Albi DriClad

No steel surface preparation is required since DriClad is mechanically affixed to itself in a box configuration around columns and beams.

Albi DriClad can be attached directly to roof and floor decks or attached to furring strips hung from the deck.

• Can be installed during cold weather.
• Can be installed without worry of fall off, typical of SFRM, or foot traffic during construction.
• Is fastened with welded stud pins, powder actuated pins or self-tapping screws.

Additionally, the construction schedule is enhanced because the other trades can work as DriClad is being installed.

The images below show the sequence of encasing wide flange beams and a corrugated steel floor deck.

In certain project conditions, Albi DriClad can offer substantial savings to cementitious fireproofing:

• DriClad can be installed to painted steel, eliminating metal lath as required for SFRM.
• DriClad is a board fireproofing, installed to itself dry. This eliminates water, wet mix and overspray, typical of –SFRM, making it a cost effective alternative in occupied spaces.
• DriClad can be used to encapsulate cementitious material on roof decks, floor decks and any delaminated SFRM.

A major problem with SFRM during construction is that it is often spray applied to roof decks prior to the roof and mechanicals being installed. Unlike SFRM, DriClad can be installed regardless of weather conditions and, since it’s mechanically affixed, it will not fall off or delaminate during the construction phase.

Albi DriClad has been used in the construction of modular steel buildings for both fireproofing and insulation purposes. It is installed by the manufacturer at the manufacturing site.

Albi DriClad has been used extensively at the mateline of modules to provide a cost-effective, easily installed fireproof gasket.

Suitable Locations

Can Albi DriClad be used in both interior and exterior locations?
No.  DriClad is designed for interior use. 

Can Albi DriClad sustain partial exposure to the elements while a building is under construction?  How long?
It can be used in exterior conditions for perimeter beams and columns for up to six months prior to being enclosed.  DriClad is a very forgiving material and can handle indirect exposure to weather during installation, but it is an interior product.  It should not be exposed to direct weathering or left unprotected for a prolonged time if construction is delayed.

Can DriClad be used in interior, unheated space?  What about a cover parking garage? 
Yes.  Albi DriClad is durable and highly moisture resistant.  It is well suited to semi-exposed conditions such as a parking garage.

Can Albi DriClad be used in conjunction with another type of fireproofing on the same piece?
Yes. Underwriters Laboratories allows split members, two different types of fireproofing on the same piece.  

What weather conditions restrict installation of Albi DriClad?
There are no weather restrictions for installing DriClad.  It can be installed year round, in all weather conditions.
Appearance

What does Albi DriClad look like?
DriClad is manufactured and packaged as a 4 ft. x 6 ft. board.  It is yellowish beige in color and is flat with minor ridges.  When installed, DriClad forms a snug protective box around the steel member.  The appearance is clean, uniform and crisp.  It offers an attractive alternative to conventional, sprayed fireproofing.

Can DriClad be painted?
Yes.  The DriClad boards can be painted to achieve a desired color.  Paint will tend to soak into the board.  This gives the effect of a colored board, rather than a slick painted surface.

ABOUT THE MATERIAL

Does Albi DriClad contain asbestos?
No.  All Albi products are asbestos-free.

What is DriClad made from?
Albi DriClad is made by a patented process from molten volcanic rock, spun into fine threads, impregnated with a special resin and compressed into rigid boards.  The boards are then fastened together using the AlbiScrew system.

Is Albi DriClad cost effective compared to spray-on fireproofing?
Yes, DriClad is relatively inexpensive.  On a material cost basis, depending on the hourly rating, it is comparable in price to low-density cementitious fireproofing and less expensive than medium or high-density spray applied materials.

In certain circumstances, DriClad is even less expensive than low density spray fireproofing.  For example, it requires no heating and minimal building protection in winter.  Albi DriClad requires no special steel preparation and it may offer schedule savings in other situations that make it the low cost alternative.

Will DriClad spall, delaminate or crack?
No.  The material will not spall delaminate or crack as the boards are made of spun material fibers and resin.  There is no cementitious component.  The boards are also mechanically affixed to each other.

Are there any issues with fungus or bacteria?
No.  DriClad has been tested to ASTM C665 and shows no fungus or bacteria growth.  It is chemically inert and highly resistant to moisture.  Do we have a copy of the test?
Fire Ratings, Codes and Approvals

Why does Albi stress Underwriters Laboratories (UL) ratings?
UL is the undisputed leader in the evaluation of fire resistive construction materials.  UL’s specialized facilities, fire test experience, rigorous impartiality and wide acceptance by code officials are unmatched by other testing bodies.  

Albi participates in the UL follow-up service program which assures that the product sold continually matches the product tested. 

What is the maximum hourly rating achieved by Albi DriClad?
DriClad is rated by UL for up to four (4) hours of protection.

Does Albi DriClad comply with BOCA, SBCC, ICBO and IBC requirements?
Yes.  All Albi products are designed to meet all relevant local, state and regional building codes, including BOCA, SBCC, ICBO and IBC.
STEEL SIZES AND CONFIGURATIONS

What is the minimum steel size?
For wide flange columns, the minimum size is W10 x 49 or any steel size with a minimum W/D of .83.  For wide flange beams, the minimum size is W8 x 31 or any steel size with a W/D of .79.  For structural pipes and tubes, the minimum A/P is .25.

For steel sizes smaller than what was tested, please contact Albi Protective Coatings for assistance.  

How do you best fireproof a steel truss?
It depends on the size of the truss.  For a large truss, you treat the component parts as individual pieces of steel using the column designs.  On a steel joist made of smaller members, box the entire assembly using DriClad.

Can grease ducts be fireproofed with Albi DriClad?
DriClad is ideal for enclosing duct work.  It has been tested by the State of Wisconsin for one (1) hour protection of a grease duct.  In that test, the duct was boxed with DriClad on all sides.

INSTALLATION OF THE PRODUCT

What trade installs Albi DriClad?
It can be installed by approved Albi applicators or by carpenters, contractors accustomed to installing board materials and other fireproofing contractors.

What equipment is required to install Albi DriClad?
DriClad is best cut by a table saw, otherwise, a knife or hand saw work well.  The boards must be fastened with the AlbiScrews.