drywall will result in narrower areas of visible telegraphing, there is still potential for uneven drywall installation which would make the telegraphing more abrupt and could create visible air pockets behind the sheet.
Q. Can I use other adhesives for applying Acrovyn?
A. No. The appropriate adhesive for applying Acrovyn wall covering is Acrovyn Interior Heavy Duty Water Based Mastic. (C/S will not ship without it!) Use of other adhesives will void fire rating and product warranty.
Q. Is it possible to seal the joints?
A. Yes. Color matched caulking is available.
Q. Can I use rigid Acrovyn on radius conditions?
A. Yes. Acrovyn .040" Thick Wall Covering - Radiuses up to 23" must be pre-formed prior to shipping product. Radiuses 24" and greater will be shipped in flat sheet form without pre-forming. Acrovyn .060" Thick Wall Covering - Radiuses up to 35" must be pre-formed prior to shipping product. Radiuses 36" and greater will be shipped in flat sheet form without pre-forming.
Q. Can .040" or .060" Acrovyn sheet be used smooth side out?
A. It is not recommended. Our new standard Suede texture is less pronounced so cleanability is improved and a more paint-like finish is accomplished.
Q. Are there areas where I shouldn't use Acrovyn sheeting?
A. Avoid using Acrovyn rigid sheet in high moisture areas or directly inside glazed areas where excessive heat gain from sunlight can cause blistering of sheet due to rapid expansion.
Q. Can I use rigid Acrovyn to protect my doors and door frames?
A. Yes. We offer a complete range of door and frame cladding to suit every design concept and budget from kick plates to full cladding. Chameleon sheet allows us to create simulated wood finish door sets.