Safti First To Debut New Products at the 2006 AIA Expo in Los Angeles

The AIA will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from June 8 to 10, 2006.


SAFTI FIRST Provides Unlimited Design Opportunities with Fire Rated Decorative Art Glass

Fire rated, artistic, transparent wall systems will now bring desired light into a structure and make an artistic statement that is timeless. SAFTI FIRST, the nation’s leader in fire rated glazing solutions, is combining art and technology with fire rated decorative glass using SuperLite II-XL. This enhanced aesthetic in fire rated glass opens up the option of using custom art glass in walls, corridors and other applications requiring protection from fire, smoke and radiant heat. This new technology is especially beneficial to design and building professionals involved in the healthcare, education and hospitality markets.

“This is an exciting time in the industry when aesthetics and technology are combined without loss of performance or function,” says Kathryn O’Keeffe, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

SuperLite II-XL is a fire resistive, technologically advanced, patented glazing product using tempered glass units filled with fire-retardant gel. This provides the highest level of fire protection and design flexibility with the added benefit of sound reduction. Fire ratings are offered from 45-120 minutes, provide maximum radiant heat protection and meet hose stream, pressure, and thermal shock requirements. Both products are fully tempered and not subject to wall area limitations. Applications are windows, wall systems, side or transom lites, full vision doors and door lites. All available with a variety of framing options and finishes.


SAFTI FIRST Introduces Another First: Fire and Hurricane Rated Glazing Solution

After one of the costliest hurricane seasons in modern history, members of the building community are looking for ways to protect people and property from the devastating effects of hurricanes. SAFTI FIRST, a leading manufacturer of fire rated glazing and framing, is offering a solution by introducing the first Fire Rated Hurricane Glass in the market. Utilizing SuperLite II-XL fire resistant glass as the basis for its design development, SAFTI FIRST has produced the first and only fire and hurricane rated glazing system to meet the rigorous test standards set by Miami Dade.

“We’ve heard that the building community, in a concerted effort to meet the code mandated in hurricane prone areas, were placing two pieces of glass – one fire rated and one hurricane rated – in specialty frames that were both expensive and difficult to install,” says Kathryn O’Keeffe, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “By introducing a product that combines both fire protection and hurricane protection from water and debris in one, we are happy to provide the building community with the only code-approved fire and hurricane rated glazing solution that is cost effective, easy to install and aesthetically pleasing.”

Fire rated, hurricane glass comes at a critical time when changes to the building code were passed to lessen the effect of hurricane-related damage. The new code states that glazing in buildings in wind-borne debris regions shall be impact-resistant or protected with an impact-resistant covering meeting the requirements of an approved impact-resisting standard or ASTM E 1996 and ASTM E 1886. Glazed openings located within 30 feet of grade shall meet the requirements of the large missile test in ASTM E 1996. Glazed openings located more than 30 feet above grade shall meet the provisions of the small missile test in ASTM E 1996.

In a recent test conducted by Warnock Hersey/ITS, SAFTI FIRST Fire Rated Hurricane Glass passed the requirements of both the small and large missile tests, water infiltration test and is certified to meet the highest standards of Miami Dade. This product is ideal for the Gulf Coast and other hurricane prone areas where protecting people and property is a concern.

SuperLite I-XL IGU With Enhanced Energy Performance and Added Radiant Heat Protection is Low Cost, High Performance Alternative to Traditional Wire Glass and Ceramics

SuperLite I-XL IGU with Enhanced Energy Performance is the only optically clear fire protective product that meets the highest impact rating of Category II (400 ft. lbs.) and proven to effectively reduce up to 90% of dangerous radiant heat by reflecting the heat back to the fire source. Fire rated from 45-60 minutes, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) have approved SuperLite I-XL as an alternative to traditional wire glass and ceramics, both of which do not provide any protection from radiant heat.

“The radiation generated from a fire can be so intense that it can ignite curtains and other combustible materials on the non-fire side of the glass from up to 20 feet away,” says Kathryn O’Keeffe, VP of Sales and Marketing. “Providing a low cost, high performance product that allows for improved safety for egress of people while preventing the spread of fire from one area to the next is an important advancement in fire protective glazings.”

Available in non-directional insulated and directional monolithics, SuperLite I-XL is currently being used in schools, hospitals, historic renovations, wilderness/urban interface areas, property line applications, high risk fire zone areas, or any areas where safe egress, impact safety and protection from dangerous radiant heat are a concern.