The Hidden Danger Behind ACP Cladding Joints — And How to Prevent It
In recent years, the UAE has witnessed an alarming number of building façade fires in both residential and commercial towers. Each incident serves as a strong reminder of how essential it is to implement proper fire safety systems — not only active systems like alarms and sprinklers, but also passive fire protection systems that stop the spread of fire within a building’s structure and façade.
Imagine a scenario where a fire starts inside an apartment on the 13th floor. While internal fire-rated partitions may contain the blaze within that apartment, the greater danger often lies on the building façade itself. Once flames reach the aluminum composite panel (ACP) cladding, they can travel rapidly through the air gaps between panels, turning the exterior into a pathway for fire and smoke.
These ACP cladding joints are designed with small cavities that, if left untreated, can act as vertical chimneys — allowing the fire to spread uncontrollably from one floor to another. To prevent this, these joints must be sealed with a fire-rated backer rod or fire barrier solution that can withstand extreme heat and block the spread of flames.
At Bluedge Structural Systems, we provide a certified and proven solution: the VEDAFEU C Fire Barrier Rope. This firestop material is specifically designed for ACP cladding fire protection and offers up to 240 minutes (4 hours) of fire resistance, while remaining completely air- and smoke-tight. By installing VEDAFEU C within the façade joints, the spread of fire between floors can be effectively contained — buying precious time for emergency teams to respond and secure the building.
Why Choose VEDAFEU C for Façade Fire Protection
Certified Performance: Up to 240 minutes of tested fire resistance for ACP cladding joints.
Proven Reliability: Installed across numerous UAE projects over the past decade by Bluedge Structural Systems.
French Quality: Manufactured in France and independently tested by third-party laboratories.
Civil Defense Approved: Fully approved by both Abu Dhabi Civil Defense and Dubai Civil Defense, ensuring compliance with local fire safety regulations.
With more than 10 years of experience supplying façade firestop solutions in the UAE, Bluedge Structural Systems continues to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving ACP joints unprotected. Using VEDAFEU C not only meets fire safety code requirements but also provides peace of mind that every project is protected against façade fire spread.
When fire-rated backer rods and firestop systems are properly installed, the outcome of a building fire can be drastically changed — transforming a potential disaster into a contained event.
At Bluedge, we remain committed to promoting safer façades and a more fire-resilient built environment across the UAE.
