TGP: Alan Magee Scaife Hall
With three kids in various stages of university life, I've spent A LOT of time on college campuses lately. One trend that I've noticed is the increased use of glazing - there's a great example in today's post!
FF: Creating Images
With the advancements that have been made in digital media and AI, many of the images we see online and in print are created by artists, and can be good opportunities to teach about codes!
Costco Wholesale Corporate Headquarters
I recently saw a great case study from TGP demonstrating the use of glazing in a stair enclosure to prioritize visual connection and occupant safety. Check it out in today's post!
TGP: Fireframes TimberLine Series
Someone asked me yesterday whether fire rated wood frames are available. I have only specified a few projects in my career that had fire rated frames with the look of wood...
WW: Custom Window WOW!
I saw a video of some amazing hollow metal work posted on social media, and I was Wordless! I asked Brian Lavallee of Doors by LAVA if I could share it here, and he said yes!
Decoded: Vision Lights and Viewers
I am working on a new series of Decoded posts, which will be compiled into a reference library addressing each of the code requirements related to door openings. What do you think?
AMA on Fire-Rated Glazing
One of my colleagues, Dave Vermeulen of TGP, recently did an AMA for Construction Specifier about fire-rated glazing. You can watch the recording in today's post!
WWYD? Glazing Films
I'd like to compile some information on glazing films that can be used on glass in doors and sidelights, including fire door assemblies. I'm hoping that some of you have insight to share.
American School & University: Secure and Accessible
Tysen Gannon and Devin Bowman, of AD Systems and TGP, teamed up to address how multiple layers of security in a school create safer learning spaces for students and staff.
TGP: School Solutions Hub
I'm sharing a new resource in today's post - TGP's School Solutions Hub. Check it out for answers to your questions about creating safe learning environments in educational facilities.
Creating Safer Spaces: A Deep Dive into Bullet-Resistant Glass
Do you have questions about bullet-resistant glass? A recent article by David Vermeulen, North America Sales Director, TGP addresses some of the considerations for these applications.
Questions About Fire-Rated Glass?
Questions continue to arise regarding fire-rated glass and framing, and TGP has recently updated a page on their site that answers a couple dozen of the FAQs.
Creating Clarity: Are there disadvantages to fire-rated glass?
A recent article from David Vermeulen, North America Sales Director for Technical Glass Products (TGP) does some myth busting about fire-rated glass...check it out in today's post!
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
When a controlled egress lock is installed in a health care unit where patients require containment for their safety or security, which release methods for egress are required by the model codes?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
In my current column in USGlass Magazine, I addressed electromagnetic locks released by a switch in the door-mounted hardware. Do you know the difference between the requirements for this application vs. sensor-release locks?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
In my current column in USGlass Magazine, I addressed the requirements for electromagnetic locks released by a sensor. Are you aware of the change to the 2024 I-Codes affecting this application?
Code Requirements for Fire-Rated Glass and Glazing
If you are looking for information about fire-rated glass and framing, the answers to the most frequently asked questions can be found on the TGP website! From code requirements to testing to common misconceptions, you can learn more here...
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
In my current column in USGlass Magazine, I addressed the requirements for locks that delay egress for 15 seconds, which have become common in retail facilities. Do you know what is required for code-compliant delayed egress hardware?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
In my current column in USGlass Magazine, I answered a question about a common application for aluminum storefront doors: Are paddle latches (AKA push paddles) a code-compliant option for the main entrance of a business occupancy?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
In my current column in USGlass Magazine, I addressed the topic of security vestibules in schools. Consider this question: What should be avoided when designing, specifying hardware or updating features in secured entry vestibules?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My current monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question: On pairs of doors, are inactive leaves that are not required for egress allowed to have manual flush bolts? Do you know the answer?
TGP: Labels for Fire-Rated Glass
A few weeks ago I shared a handy tool from TGP - the online product SpeciFIRE. Today I'm posting another resource on glazing, which addresses the labels that are required for glass in fire door and fire window assemblies.
TGP SpeciFIRE
TGP has released a new and improved online version of the product SpeciFIRE, where you can make a series of choices and find the TGP glazing options that will meet the needs of the project. Check it out!
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My current monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question: Are deadbolts compliant with the code requirements for egress, fire protection and accessibility? Do you know the answer?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My next monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question: How can an exterior space—like a courtyard or roof terrace—be secured to prevent unauthorized access to the building? Do you know the answer?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My second monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question about double-cylinder deadbolts: Where can key-operated locks be used on doors in a means of egress? Do you know the answer?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
I recently started a new column in USGlass Magazine, and each month I will be answering a code question related to door openings. The question in the current post is one that many of you are familiar with: Where is panic hardware required?
TGP: Street Talk
TGPs Street Talk series is an on-demand video channel where the team goes on location to see how architectural glazing products solved design challenges. Check out this video about a fire-rated stairwell that was added to a historic building in Seattle.
