SAN FRANCISCO (May 22, 2006)

After one of the costliest hurricane seasons in modern history, members of the building community are looking for ways to protect people and property from the devastating effects of hurricanes. SAFTI FIRST, a leading manufacturer of fire rated glazing and framing, is offering a solution by introducing the first Fire Rated Hurricane Glass in the market. Utilizing SuperLite II-XL fire resistant glass as the basis for its design development, SAFTI FIRST has produced the first and only fire and hurricane rated glazing system to meet the rigorous test standards set by Miami Dade.

“We’ve heard that the building community, in a concerted effort to meet the code mandated in hurricane prone areas, were placing two pieces of glass – one fire rated and one hurricane rated – in specialty frames that were both expensive and difficult to install,” says Kathryn O’Keeffe, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “By introducing a product that combines both fire protection and hurricane protection from water and debris in one, we are happy to provide the building community with the only code-approved fire and hurricane rated glazing solution that is cost effective, easy to install and aesthetically pleasing.”

Fire rated, hurricane glass comes at a critical time when changes to the building code were passed to lessen the effect of hurricane-related damage. The new code states that glazing in buildings in wind-borne debris regions shall be impact-resistant or protected with an impact-resistant covering meeting the requirements of an approved impact-resisting standard or ASTM E 1996 and ASTM E 1886. Glazed openings located within 30 feet of grade shall meet the requirements of the large missile test in ASTM E 1996.

Glazed openings located more than 30 feet above grade shall meet the provisions of the small missile test in ASTM E 1996. In a recent test conducted by Warnock Hersey/ITS, SAFTI FIRST Fire Rated Hurricane Glass passed the requirements of both the small and large missile tests, water infiltration test, cyclone test and is certified to meet the highest standards of Miami Dade. This product is ideal for the Gulf Coast and other hurricane prone areas where protecting people and property is a concern.

To learn more about this product, contact SAFTI FIRST sales at 888.653.3333