VMZINC, the international brand name of rolled zinc products and a division of Umicore, has announced that the International Code Counsel Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) has issued final approval of the report for VMZ Flat lock and VMZ Interlocking panels. ICC-ES is the United States’ leading evaluation service for innovative building materials, components and systems and their evaluation reports assist those enforcing model codes in determining whether a certain material complies with those codes. This report evaluated wind resistance and physical properties and confirms compliance with the 2015 International Building Code and the 2015 International Residential Code.  

VMZ Flat lock panels offer a simple yet elegant wall cladding solution characterized by a longitudinal seam on a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal bias. When applied, these overlapping panels produce a nearly flat appearance and can be used for internal or external applications. The easy-to-install panels are available in a variety of shapes and dimensions and create visual interest with texture. This product has been used on a wide range of projects including the award-winning Gemma Observatory, the Kennedy Space Center, and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Hollywood, Calif.

The VMZ Interlocking panel system is a self-supporting system that consists of pre-formed panels and clips that can be laid vertically or horizontally. The panels are the fixed onto the framework using the clips provided, which are concealed in the inside edge of the groove. The panels are available in a variety of shapes and dimensions and are connected by the use of an interlocking groove, giving the elegant appearance of a recessed joint. Projects using VMZ Interlocking panels include Seattle Children’s Hospital and U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., home of the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.  

“VMZ Interlocking and VMZ Flat lock panels provide architects and designers with unlimited design options for the most sophisticated applications,” said Daniel Nicely, managing director at VMZINC-U.S. “Facades created with these products offer a sleek, modern appearance that will last for decades. This ICC certification offers architects, designers, specifiers and installers the continued peace of mind to use these VMZINC products knowing they are fully compliant to the latest codes and standards.”

VMZ Flat lock and VMZ Interlocking panels belong to the rain screen family which allow for drainage from the exterior envelope and are available in natural, QUARTZ-ZINC, ANTHRA-ZINC, PIGMENTO red, blue, green and brown.

Please see the ICC Evaluation Report No. ESR-1733 at www.iss-es.org for further details.