Videos

In the last decade, advances in fire rated glazing technology and manufacturing have introduced a special breed of fire resistive glazing systems that are capable of performing multiple functions in one assembly. Today, we see fire resistive glazing systems that simultaneously protect against bullets, attack, hurricane, blast, noise, UV, and more. New applications that were once treated as exceptions, such fire resistive curtain walls, floors, butt-glazed walls, decorative and more, are slowly becoming a norm. In this talk, Tim Nass, VP of Sales with SAFTI FIRST Fire Rated Glazing Solutions, details emerging applications for fire rated glazing technology. He discusses how the impacts of these developments have opened new opportunities to bring transparency and light to any fire rated space, and pushed fire rated glazing system manufacturers to design products that appear and perform just like any other glazing system in the project.

In the last decade, advances in fire rated glazing technology and manufacturing have introduced a special breed of fire resistive glazing systems that are capable of performing multiple functions in one assembly. Today, we see fire resistive glazing systems that simultaneously protect against bullets, attack, hurricane, blast, noise, UV, and more. New applications that were once treated as exceptions, such fire resistive curtain walls, floors, butt-glazed walls, decorative and more, are slowly becoming a norm. In this talk, Tim Nass, VP of Sales with SAFTI FIRST Fire Rated Glazing Solutions, details emerging applications for fire rated glazing technology. He discusses how the impacts of these developments have opened new opportunities to bring transparency and light to any fire rated space, and pushed fire rated glazing system manufacturers to design products that appear and perform just like any other glazing system in the project.

What is radiant heat and how dangerous is it? We discuss the dangers of radiant heat, and conduct tests to see what happens behind ceramic glazing, wired glass, and heat reflective specialty tempered glass during a fire.

Glass plays an important role when it comes to designing schools. It creates light-filled spaces that are inviting and conducive to learning. In fact, numerous studies confirm that when school spaces are brighter, students learn faster, teacher morale improves, and districts can dramatically cut energy costs. As a result, school districts and their architects are working hard to find new ways to maximize the amount of natural light going into a space.

It’s been two decades since the 2003 version of the IBC essentially banned the use of traditional wired glass in doors, sidelites and hazardous locations in schools and educational facilities – and yet, there are still a lot of questions about wired glass – questions like what it is, what it’s not, what the codes say, what alternatives exist, and so on.

Tim Nass shares his expertise in glazing history and how it fits into the architectural process during the 2020 GlassCon Global VE. Architects have always pushed the limits of what building products can do, and fire rated glazing is no exception. This program shows how fire rated glazing has evolved from small doorlites and openings using wired glass and ceramics to floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall, multi-tasking fire resistive glazing systems. Case studies showing these innovative design applications in real-word settings will be used to show participants how architects continue to push the boundaries of what fire rated glass can do.

Fire Protective vs. Fire Resistive – Do you know the difference? See why SAFTI FIRST®’s fire-rated glass can be used in numerous architectural application in this video.

Wire Glass – it’s referred to as safety glass – but some experts say it’s anything but.

Learn how SuperLite® I-XL protects against radiant heat.

CBS Evening News report on injuries caused by unsafe traditional wired glass.

Traditional wired glass is made with steel wire mesh that acts as a reinforcement. During a fire test, the grid holds the glass in place. Although believed to make the glass stronger, the sharp wires actually pose more harm than good and can cause serious injuries to people who come in contact with the installation. Before the development of wire-free, safety rated fire-rated glass, schools used traditional wired glass because of its capacity to contain fires while still allowing people to look through doors and windows.

SuperLite® I-XL is fully listed for 20 minutes and approved by the GSA and AHJs as an alternate material for 45/60 minute applications without hose stream in accordance with Section 104.11, Alternative Materials, Design and Methods of Construction and Equipment, of the IBC. Learn more about the benefits of SuperLite® I-XL.

Learn about the hose stream test. In this video, we explain what is is, how the hose stream test is done and what the hose stream test does NOT tell you about fire safety.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Where there’s fire, there’s the deadly threat of radiant heat. See how fire rated glazing can protect people from the dangers of radiant heat.

A San Francisco school takes steps to safeguard its students from the dangers of wired glass.

Learn the difference between fire protective vs. fire resistive glazing in this short video.