Learn more about SAFTI FIRST® through our short videos curated just for you! Take an inside look into SAFTI FIRST®’s manufacturing facilities, learn about new fire rated products, see featured projects, discover our short video series — Ask Tim, listen to podcasts, and much more. Start watching today!
SAFTI FIRST® is North America’s only vertically integrated manufacturer of fire resistive glass, framing, and entrances. With state-of-the-art equipment and 170,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space, we are focused on providing the highest quality products in the market today. Learn more about SAFTI FIRST®’s capabilities in this video.
What makes SAFTI FIRST® different? While other fire rated glass and framing distributors import their products from overseas, SAFTI FIRST® is the only single-source, vertically integrated fire rated glass and framing manufacturer in the USA. This means better product quality, lead times, pricing and coordination to accommodate even the most unique project requirements and conditions.
With our fully-automated Pujol 100+ complete laminated glass line, we can now offer laminated glass using PVB, EVA and SGP interlayers. We have one oven dedicated to standard laminated glass and another oven for hurricane, blast, ballistic and other security glazing products.
SAFTI FIRST® embarked on an ambitious $8M expansion to update fire rated glass, systems, and door manufacturing capabilities in Merced, CA. Phase 1 of the expansion upgraded the door manufacturing facility to meet the high demand for 60-90 minute temperature rise doors for exit stairwells.
SAFTI FIRST® embarked on an ambitious $8M expansion to update fire rated glass, systems, and door manufacturing capabilities in Merced, CA. Phase 2 of the expansion upgraded the fire rated glass manufacturing facility to meet increasing demand and for safe handling of increased glass sizes.
The architects at Morris Adjmi wanted large, 11-ft. tall glass walls to highlight the breathtaking views for the reimagined Warehouse in New York City’s growing architectural wonderland of Chelsea. However, the building was on a lot line, mandating 2 hour fire walls. SAFTI FIRST® made this dream a reality by supplying the largest tested and listed 2 hour fire resistive glazing available today. The inclusion of low-iron glass in the fire-resistive glazing units ensured superior clarity and aesthetic continuity with the adjacent non-rated windows. The fire resistive units incorporated high performance glazing and were filled with argon for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
The Kensington, a mixed-use residential building in Boston, faced a unique challenge challenge when its west-facing elevation required a 1-hour curtain wall due to property line constraints. To address this, SAFTI FIRST® provided a seamless fire rated solution using 1-hour fire resistive curtain walls along the lot lines. In addition, the fire rated curtain wall had to match the rest of the non-rated system, as well as pass rigorous dynamic testing. This included air infiltration, water resistance, structural performance, seismic movement, and thermal cycling, ensuring reliable performance under real-world conditions.
San Francisco’s Union Square is known for the largest collection of department stores, upscale boutiques, hotels and fine dining. Adding to this famed hub is the Central Subway – Union Square Market Street Station featuring a 2-hour fire rated floor system by SAFTI FIRST®.
Stellar Views. Natural Light. Usable space. These are the mantras of those involved in real estate. In a city like New York, where the stakes are high and the restrictions are abundant, developers and their architects are always looking for new strategies to realize the maximum potential of their real estate developments. One way to achieve this is with a cantilevered design. See how SAFTI FIRST® contributed to the exterior walls and openings on all sides of the cantilevered portion of One Sullivan Place.
Introducing the new, patented SuperClear® 45-HS (hose stream) and SuperClear® 45-HS-LI (hose stream, low iron). This revolutionary, game-changing 45 minute fire protective glazing product is taking over the ceramic market! Meets all fire, hose stream and safety requirements without wires, tints, films or laminates. Watch this video to learn more!
SAFTI FIRST®’s new SuperClear® 45-HS and SuperClear® 45-HS-LI are approved for glazing in all 45 minute doors, sidelites, transoms and openings in large sizes. Meets strict fire, hose stream and safety requirements without wires, tints, films or laminates. Made in the USA for fast lead times—at costs significantly less than ceramics or safety wired—with better VLT, STC and OITC performance values. UL listed and labeled. Patented.
San Francisco’s Union Square is known for the largest collection of department stores, upscale boutiques, hotels and fine dining. Adding to this famed hub is the Central Subway – Union Square Market Street Station featuring a 2-hour fire rated floor system by SAFTI FIRST®.
