AFI is an active member of the world's largest fiberglass trade organization, the American Composites Manufacturer's Association (ACMA). ACMA's Architectural Division sets industry standards for quality control practices and specifies materials and manufacturing processes that are recommended to be used for architectural FRP. ACMA is the driving force that has introduced composites to the construction industry and local building authorities. AFI meets all requirements of membership and fabricates materials based upon provisions published in the "Guidelines and Recommended Practices for Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Architectural Products" created by ACMA's Architectural Division. AFI also participates in ACMA's International Building Code Committee and has chaired ACMA's Architectural Division.
AFI follows the strict quality control and assurance program which trains and requires employees to participate in The Certified Composites Technician (CCT) program created by ACMA in 1999 to respond to the composites industry's need for uniform training and technical skills. Manufacturers who do not participate in ACMA’s Architectural Division or the accredited CCT program do not hold to the same standards. AFI is recognized as a premier architectural fiberglass manufacturer and our CCT trained employees are valued individuals recognized as experts amongst others throughout the industry.
Architectural Fiberglass, Inc (AFI) complies with the International Code Council's (ICC) requirements for the 2009 International Building Code (IBC). The new codes require Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) components delivered to the jobsite carry a third party ICC-sanctioned label from an independent testing and code recognition authority. Companies who use such labels are held accountable to follow stringent manufacturing requirements that result in products that comply with the 2009 code requirements. AFI has undergone the necessary testing and fulfilled the code requirements, and all of AFI's applicable building products carry the necessary third party ICC-sanctioned labeling. Other manufacturers have been known to cut costs by using less expensive raw materials and mediocre manufacturing practices in order to gain a pricing advantage. The addition to the 2009 code sets a bar for all manufacturers to follow and validates FRP as a legitimate material of construction.
AFI manufactures all of our FRP composite products with Class 1 fire retardant resins that meet a flame spread rating of 25 or less as characterized by the ASTM E-84 Tunnel Test at typical 1/8” glass mat laminate. Testing from nationally recognized Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) enables AFI to carry third party ICC-sanctioned labels indicating compliance with fire retardancy and stringent manufacturing requirements. SwRI testing services includes listing, labeling, and follow-up inspections for quality assurance of products and materials. New 2009 codes allow expanded uses of fire retardant FRP composites for building construction. The new code addresses that fire retardant fiberglass can be used in all areas of construction when used accordance to the new code requirements.
AFI has taken an active leadership role in education and participation in the LEED Program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) that was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to provide a framework for implementing practical and measurable green building solutions. Compared to other traditional materials the total life-cycle assessment of fiberglass contributes to its viability as a green building product. When consideration is taken for the energy consumed in production, installation and environmental sustainability, fiberglass products generate a much smaller impact than other traditional materials and can be used in ways that are less energy or carbon intensive. The LEED program uses strategies aimed at improving performance across environmentally important metrics, such as energy savings, CO2 emissions reduction, and the careful and responsible management of resources. Certification recognizes a sensitivity to the building's impact on the world. Architectural Fiberglass, Inc. can help achieve that goal by providing a product shown to be environmentally and economically friendly.
AFI is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB Code of Business Practices represents sound advertising, selling, and customer service practices that enhance customer trust and confidence in business. The Code is built on the BBB standards for trust and eight principles that summarize important elements of creating and maintaining trust in business. This Code also represents standards for business accreditation by BBB. Businesses based in the United States that meet these standards and complete application procedures are accredited by BBB.
The above information is intended to be accurate in regards to the subject matter involved. All information contained herein is general information that should be evaluated by the local authorities to determine their applicability or suitability for your particular use. Purchaser is responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, or local laws and regulations covering use of the product. Information is provided without warranty of any kind, and any and all warranties, either express or implied, are disclaimed.
