Commercial Fire-Rated Aluminum Glazing Systems
Alternative fire-rated window, door, and vision or glass wall materials
Sponsored by Aluflam
This course will help educate the architect about alternative fire-rated window, door, and vision or glass wall materials currently available in commercial construction. The course will illustrate how a group of specialty glazing systems is gaining increasing popularity by answering two important architectural design needs: the requirement to establish code mandated life safety in a building versus the need to provide transparency, daylighting, aesthetics, and overall value for occupants and building owners. At the convergence of these opposing building design requirements are fire-rated aluminum glazing systems – a technology that has evolved from100 years of experience with glass products for fire protection use.
The learning unit will summarize the history of this evolution and compare some of the different designs that are available to the architect today. It will also explore examples of how fire-rated aluminum glazing systems can be incorporated while addressing some of the common code considerations.
Photo courtesy of Woodruff-Brown Architectural Photography
Aluflam North America is a recognized leader in fire-rated aluminum/glass construction, and has become known for its top-of-the-line vision doors, windows, and glazed wall systems. Part of the Aluflam Group of companies, Aluflam North America is based in modern manufacturing facilities in Cerritos, California.
Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in January 2023
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Discuss the challenges of meeting both desired design elements and fire safety concerns.
- Define the fire-rating standards and testing protocol for commercial doors and windows.
- Describe the types of fire-rated aluminum glazing systems.
- Recognize how the systems can be used in real life designs.
- Identify points to consider when choosing a fire-rated glazing system.
