What fire-safety standards must a metal facade comply with in international construction projects?

Fire-safety compliance for metal facades involves adhering to strict global standards designed to prevent flame spread, toxic smoke release, and structural failure. Most international commercial projects must follow regulations such as EN 13501-1 (Europe), NFPA 285 (USA), ASTM E119, and local building codes that specify requirements for non-combustibility, insulation fire ratings, and façade assembly performance. Metal panels themselves—aluminum, steel, or aluminum composite—must be classified as non-combustible or limited-combustible depending on project type. In high-rise, hospital, airport, and public buildings, non-combustible materials are mandatory. Fire-rated mineral wool insulation is typically required behind the metal facade to prevent heat transfer during a fire event. Fire barriers and vertical/horizontal cavity breaks must be integrated into ventilated façade systems to stop chimney effects. Installers must also ensure that attachment systems, brackets, and anchors remain stable under high temperatures. In many regions, façade assemblies must undergo full-system fire testing, not just material-level testing, because real fire performance depends on the complete system behavior. For global B2B buyers, selecting suppliers who can provide certified fire-test documentation and engineering support is essential for meeting local authority approvals and accelerating project compliance.