Videos

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!

Corporate Overviews

SAFTI FIRST® Capabilities Overview

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.

An Inside Look at SAFTI FIRST®

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.

SAFTI FIRST® Now Offering Advanced, High Performance Laminated Glass Products

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® Expansion Phase 1: Door Manufacturing

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® Expansion Phase 2: Glass Manufacturing

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.

About SAFTI FIRST®

SAFTI stands for Safety And Fire Technology Inc. Our mission is to produce appealing architectural products that protect people while providing our customers with expert information, economical solutions, and unlimited inspiration.

Our Products

Featured Project: The Cortland

Located on the Hudson River, The Cortland is the newest 26-story residential tower that is inspired by West Chelsea’s historical architecture. See how SAFTI FIRST®’s fire rated glass and framing system blends seamlessly with the architects’ historic design.

Featured Project: Union Square Station

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®.

Featured Project: One Sullivan Place

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.

Revolutionary, Game-Changing 45-Minute Fire Protective Glazing Product from SAFTI FIRST®

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!

NEW! Revolutionary, Clear, USA-Made SuperClear® 45-HS-LI (Patented)

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.

Are Ceramics Obsolete?

Are ceramics obsolete? With new, economical, clear alternatives that are proudly USA-made and available with a lifetime warranty, learn why SAFTI FIRST® considers expensive, brittle, and tinted ceramic glazing obsolete.

GPX® FireFloor System Featuring Central Subway – Union Square Market Street Station

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®.

SAFTI FIRST® Featured Projects in New York

Check out our collection of featured projects in New York. In partnership with The Metcalf Group.

SAFTI FIRST® Featured Government Projects

SAFTI FIRST® is a Veteran-owned small business with over 40 years of experience in testing, manufacturing and providing advanced fire rated glass and framing systems used in doors, openings, storefronts, curtain walls and floors up to 2 hours.

Safety Glazing Impact Test

See how filmed wire, filmed ceramic, laminated ceramic and SAFTI FIRST®’s SuperClear® 45-HS-LI performs in the same CPSC Cat. II 400 ft. lbs. impact test.

GPX® Builders Series Doors

GPX® Builders Series Doors are the most flexible in the market! Learn more about the SAFTI FIRST® difference in this video.

#1 USA-Made Fire Rated Glass

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®

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.

GPX® Builders Series Door Installation Video

In this short video, we show you our in-house door construction as well as instructions on how to install our GPX® Builders Series Doors on any job site with ease.

The Latest Innovations in Fire Rated Glazing Product Technology

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.

The Impact of New Fire Rated Glazing Technologies to Design, Performance and the Environment

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.

Introducing SuperLite® II-XLM

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.

Fire Rated Glass Walls at Porsche Design Tower

SAFTI FIRST® supplied SuperLite® II-XL 120 in GPX® Architectural Series Framing for the segmented wall enclosing the elevator and the transparent walls separating the garage and living space in all the units in the Porsche Design Tower.

The Clear Solution®

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.

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GPX® Framing System Installation Instructions

The GPX® Framing System by SAFTI FIRST® is the 1st fire resistive framing system manufactured in the USA! Learn how to properly install our GPX® Framing System in this short video.

GPX® Framing System by SAFTI FIRST®

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.

Ask Tim

What are the new capabilities that SAFTI FIRST® has to offer as a world-class glass fabricator?

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.

How does SAFTI FIRST® contribute to LEED projects?

Season 2 Episode 9: How does SAFTI FIRST® contribute to LEED projects? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

Do SAFTI FIRST®’s fire and hurricane rated door and wall systems have Florida Product Approval?

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.

Are there fire rated glass and framing products in the NFRC CMAST database?

Season 2 Episode 7: Are there fire rated glass and framing products in the NFRC CMAST database? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

What are the advantages of involving a fire rated glazing manufacturer during the pre-construction phase?

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.

How does SAFTI FIRST® meet Buy America Requirements?

Season 2 Episode 5: How does SAFTI FIRST® meet Buy America Requirements? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

Does SAFTI FIRST® offer a fire resistive floor?

Season 2 Episode 4: Does SAFTI FIRST® offer a fire resistive floor? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

What do building teams need to know about sprinkler trade-offs to meet fire resistive requirements?

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.

How can I maintain clear views in zero lot line applications?

Season 2 Episode 2: How can I maintain clear views in zero lot line applications? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

What are the advantages of using SAFTI FIRST®’s fire rated doors?

Season 2 Episode 1: What are the advantages of using SAFTI FIRST®’s fire rated doors? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

Ask Tim by SAFTI FIRST® – Season 2 Introduction

Season 2 Introduction: Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, is back with more episodes of Ask Tim! Follow us as we answer our industry’s most frequently asked questions about fire rated glass.

How do I know if a piece of glass is fire rated?

Season 1 Episode  7: How do I know if a piece of glass is fire rated? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

What is the safest and most affordable fire protective product available in the market today?

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.

What types of buildings use fire rated glass and framing?

Season 1 Episode  5: What types of buildings require fire rated glass and framing? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

How do I know if I should use fire protective glass or fire resistive glass on my project?

Season 1 Episode  4: How do I know if I should use fire protective glass or fire resistive glass on my project? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

Why does fire rated glass cost so much more than regular non-rated glass?

Season 1 Episode  3: Why does fire rated glass cost so much more than non-rated regular glass? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

How and where does SAFTI FIRST® manufacture its fire rated products?

Season 1 Episode  2: How and where does SAFTI FIRST® manufacture its fire rated products? Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

What does it mean to be a vertically integrated manufacturer of fire rated glass and framing?

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.

Ask Tim by SAFTI FIRST® – Season 1 Introduction

Season 1 Introduction: Introducing our new video series – Ask Tim! Tim Nass, VP of Sales at SAFTI FIRST®, answers our industry’s most frequently asked questions.

Podcasts

TIMTALK: UC Merced

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®

TIMTALK: BART Milpitas Transit Center

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®

TIMTALK: Starbucks Reserve Roastery

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®

TIMTALK: Union Square Station

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®.

TIMTALK: One Vanderbilt

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.

TIMTALK: Orlando VA Medical Center

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.

TIMTALK: 520 West 20th Street

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®.

TIMTALK: The Quad at the University of Houston

See why the design team at EYP chose SuperClear® 45-HS-LI over tinted, expensive ceramics for all the interior and exterior 45 minute doors, sidelites and openings at the 1,197-bed Quad on the University of Houston campus.

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TIMTALK: Evolution of SuperClear®

Revolutionary, fully hose stream rated, optically clear, low cost, 45-minute fire rated glass product for all applications!

PODCAST: Increasing Clear Views in Fire Rated Glazing

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.

PODCAST: Unique & Innovative Fire Rated Glazing 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.

CODE EDUCATION

The Devastating Effects of Radiant Heat Between Buildings

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.

Dangers of Radiant Heat

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.

How Fire Resistive Glazing Transforms a Space

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.

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The Clear Solution: How Glass Protects Our Schools

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.

Wired for Danger: A Case for Replacing Wired Glass in Schools

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.

Fire Protective and Fire Resistive Glass Explained

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.

Innovative Design Applications Using Advanced Fire Rated Glazing Technology

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.

FULL STORY: Clear Danger

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

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Can you feel the heat?

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

The Dangers of Wired Glass

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

Traditional Wired Glass is Not Safe

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.

AHJ Approval for SuperLite I-XL

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.

What the Hose Stream Test is Not

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.

Radiant Heat: The Invisible Killer | Video

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 Fire and Impact Case Study

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

What’s Fire Rated Glass?

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