Periodically we will be editing the website to add additional information, links, features and notices. Among the additional information and features scheduled to be added are: Information on Code requirements relating to Fire Rated Glazing Comparison guide on popular fire rated glazing products Select details on specialty fire rated glazing systems and more Below are linked recent newsletters sent to glazing contractors on our mailing list. All content is copyrighted.   September 2010 Newsletter Issue December 2010 Newsletter Issue March and June 2011 Newsletter Issue	The 2007 Florida Building Code is now in effect. There are a number of changes affecting various requirements including glazing standards and maintenance of installed "active" systems. The new 2009 Florida Building Code edition will be taking effect March 15th 2012 per latest update from the Florida Building Commission. This will further refine requirements and add additional considerations. To pre-order a copy of the new Code you may wish to visit the BOAF (Building Officials Association of Florida) website, www.boaf.net, and download the order form. If you wish to update yourself on the changes in the new Code, the Miami Chapter CSI (Construction Sepcifications Institute) is sponsoring a seminar series September 23rd and 24th in Miami, FL, totaling 12 hours of continuing education credits which are applicable to architects, engineers, interior designers, general and specialty contractors as well as building officials. For further information you can visit their website at www.miamichaptercsi.com. On the glazing side, the "prescriptive" allowance of wire glass for fire rated application is eliminated for all group occupancies, so conventional wire glass is no longer permitted. All fire rated glazing must be tested, listed and labeled, with all glazing also required to meet CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 safety glazing requirements when used in hazardous locations, as defined by the Code and federal standards. The update of the Code also incorporates the updated NFPA standard which clarifies and codifies that all "active" systems and fire rated hardware be maintained and inspected on an annual basis. This would cover the annual inspection and testing of fire shutters, door closer, exit devices and locking hardware, among other items, with this inspection being performed by a duly licensed and certified firm. Note that "passive" systems such as fire rated glazing systems have no such requirement as they do not require hardware or activation components to achieve the protection level in case of fire. The clarified and updated annual inspection requirement will increase operational annual costs for such rated products and systems, which will make the use of "passive" systems more cost effective for the operational life of the project.
New binders with updated product technical sheets and other data are now available from Vetrotech Saint-Gobain North America (VSGNA) in conventional printed form and on a USB drive. Contact us for these, or you can select the fire rated systems tab for a link to their website location for this binder. Note that standard product data and the most popular framing and door systems are included, but date on the new Curtain Wall systems and specialized details are not covered, but are available for specific project applications. In addition a product chart illustrating the various VSGNA products is now available from our firm. This chart is organized by required rating and illustrates your Code compliant choices with additional information for each possible selection. If you are interested in obtaining a copy please contact us. Information for Aluflam is also available via a link on the systems tab, and will include data on their rated doors, framing and select curtain wall systems. Were you aware that we can offer you a number of systems (framing, doors and glazing, all fire rated) in both steel and aluminum, including curtain wall designs? The systems are rated for interior use, and several are currently undergoing first cycle testing for certification under the Florida Building Code for exterior use in various categories. Contact us for further information and assistance to meet your needs.	To address the need for designers, glazing contractors and other interested parties to understand the effects of the 2007 Florida Building Code on the fire rated glazing segment of the typical project, our firm in conjunction with Vetrotech Saint-Gobain is offering a seminar on this subject. The particulars are: One hour session held at your location Can be scheduled as a breakfast, lunch or late afternoon session (appropriate refreshments are provided at no cost) Session accredited by Florida Board of Architecture as meeting continuing education requirements for architects; credit may be recognized by other Boards for licensed professions in construction and design Handouts supplied Generic approach with product specific information covering most popular industry solutions Practical suggestions to meet a variety of applications The requirements are: Appropriate size meeting room with A/C, seating, tables, lighting, power and screen for presentation Room to be available 30 minutes prior to and after scheduled seminar time slot Meeting minimum group size Scheduled in advance We are currently scheduling sessions for October 2011 through March 2012, so contact us for available dates and an outline of key points to be covered in the presentation.
Customers have asked us how they can expedite those smaller requirements for these products, and we suggest that you contact our Florida approved fabricator, RF Supply, located in Bradenton, at 866-874-4527 and speak with one of their customer service representatives. On smaller projects with a few pieces, such as the door lights for stairwell rated door conditions, they can be very competitive, while providing delivery on their trucks in their service area within 3 to 5 working days. Shipments to firms outside their service area is also available, while typically adding 1 day for delivery. RF Supply also offers other products and services for commercial glazing firms, so keep this information handy for those "fast" needs!