ACM and MCM panels for commercial facades in El Paso.
Aluminum and metal composite panel scopes for general contractors and architects: facades, canopies, column covers, accent bands and soffits, bid to the system your project manual names.
What we bid
Composite panel scopes, front to back.
ACM is two thin aluminum skins bonded to a core, routed and folded into panels that hang on the building’s sub-framing. MCM is the wider family, with zinc, copper or stainless skins. We bid both, to the system your project manual names.
- Building facades and accent walls
- Entry canopies and canopy fascias
- Column covers and beam wraps
- Parapet caps, bands and reveals in composite panel
- Composite soffits under canopies and overhangs — see soffit and fascia
- Repairs and panel replacement on existing facades, matched as closely as possible to the original color
Three ways composite walls are built
- Wet-sealed (route and return)
Joints filled with sealant over backer rod. The most common system, and the simplest to repair.
- Dry joint
Panels hook onto extrusions with no sealant in the joint; the water barrier sits behind the panels.
- Rainscreen
Open or drained joints with a ventilated cavity behind the panels, tested to AAMA 508 or 509.
Tell us which one the spec calls for, or ask us to price an alternate.
Before bid day
Four things to settle on a composite wall.
- Fire testing
On many commercial buildings the code (IBC §1406) requires the whole composite wall assembly to pass NFPA 285, which usually means a fire-retardant (FR) core. We bid the tested assembly the spec names, never an unapproved substitute.
- Heat and movement
Aluminum moves about twice as much as steel with temperature. On a west wall in El Paso, the joints and attachments have to let every panel grow and shrink each day.
- Water and air
Depending on the system, the wall behind the panels does the waterproofing. The air and water barrier, the flashings at windows and the panel joints have to be detailed together.
- Finish and color
Facade panels usually carry a fluoropolymer (PVDF) finish to AAMA 2605. Lock in color, gloss and any metallic or mica finish with physical samples before fabrication.
Specs
What the project manual usually calls it.
Spec sections
| 07 42 43 | Composite Wall Panels |
|---|---|
| 07 42 93 | Soffit Panels (composite soffits) |
| 07 62 00 | Sheet Metal Flashing and Trim |
Tests and codes you’ll see
| NFPA 285 | Fire test of the whole exterior wall assembly |
|---|---|
| ASTM E84 | Flame spread and smoke of the panel |
| IBC §1406 | Code section for metal composite materials |
| AAMA 508 / 509 | Rainscreen water tests (pressure-equalized / drained and back-ventilated) |
| AAMA 2605 | High-performance (PVDF) coating standard |
| ASTM D1781 | Bond between the skins and the core |
Typical references only. We build to your project manual and the manufacturer’s tested assembly; confirm against your Division 07 specs.
Commercial projects
Our commercial work.
We’re documenting our commercial jobs now, and each one goes up only with the GC’s or owner’s OK. Until then, ask us about similar work when you call.
Bidding a project?
Send us the package and we'll get you a number.
- Project name and location
- Drawings, the Division 07 spec sections and any addenda
- Bid due date
- Expected construction schedule
- Your prequalification packet — tell us what paperwork you need
Plan-room links (Procore, BuildingConnected, Dropbox, Google Drive) are fine. Or call (915) 600-7279.
FAQ
Common questions
Don't see yours? Call us — we're happy to talk it through.
What’s the difference between ACM and MCM?
ACM is aluminum composite material: two thin aluminum skins bonded to a core. MCM (metal composite material) is the whole family, including zinc, copper and stainless skins. Codes and specs often say MCM for both.
Which core do you install?
The one the spec and the code call for. On most commercial walls that means a fire-retardant (FR) core in an NFPA 285 tested assembly. We don’t swap cores to save money.
Do you replace damaged panels on an existing facade?
Yes. Send photos and, if you know them, the panel maker and color name. Older colors can be hard to match exactly, so we’ll go over the closest match with you first.
More systems
The rest of the envelope.
Metal wall panels
R-panel rolled in El Paso, concealed-fastener and flush panels, insulated panels, liners and re-skins.
Architectural metal roofing
Standing seam and R-panel roofs, with the coping, edge metal and flashing that tie them into the walls.
Soffit & fascia
Canopy, overhang and walkway soffits, fascias and wing panels, in metal or composite panel.
Bidding a project? Send us the plans.
Plans, specs and the bid date to sales@manifestmetals.com, or call Mon–Fri 7:30–4:00. Se habla español.