NFPA 285 and AAMA 508 results apply to tested complete assembly configurations.
How It Works
Turtle Rib frame surfaces divert condensation and wind-driven rain through machine-punched slots, gutter chases, and obround weep holes. When properly configured, weep holes and vent slots permit pressure equalization within the drained cavity.
Wall Assembly
Turtle Rib is evaluated as a complete rainscreen assembly — ACM panels, stainless clips, drained cavity, insulation, WRB, and substrate. Fire and water performance documentation applies to the tested configuration, not individual components in isolation.
Water Management
Moisture entering the cavity through open joints is collected in gutter chases and discharged through obround weep holes. Vent slots support pressure equalization, reducing sustained differential pressure across the assembly.
Attachment
A balanced clip layout combines fixed restraint with floating connections so panels perform under wind load and thermal cycling.
Fixed clips restrain panel edges at defined anchor points. They provide positive attachment for wind load transfer while allowing planned movement at adjacent connections.
Typical at floor lines, structural bays, and primary restraint locations.
Floating clips accommodate in-plane thermal movement of ACM panels. Slots or slotted connections permit expansion and contraction without buckling or fastener distress.
Used between fixed points to relieve thermal stress in long panel runs.
Thermal Movement
ACM panels expand and contract with temperature swings. Turtle Rib clip layouts are engineered with alternating fixed and floating clip positions so in-plane movement is relieved without compromising wind resistance or panel alignment.
Hardware Engineering
Every component in the Turtle Rib system is purpose-built and patent-pending, manufactured in the usa & canada to exacting tolerances that drive performance at every panel joint.
Primary FastenerFixed & Floating Dual-Action Frame Connector
Perimeter FastenerStarter Track & Boundary Layout Component
System IntegrationIntegrated Frame Mechanics — Folded Profile
Patent Pending
Canadian IP Protection
Manufactured in the USA & Canada
North American manufacturing
Code Compliant
National Code Acceptance
ACM Compatible
4mm Composite Panels
One clip system. Three aesthetic and performance profiles — Exposed, Hybrid, and Concealed.
Highlights structural elements for a rugged, industrial aesthetic.
Exposed mode displays clip and joint geometry prominently — the signature Turtle Rib look for contemporary and industrial architecture.
Cost-effective solution combining strengths of exposed and concealed modes.
Hybrid mode combines selective exposure with concealed zones — ideal for fascia, soffits, and budget-conscious elevations requiring design flexibility.
Clean look with no visible fasteners for seamless surfaces.
Concealed mode hides attachment hardware for seamless, minimalist facades — preferred for hospitality, corporate, and high-end commercial work.
| Mode | Performance profile | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Exposed | High — maximum ventilation visibility, straightforward inspection | $$$ — premium fabrication and finish exposure |
| Hybrid | Medium–high — flexible for mixed elevations | $$ — mid-range; strong value for mixed-use and fascia |
| Concealed | High aesthetic — seamless panel appearance | $$$$ — highest fabrication precision |
The Turtle Rib ACM Dry Joint Rainscreen framing platform is fully verified under stringent North American fire propagation test standards. Our proprietary stainless steel structural clips and interlocking panel profiles successfully passed the rigorous multi-story evaluation, ensuring zero flame propagation beyond standard thresholds.
Test Method
NFPA 285 Standard
Full-Scale Wall Evaluation
Evaluation ID
G105700511SAT-002
Official Certified Test Report
Performance Status
Officially Passed
Met or exceeded all criteria
Engineering Target
Commercial Certified
Non-combustible construction layouts
Specifying our system for an engineered commercial project? Request a verified engineering summary of our fire-propagation testing parameters.
Request Test Validation SummarySee exactly how the Turtle Rib infrastructure integrates with high-performance building materials based on our full-scale testing baseline.
Integrates with industry-standard 4-mm Fire-Retardant (FR) Core Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) panels.
Mechanically secured using patent-pending stainless steel Turtle Rib Full and Half snap-fit architectural clips.
Universally compatible with continuous insulation paths, including 4-inch mineral wool insulation tracking systems.
Natively interfaces with vapor-permeable, self-adhered weather-resistive barrier membranes over structural metal stud designs.
Maximum clip structural spans, framing tolerances, wind load matrices, and project-specific layout calculations are proprietary trade data. Connect with our engineering division to map out your layout specifications.
Markets We Serve
From commercial retail to healthcare facilities, our versatile panel system delivers exceptional performance across all building types and industries.
7 application types
6
Market Sectors
33+
Application Types
100%
Custom Solutions
3
Panel Modes
NFPA 285 and AAMA 508 results apply to tested complete assembly configurations.
Third-Party Tested & Evaluated
Third-party tested complete wall assembly. Previously listed in the Intertek B.P. directory (2023/2024). Documented observations include flame height max of 6 feet (allowable limit: 10 feet), exterior face temperatures peaking at 617°F (limit: 1000°F), lateral and air cavity temperatures at 311°F (limit: 1000°F), and second-story interior room temperatures maxing out at 128°F.
0% water on membrane for both static and dynamic testing in the evaluated assembly. Tested at maximum voluntary pressure of 15 psf with membrane moisture levels below 1% in static and dynamic conditions.
Properly configured weep holes and vent slots permit pressure equalization within the drained and vented cavity. Machine-punched slots and gutter chases manage wind-driven rain without relying on face-sealed joints.
Condensation and wind-driven rain collect in gutter chases and drain through obround weep holes at the base of the assembly. Internal weep slots direct moisture away from the WRB and substrate.
Open-joint dry-joint design maintains a ventilated air cavity behind ACM panels. Continuous ventilation supports drying of the cavity and reduces sustained moisture at the weather-resistive barrier.
No gaskets or field-applied sealants at panel joints. Stainless steel snap-fit clips secure panels while preserving a ventilated, drained cavity for long-term envelope performance.
Available with 2", 3", 4", 5", and 6" thermal clip depth options. Exterior insulated assembly contributes high R-value / low U-value with multiple layer configurations.
Minimal heat transfer through stainless steel clips during fire testing. Documented increase of 47.6°F above starting temperature in the evaluated assembly configuration.
Engineered to support code-compliant assemblies across North America.
Testing and compliance apply to complete wall assembly configurations; approval depends on full assembly design and jurisdictional authority.
Specification-ready. Performance-tested. Ready to review.
Download assembly summaries from Specifier Resources or contact our technical team.
Connect with our team for reviews, education, samples, and project documentation.
Submit assembly details for technical review by our engineering team.
Schedule a specifier presentation for your firm or project team.
Order physical samples of panel modes and clip components.
Request bundled specifications and test summary documentation.
Speak directly with Turtle Rib technical support.