Largest tested and listed sizes. Highest visible light transmission. Vertically-integrated, single-source, USA-manufacturer. Product innovation leader. These are just some of the reasons why SAFTI FIRST® is the #1 USA-Made Fire Rated Glass, Framing, Door and Floor manufacturer and the preferred choice of architects, specifiers, contractors and building owners for over 40 years. Our products are listed and labeled by UL and Intertek and are available with fast lead times and competitive pricing.
SAFTI FENCE by SAFTI FIRST® is the ideal clear solution for 1 hour fire rated fencing around homes or entire developments near wildland-urban areas and designated fire zones. Tested, certified and listed by UL and Intertek, this revolutionary product uses advanced fire rated glazing technology that reflects the heat back to the fire source – helping prevent the spread of fire.
SAFTI FIRST®’s VP of Sales Tim Nass shares the latest innovations in fire rated glazing product technology, and how these advancements have influenced the architectural and design community. He discusses the evolution of fire rated glazing and how the introduction of SuperClear® 45-HS-LI, the clearest, 45 minute fire rated glazing product that meets fire, safety, and hose stream requirements, will provide an affordable and superior solution to brittle, expensive ceramics.
In this short, informative and entertaining talk, SAFTI FIRST®’s VP of Sales Tim Nass speaks about the 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.
SAFTI FIRST® introduces SuperLite® II-XLM, a fire resistive multilaminate glass product for 45-120 minute applications with hose stream. SuperLite® II-XLM is available in clear, butt-glazed wall assemblies up to 2 hours without vertical mullions or spaces for ultimate transparency.
SAFTI FIRST® offers Clear Solutions® for every protective and resistive application. Our SuperLite® products by SAFTI FIRST® are made in the USA with fast lead times and competitive pricing. View our complete line of SuperLite® fire rated glass products in this short video.
The GPX® Framing System by SAFTI FIRST® is the 1st fire resistive framing system manufactured in the USA. It offers the same hard-edged sightlines of extruded aluminum provided by popular non-rated systems. The GPX® Framing System was designed to be an economical and flexible system that provides wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling transparency up to 2 hours.
Season 3 Episode 5: How does SAFTI FIRST® meet Buy American, Buy America and Build America, Buy America Requirements? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.
Season 3 Episode 4: What privacy options are available for fire rated doors, windows or walls? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.
Discover how glass, commonly used for vision and transparency in doors, windows, and walls, can also provide privacy solutions. Learn about incorporating privacy features into fire-rated glass systems, including privacy films, satin-etched glass, tints, and one-way mirrored glass. Explore sleek alternatives like integral blinds or switchable glass for applications requiring transparency and opacity.
To submit your questions, please email asktim@safti.com.
To learn more about SAFTI FIRST®, please visit safti.com.
Ask Tim by SAFTI FIRST® | Season 3 Episode 4
Season 3 Episode 3: What is driving the demand for 1 or 2 hour fire rated curtain wall applications? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.
Explore the increasing demand for 1 or 2 hour fire rated curtain wall applications driven by population-dense areas like the Northeast and major cities. Learn how these curtain walls contain fires within properties and prevent them from spreading to adjacent properties while maintaining transparency and allowing natural daylight. Discover the use of ASTM E119 rated fire resistive curtain walls in areas with limited fire separation distances, ensuring code compliance without compromising aesthetics or performance. Gain insights into how manufacturers design fire rated systems to seamlessly blend with the building envelope while enhancing overall safety and security for occupants.
To submit your questions, please email asktim@safti.com.
To learn more about SAFTI FIRST®, please visit safti.com.
Ask Tim by SAFTI FIRST® | Season 3 Episode 3
Season 3 Episode 2: How can fire rated glass help maintain clear views in cantilevered buildings? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.
Learn how developers are using cantilevers in high-rise buildings to maximize space and enhance views, particularly in cities like New York. Discover the structural and life-safety considerations involved, including the need for fire engineering analysis as per Section 705.12 of the NYC Building Code. Explore the role of fire-rated glass in maintaining natural light and views while meeting fire protection requirements, especially in cantilevered portions subject to lot line requirements or limited fire separation distances.
To submit your questions, please email asktim@safti.com.
To learn more about SAFTI FIRST®, please visit safti.com.
Ask Tim by SAFTI FIRST® | Season 3 Episode 2
Season 2 Episode 10: What are the new capabilities that SAFTI FIRST® has to offer as a world-class glass fabricator? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.
