NFPA 80 Annex Note Draft Addresses Framing
Fire-resistive glass and frame assemblies provide a radiant heat barrier that ensures the safe evacuation of the building, protects fire-fighters while they do their job, and reduces losses suffered by building owners. Since the codes can lead to confusion which often results in insufficiently safe framing assemblies, a proposed NFPA 80 annex note works to clarify situations where fire-resistive framing must be used, and fire protective framing, like standard hollow metal framing, cannot be used.
Combining non-fire resistive framing products with fire-resistive glazing downgrades the entire assembly. Examples abound where the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) has ordered the removal of non-compliant assemblies. The proposed NFPA 80 annex note offers guidance about where fire resistive framing tested to ASTM E-119 should be used. Read more…
Case Study: Cincinnati Art Museum
When the Cincinnati Art Museum embarked on an $11M renovation, the architects wanted the entrance and main stair to be as inviting as possible. The designers selected fire-resistive assemblies from SAFTIFIRST that provided large door vision areas and visual access deeper into the building, which helped the project acheive LEED Gold Rating. “An opaque material would not have enhanced the quality of the entry space like glass would,” explained project architect Mark Stedtefeld of Emersion Design. Read more…
