What Sets Our ACM Work Apart
ACM is only as good as the system behind it. A panel that isn't cut, returned, and attached correctly will oil-can, telegraph its stiffeners, or leak at the joint. Apex Architectural Metal, LLC cuts every panel on our own CNC equipment to the architect's drawings, then builds the perimeter attachment and stiffener layout to match the wind loads on the job.
Because we install what we fabricate, the panels, substructure, flashing, and closures all come from one contractor — there is no gap between the panel scope and the sheet metal scope for water to find.
Request a QuoteWe specify fire-rated cores as the default, not as an upgrade line item.
Panels cut, V-grooved, and returned on our own equipment, to your shop drawings.
Panels, substructure, flashing, and closures installed by one contractor.
GC and architect support from budget pricing through closeout submittals.
Apex Architectural Metal, LLC is a PAC-CLAD® Certified Installer and Premium Fabricator. That means PAC-CLAD material is fabricated in our own shop and installed by our own crews, to the manufacturer's details — one accountable party from coil to closeout.
Our ACM Panel Categories
Dry-Joint Rainscreen
The architectural standard. Panels are cut, routed, and returned, then hung on an extruded perimeter attachment with an open, pressure-equalized joint. Water that gets past the face is drained and vented back out behind the panel.
- Crisp, consistent reveal lines across the elevation
- Pressure-equalized, drained and back-ventilated design (AAMA 508 / 509)
- Individual panels removable for future repair or replacement
- Best fit for feature walls, storefront fascia, and entry elements
- Installed by a PAC-CLAD® Certified Installer and Premium Fabricator
Wet-Seal Systems
Panels set on a substructure with silicone-sealed joints. A lower-cost route where the budget is tight, the elevation is simple, or the joint pattern doesn't call for a routed reveal.
- Lower installed cost than a full routed rainscreen
- Sealant is a maintenance item — plan on re-sealing over the life of the wall
- Best fit for soffits, screen walls, and smaller elevations
- Same FR-core panel and PVDF finish options
Column Covers, Canopies & Soffits
Column wraps, canopy fascia and decking, parapet covers, and flat soffit panels — the ACM work that pairs directly with the metal roofing, trim, and flashing already coming out of our shop.
- Round and square column covers in matching finish
- Canopy fascia, soffit, and underside decking
- Parapet and coping covers
- Coordinated with our own edge metal and flashing
Signage, Branding Bands & Rebrands
Color-matched ACM for national account rollouts, storefront branding bands, and full building rebrands — cut to the program standard and installed to the same detail on every site.
- Custom color match to a corporate brand standard
- Branding bands, entry features, and sign backers
- Multi-site rollouts across the Southeast
- Consistent details and finish from location to location
How An ACM Wall Assembly Works
Panel Buildup
Two aluminum skins bonded to a fire-rated mineral core. The core is what keeps the assembly compliant — PE-core panels are limited to interior and non-rated work.
Rainscreen Joint Section
- 4 mm ACM panel, routed and returned at the edge
- Open joint — pressure-equalized, not sealed
- Extruded perimeter attachment
- Drained, back-ventilated cavity
- Sub-framing and backup wall
Dry Joint vs. Wet Seal
A dry joint costs more up front and gives you a pressure-equalized wall with individually removable panels. A wet seal costs less and puts a maintenance item — the sealant — into the elevation. We install both and will tell you which one your project actually needs.
ACM Panel Specifications
| Thickness | 3 mm, 4 mm (standard exterior), 6 mm |
|---|---|
| Skins | 0.020″ aluminum, both faces |
| Core | FR (fire-rated, mineral-filled) standard; A2 non-combustible where required. PE core is limited to interior and non-rated applications. |
| Finish | 70% PVDF (Kynar 500® / Hylar 5000®), 2- or 3-coat, AAMA 2605 — solids, micas, metallics, and custom color match |
| Finish warranty | Typically 20–30 years against film integrity, chalk, and fade |
| Panel size | Governed by coil width (up to approximately 62″) and panel layout — confirmed per project |
| Testing & compliance | ASTM E283 (air), ASTM E331 (water), ASTM E330 (structural), NFPA 285 assembly compliance, AAMA 508 / 509 |
| Systems installed | PAC-CLAD® — Certified Installer and Premium Fabricator. Also ALPOLIC®, Alucobond®, Reynobond®, and other manufacturer-approved ACM systems. |
Fire-rated core and NFPA 285 assembly compliance are the first questions on most commercial ACM projects. Send us your elevations and wall section and we will confirm the assembly before you specify it.
Get a Free Estimate Today!
Send us your drawings and we will price the ACM scope — panels, substructure, flashing, and installation.
Request a Quote (205) 250-6228