VILLA RICA, Ga. – Southern Aluminum Finishing Co. (SAF), announced the completion of the Texas Department Insurance's (TDI) product evaluation of SAF's Series 4000 RainScreen Drained and Back-Ventilated ACM Panel system. The TDI review and evaluation followed the Florida Building Code approval of the Series 4000, including meeting the standards of the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) required for Florida construction. Architects and design/build contractors can now specify and install the Series 4000 RainScreen Panel System for projects in the state of Texas using the production evaluation completed by the TDI.

To see a copy of the TDI report, visit www.tdi.texas.gov/wind/prod/ec/ec91.pdf.

SAF 4000 RainScreen panel system reduces job-site installation time, cost and hassles. It passes the TAS301 Test Protocol established for Miami-Dade HVHZ which includes TAS 201 (large missile); TAS 202 (air, water and structure); TAS 203 (pressure cycling). Certifications issued for the SAF Series 4000 RainScreen system include panels from three major Aluminum Composite Panel (ACM) manufacturers.

“Having our Series 4000 RainScreen Panel System evaluated by the TDI makes its use appropriate in the Texas market,” said Eliza Evans, fabrication sales manager for SAF Metal Fabrication. "Architects and design/build contractors throughout the country can be assured our Series 4000 building panels have been designed and rigorously tested to hold up in hurricane conditions.”

The SAF Series 4000 is a drained and back ventilated rain screen panel system incorporating a strip of composite material in a reveal between each panel (instead of caulk) resulting in a more uniform appearance. The Series 4000 system ships with fabricated panels and “track” extrusions ready to assemble on a job-site. The system is engineered to allow moisture to permeate the outside wall, but subsequently drain through weep holes on each panel frame.