SUPERLITE I-XL HALF-YEAR SALES UP 124%
AHJ approval growing for alternative fire-protective,
CPSC Cat. II glazing that provides additional radiant heat protection
for less than the cost of ceramics
SAN FRANCISCO (August 23, 2007) – SAFTI FIRST,
a leading manufacturer of fire-rated glazing and framing products,
saw an increase of 124% in SuperLite I-XL sales for the first
six months of 2007 when compared to sales during the same period
of 2006. Current sales of SuperLite I-XL have already exceeded
total 2006 annual sales.
"These sales figures are indicative of a more important trend, which is
an increased understanding of radiant heat as a serious fire and life safety
issue" says William O'Keeffe, President and CEO of SAFTI FIRST. "More
and more, we see AHJs (authorities having jurisdiction) exercising their power
under the codes to approve a product like SuperLite I-XL due to its ability
to provide additional radiant heat protection, CPSC Cat. II impact-safety protection
and superior optical clarity for less than the cost of ceramics."
Most recently, the City of Los Angeles issued a General Approval
for SuperLite I-XL. Plus many more jurisdictions are approving
the use of this product, such as Honolulu, San Francisco, and numerous
counties in Florida.
One of the many projects using SuperLite I-XL as an alternative
to traditional wired glass is the National Center for International
Schools in San Francisco, CA. “Upgrading to Category-II
safety-rated, radiant heat-reducing glazing was a critical consideration
in our decision to replace wire glass campus-wide. The possibility
of a student impacting a door lite or sidelite was a major concern,
particularly at assembly area doors equipped with panic hardware,” says
Daniel Klingebiel, CFM, CFMJ, Director of Facilities and Planning
for the school. In total, the school upgraded 140 20-minute
door vision lites to SuperLite I (CSPC Cat. II safety-rated), 30
45-minute side lites and windows to SuperLite I-XL (CPSC Cat. II safety-rated)
and 33 90-min door vision panels to certified field-filmed SuperLite
I-W (CPSC Cat. II safety-rated).
SuperLite I-XL is a patented, clear, CPSC Cat II impact safety
rated, fire protective glazing product that reflects heat back
to the fire source, which facilitates safe egress, prevents the fire
from spreading to other areas and gives fire fighters additional
time to safely access and extinguish the fire.
-more-
This product 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.
The hose stream was originally developed to test the structural
integrity of a building’s wall and supportive components. It
was not developed to test non-structural elements such as windows
and doors, where 45-minute fire-protective glazing is used. Despite
the claims of its proponents, the hose stream does not simulate the
potential threat of thermal shock from sprinklers. The hose
stream is applied after the glass has been exposed to a minimum of
1638 degrees Fahrenheit – sprinkler discharge would have occurred
at far lower temperatures (approximately 165 degrees Fahrenheit). Major
countries in Europe and Asia have abandoned the hose stream as
a test for fire rated glazing for over 20 years.
For more information on SuperLite I-XL, download the Technical
Bulletin at www.safti.com/AHJ. For
more information on SAFTI FIRST, please visit www.safti.com or
call 888.653.3333.
About SAFTI FIRST
Founded in 1982, SAFTI FIRST Fire Rated Glazing Solutions
has been serving the architectural and building communities and
continues to be the leader in manufacturing fire rated glass and framing
for over 20 years. As the premier source for code-approved fire
rated glazing, SAFTI FIRST was the first to introduce transparent
fire rated walls to the U.S.A. Our SuperLite™ product
line, fire rated from 20 minutes to three hours, includes fire-retardant
filled glass, ceramics, safety wired glass and SuperLite I-XL, a patented
breakthrough fire protective product that significantly reduces radiant
heat transfer (AHJ approval necessary in some areas). SuperLite™ products
can protect against noise, attack, impact, bullets, blast, hurricane
and UV rays and is available in any custom architectural make-up,
including enhanced energy performance. SAFTIfire Framing
are fire rated from 20 minutes to 2 hours. All products are manufactured
in the U.S.A. with fast lead times. For more information please
visit www.safti.com or call 888.653.3333.
Media interested in photos, interviews or other information should contact Diana San Diego at 415.824.4900 ext. 225 or dianas@safti.com.