By Don Browne
Lo Chere is an architect, licensed fire/electrical safety contractor and owner of Aura Fire Safety, a commercial and residential fire protection company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. An architect who regularly reviews building exteriors, polymeric products are among the many exterior materials she sees when visiting the commercial and multifamily properties her firm services weekly.
“Polymeric exterior building product manufacturers have dialed in manufacturing tolerances to ensure long, clean sightlines on bay areas and facade designs,” Lo said. “We work with property managers, HOA boards and building owners on several projects throughout the year where exterior product selection meets fire code requirements and liability with future maintenance budgeting.”
According to Lo, polymeric exterior systems are installed on approximately 35 percent of the multifamily properties that Aura Fire Safety services throughout the Bay Area. She believes that the reasons for this strong market presence are:
Another reason Lo cites is the aesthetic standpoint that’s well-suited to her city.
“The design benefit I like most is dimensional stability across lengthy elevations,” Lo explained. “Tolerances can vary from .062” to .125” in wood panels within one shipment from the manufacturer, and fiber cement material can vary up to .02” (1/50”) as well. At the same time, polymeric products maintain tolerances of less than .031” over 14-foot lengths. For buildings with uninterrupted exposures of 80’-120’ facing the street, shadow lines are crisp, and joints are virtually invisible from 20 feet away. Overall, the product feels more architectural than utilitarian.”