Season 2 Episode 8: Do SAFTI FIRST®’s fire and hurricane rated door and wall systems have Florida Product Approval? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.
Season 2 Episode 6: What are the advantages of involving a fire rated glazing manufacturer during the pre-construction phase? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.
Season 2 Episode 3: What do building teams need to know about sprinkler trade-offs to meet fire resistive requirements? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.
Season 1 Episode 6: What is the safest and most affordable fire protective product available in the market today? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.
Season 1 Episode 1: What does it mean to be a vertically integrated manufacturer of fire rated glass and framing? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.
The Merced 2020 Project, an ambitious, $1.2B, extensive expansion of the UC Merced campus, is “the largest public-private partnership social infrastructure project completed in U.S. history,” according to the university’s website. This includes new facilities used for academic, administration, laboratories, housing and recreation. This was truly exciting, and it struck a chord with SAFTI FIRST® because Merced is home to our manufacturing facilities.
Narrated by Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®
Bringing the outside in was an important design element for the newly opened BART Milpitas Transit Center. ASTM E119 / UL 263 / CAN ULC S101 rated, fire resistive SuperLite® II-XLB 60 butt-glazed walls were used for the 1 hour light wells to allow abundant natural light to flow vertically and horizontally through two levels – from the entrance/ticketing level and all the way down to the tracks where the train cars are.
Narrated by Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago, IL features an incredible, 4-story mural by local artist Eulojio Ortega. The mural, brilliant for conveying the story as visitors go from floor to floor, is interestingly located in an exit stairwell. Traditionally, stairwells are enclosed in opaque walls, leaving them dark, isolated, and rarely utilized unless in an emergency. To allow the mural to be visible through multiple floors, encourage stair usage and meet fire rated code requirements, the architects redesigned the 2- hour stairwell using transparent, floor-to-ceiling butt-glazed glass walls with the largest tested and listed fire resistive glass panels available.
Narrated by Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®
San Francisco’s Union Square is known for the largest collection of department stores, upscale boutiques, hotels and fine dining. Adding to this famed hub is the Central Subway – Union Square Market Street Station featuring a 2-hour fire rated floor system by SAFTI FIRST®.
Sophisticated. Elegant. Iconic. These are some of the words being used to describe One Vanderbilt Avenue, the 77-story skyscraper that has redefined the Manhattan skyline. At 1,401 feet tall, it is the tallest office tower in Midtown, with a prime location just steps from another world-famous architectural icon, Grand Central Terminal. SAFTI FIRST® provided clear, USA-made, fire resistive, low-iron glass and framing systems to this monumental project.
The Orlando VA Medical Center needed glazing that would not only provide light and transparency, but fire and hurricane protection and improved energy performance. SuperLite® II-XL in GPX® Hurricane Framing from SAFTI FIRST® was installed in exterior fire-rated locations that were exposed to the elements. These assemblies were rigorously tested and certified for fire and radiant heat protection for up to two hours, large missile impact, air and water infiltration, and cyclic wind loading.
The architects at Morris Adjmi wanted large, 11-ft. tall glass walls to highlight the breathtaking views for the reimagined Warehouse in New York City’s growing architectural wonderland of Chelsea. However, the building was on a lot line, mandating 2 hour fire walls. SAFTI FIRST® made this dream a reality by supplying the largest tested and listed 2 hour fire resistive glazing available today. The inclusion of low-iron glass in the fire-resistive glazing units ensured superior clarity and aesthetic continuity with the adjacent non-rated windows. The fire resistive units incorporated high performance glazing and were filled with argon for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Narrated by Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®.
When it comes to fire rated glazing, size matters. In this podcast, Tim Nass talks about how SAFTI FIRST® answers the design community’s demand for larger clear views and increased transparency in fire rated glass walls and full-vision door applications.
Architects have always pushed the limits of what building products can do, and fire rated glazing is no exception. In this podcast, Tim Nass, talks about the projects that have spurred SAFTI FIRST® to bring unique & innovative fire rated glazing products to the market.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you’re looking for fire-rated walls, doors, openings, floors or a specialty service, we have the solution for you. With over 40 years of experience in testing, innovating, and providing technologically advanced fire-rated glass and framing products, we deliver unyielding performance and quality at a competitive price.
