2017

SAFTI FIRST, leading USA-manufacturer of advanced fire glass and framing systems, is pleased to announce that project manager Paolo Mercado has completed the NFRC Approved Calculation Entity Training and successfully passed all required examinations. Paolo is recognized by the NFRC as an Approved Calculation Entity (ACE) individual and is qualified to perform calculations of fenestration products using the Component Modeling Approach Software Tool (CMAST). This allows SAFTI FIRST to assist design professionals and building envelope consultants to create energy-efficient, fenestration systems that meet the most stringent fire rated requirements.

SAFTI FIRST, leading USA-manufacturer of advanced fire glass and framing systems, is pleased to announce that its SuperLite II-XL glazing and GPX Framing have been approved by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Component Modeling Approach (CMA) program. The SuperLite II-XL 45, 60, 90 and 120 fire resistive glazing in both clear tempered and Starphire Low-Iron make-ups and GPX Framing up to 2 hours can now be downloaded as glazing and framing components in the Component Modeling Approach Software Tool (CMAST) database. This makes SAFTI FIRST the first and only fire rated glass and framing manufacturer to have approved glazing and framing components in the CMAST database.

SAFTI FIRST is pleased to announce the patent-pending GPX FireFloor System is now listed and labeled for 2 hours following a successful UL 263/ULC-S101 test conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) at their test facility in Northbrook, IL. This USA-made GPX FireFloor System is top-loaded for easy installation and offers the largest tested and listed individual glass panels for 2-hour fire resistive glass-floor applications. It is double the size of other imported, 2-hour fire rated glass floor systems with a maximum individual panel area of 40.9 sq. ft. for fully-supported floor panels and 25.7 sq. ft. for butt-glazed floor panels. The GPX FireFloor System was tested with a load of 100 psf to meet most loading requirements. It is available with load spans up to 50 feet, and additional engineering can be done for longer spans. The GPX FireFloor System can be used in both interior & exterior applications with multiple glass make-ups and frame finishes.

SAFTI FIRST, leading USA-manufacturer of advanced fire rated glass and framing systems, is pleased to announce that the GPX Hurricane System is now listed with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). This distinguishes SAFTI FIRST as the first and only fire rated glass and framing manufacturer to receive product evaluation documents two categories: Curtain Walls & Storefront Systems Impact Resistant (Evaluation ID# CWF-50) and Hinged Doors – Aluminum – Impact Resistant (Evaluation ID# DR-789). The GPX Hurricane Wall and Door system satisfy TDI’s criteria for protection from windborne debris in Inland I and Seaward Zones, with wind speeds up to 120 mph and 130 mph respectively. According to ATI’s Informational Bulletin #31: Updated Impact Requirements for Building Components, “All door and window products sold in the coastal catastrophe area must be approved by the Texas Department of Insurance.” The TDI designated catastrophe area includes 14 first-tier counties that are immediately adjacent to the Gulf Coast and portions of Harris County that are East of State Highway 146.

SAFTI FIRST, leading USA-manufacturer of advanced fire rated glass and framing systems, is pleased to announce that its AIA-registered continuing education program “Designing with Fire Rated Glass” (1 AIA LU/HSW) is now available in a convenient on-demand video program that architects can take anytime, anywhere through its website, www.safti.com. This program empowers architects to choose the correct and code approved fire rated glazing product for every application based on current code and testing requirements, as well as learn how today’s advanced fire rated glazing products enhance a building’s overall design and performance.