24-Hours 254 374-4477
Clark Roofing
24-Hours 254 374-4477

ACM Panel Systems Guide for Commercial Buildings

A Complete Guide to ACM Panels for Commercial Buildings in Central Texas

ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) panels have become one of the most versatile and durable exterior wall systems in commercial construction. They offer design flexibility, excellent weather resistance, fire-rated options, and a clean architectural appearance that elevates any building.

This guide covers everything building owners, architects, and contractors need to know about ACM systems — with examples from Clark Roofing’s in-house ACM fabrication shop in Waco, TX.

What Are ACM Panels?

ACM panels are manufactured by bonding two aluminum sheets to a polyethylene (PE) or fire-retardant (FR) mineral core. The result is a lightweight yet extremely rigid panel used for exterior façades, wall systems, canopies, soffits, and branded architectural features.

Clark Roofing fabricates panels using top manufacturers, including:

  • Alucobond
  • Alpolic
  • Reynobond
  • Etalbond

How ACM Panels Are Constructed

A standard 4 mm Alucobond PLUS panel includes:

  • Two 0.020” coil-coated aluminum skins
  • Fire-retardant mineral-filled core
  • Overall weight: 1.56 lb/ft²
  • Service temperature range: –55°F to +180°F
  • Thermal resistance (R-value): ~0.16

Panels are available in thicknesses from 3–6 mm, with standard sheet widths up to 62 inches and lengths up to 196 inches, with custom sizes available.

Formability

4 mm panels can be bent to a minimum radius of 4 inches without routing.

Fire Performance & Code Compliance

ACM systems are widely used in commercial applications because of rigorous testing and code compliance options, including:

  • ICC-ES ESR-1185
  • Florida Product Approval FL29842
  • Miami-Dade NOA 15-0923.03
  • UL Report 19980
  • NFPA 285 compliant assemblies
  • CAN/ULC S102 and ASTM E84 low flame spread

FR-core ACM panels are often required for multistory buildings or education/municipal projects — areas where Clark Roofing excels.

Benefits of ACM Panels

✔ Modern Architectural Appearance

Sharp lines, smooth surfaces, and premium finishes.

✔ Lightweight & Strong

High rigidity with minimal structural load.

✔ Highly Durable

Resistant to UV, corrosion, impact, and moisture intrusion.

✔ Wide Color & Finish Selection

Metallics, woodgrains, solids, custom branding colors, and more.

✔ Ideal for Commercial Applications

Long lifespan and easy long-term maintenance.

Clark Roofing’s In-House ACM Fabrication Shop

Our 3,804 sq. ft. ACM facility includes:

  • CNC routing & cutting
  • Brake forming & bending
  • Shear cutting
  • Dedicated layout tables
  • Panel staging and quality control zones
  • Enclosed metal storage for finish protection

Having all fabrication done in-house allows:

  • Faster project timelines
  • Precise custom fitment
  • Lower costs
  • Better quality control
  • Seamless communication with GCs and architects

Our ACM Fabrication Process

  1. Design & Drafting

Our ACM estimator/drafter, Axel Tayson, prepares detailed shop drawings and panel layouts.

  1. Material Selection

We source from Alucobond, Alpolic, Reynobond, and Etalbond based on project requirements.

  1. CNC Routing & Panel Cutting

Panels are routed with extreme precision on our CNC, creating clean edges, returns, and radiused corners.

  1. Brake Forming & Fabrication

Led by Ruben Flores, our ACM Production Manager.

  1. Assembly & Quality Control

Panels are test-fit, staged, and inspected prior to delivery.

  1. Delivery & Installation

Our installation teams mount panels using tested, code-compliant systems and secure sub-framing.

ACM Systems We Install

Rout & Return (Most Common)

Creates sharp, folded panel edges with sealed corners.

Rainscreen ACM Systems

Allows drainage and ventilation behind the façade.

Plate Panels & Custom Metal Elements

Used for branding features, canopies, and architectural accents.

Where ACM Panels Work Best

  • School entry features
  • Municipal buildings
  • Commercial storefronts
  • Medical facilities
  • Industrial campuses
  • Retail shopping centers
  • Office complexes
  • Modern custom homes (accent features)

Featured ACM Projects by Clark Roofing

Temple Municipal Airport – City of Temple

Exterior ACM re-cladding and entry system.

Crawford High School

Architectural entry façade with branded elements.

Park Hill Elementary – Midway ISD

ACM wall panels and school branding integration.

Niagara Bottling Co. – Temple & Lancaster

Large-scale commercial ACM + metal paneling.

Custom Residential – J Michael Clark Builders

High-end architectural metal fabrication.

ACM Panels in Waco, Temple, Killeen & Central Texas

Clark Roofing provides ACM fabrication and installation throughout:

Waco • Temple • Killeen • Belton • Woodway • Hewitt • Robinson • Central Texas Counties: McLennan, Hill, Limestone, Falls, Bell, Coryell, Hill, and beyond.

Whether you need ACM for new construction or a façade upgrade, we’re your local metal system experts.

Talk to Our ACM Team

For bids, design consults, shop drawings, or ACM budgets:

Call: (254) 374-4477

Request a Quote:

https://www.clarkroofingtx.com/contact-us/

You’ll receive a fast, detailed response from our ACM estimator.