BSJ: How Building Codes Inform Architectural Design
A recent article in the International Code Council's Building Safety Journal addresses the critical role that the International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), and International Residential Code (IRC) play in how architects design buildings.
FF: Dogging Alternative
This Fixed-it Friday photo leaves me with some questions because it doesn't look like a location that would typically require a fire door, BUT - the wired glass (and the creative dogging method) kind of hints at a possible fire rating. What do you think? Any theories?
Last-Minute Training Opportunity – DOIT
Do you know the difference between a fire-resistance-rated assembly and a fire-protection-rated assembly? It could be very costly to price an assembly listed to UL 10C / NFPA 252 when it should have been listed to ASTM E119 / UL 263.
It’s All About Transparency: How Fire-Rated Doors and Frames Contribute to Sustainable Buildings
LEED, the Living Building Challenge, Declare Labels, the 2030 Challenge, Health and Happiness and Beauty Petals...this article on sustainability - written by Tim Weller of Allegion, explains sustainability design and how it applies to our industry.
WW: Wired
When I was a specwriter, I dreaded having to tell an architect that their idea wasn't code-compliant, was not durable enough to hold up over time, or would not function in a way that would work well for the end user...
Campus Safety: What to do about wired glass in schools?
It has been quite a while since I've written about traditional wired glass, but the hazard has not disappeared. With students back at school in person, the injuries related to this product will continue.
WWYD? Flush Bottom Rail
Last week, an AHJ asked me if I knew of a source for plates or other products that could be used to increase the height of the bottom rail of a door. WWYD?
FF: Room With A View
Hardware sets in a specification look like a different language to most people, so sometimes there are surprises when the doors and hardware are installed.
Webinars – Live and On-Demand – Part 1
More opportunities for online training - some offering continuing education credits. Check here for upcoming live webinars and access to on-demand recordings.
TGP University Training with AIA LU
Here's another training opportunity - this time from TGP University. Learn about fire-rated glazing and how the model codes affect the design options. April 14th!
FF: Profile-Cut Glass Door
Matthew Stonebraker of Allegion just sent me this Fixed-it Friday photo of a glass door at the Mexico City National Museum of Art, and it's so cool! Have you seen a modification like this before?
Form, Function & Fire Safety: A Clearer View of Fire-Rated Glass and Framing
This video does a great job of summarizing the code requirements that apply to glass and glazing used in fire door assemblies and egress doors. Thanks TGP!
WWYD? Impact-Resistant Glazing/Film
The glazing goes hand-in-hand with the door hardware - even the most secure hardware can be overcome by breaking the glass.
Allegion Acquires Advanced Fire-Rated Glass Products Manufacturer TGP
Are you familiar with Technical Glass Products (TGP)? They're now part of our Allegion family! Here's the latest news...
WWYD? Too-high vision lights – frosted glass?
Some new fire doors were ordered and manufactured with 5-inch x 20-inch vision lights located with the bottom of the light about about 46 inches from the bottom of the door...
Construction Specifier: Hazards of Traditional Wired Glass
(Note: If you're in the St. Louis area, there is a school security seminar coming up on July 22th, and there's still space if you want to attend.) Today's post: I haven't posted much about traditional wired glass lately, but the hazard continues to be present in existing schools and other facilities...
WW: Shattered security – Surviving Red Lake teacher calls for change
I've written several posts about glass used in schools, and many posts about traditional wired glass (refer to the Glass tab above). A reader recently shared the video below and although it was recorded several years ago it includes very valid information for schools to consider when addressing security. I can't embed the video, so click the graphic to visit the news site.
Security Screens for K-12 Entries
Windows and glass doors are among the most vulnerable access points in a school. Criminals can break glass to climb through or reach in and unlock the entry. The security industry has responded with two solutions to slow down a criminal looking to break into a school building...
School Guard Glass
School Guard Glass is a new product that can retrofit existing 1/4" glass at a cost of about $1,000-$1,200 per full glass door lite, and it kept the testing agent at bay for 6 minutes during independent testing. What do you think?
Breaks on Impact, by Rob Botman
It has been a while since I've posted about the hazards of traditional wired glass, but the problem has not gone away. Although the US codes have changed, there are millions of existing pieces of this glass in schools and other buildings. Canada has seen several lawsuits lately - 1 worth more than 5 million dollars, and what's particularly interesting is that some of the glass in question met the code requirements in place in Canada at the time of installation, but facilities may still be held liable for wired glass injuries because they should have been aware of the hazard and addressed it. I am posting the article below with permission from the author, Rob Botman. The article first appeared in Glass Canada, and a reprint can be downloaded by clicking here. There is additional information about the requirements for glazing on the Glass tab above.^
WW: All Points Electric
This week's Wordless Wednesday post is surveillance video of a break-in at All Points Electric in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. For educational purposes, what type of glass breaks like this?
Doors and Codes in the News
Open fire door killed 2 at Mont Blanc - The Free Press Journal