Fire-Resistive Curtain Wall Glazing: A Clear Solution?

AIA CREDIT: Yes

ABSTRACT:

The push to maximize the amount of natural daylight to interior spaces has led to an increase in area of glazed surfaces on building walls; in turn, this desire to maximize glazed surface area has been a major driver in the development of fire-resistive curtain wall glazing products.  While the development of these products continues to progress, there is a lack of understanding regarding the aesthetic expectations of this glazing and a lack of applicable standards to check or maintain quality control.

This knowledge gap has led to issues with product handling, installation, and performance.  To compound this matter, the lack of uniform standards to inspect the visual quality of these fire-resistive systems has resulted in installations which meet the manufacturer’s requirements, but fall well short of end user expectations.  This session introduces the technology behind one type of fire-resistive rated glazing system (intumescent laminated glazing) and provides some insight into the nuances of this type of system from manufacture through installation, specifically as applied on exterior systems.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Identify applicable building code requirements for fire-resistive construction and the market forces pushing toward transparent solutions.
2. Understand intumescent technology and the application of this technology to laminated glazing.
3. Distinguish the differences between typical exterior glazing and exterior glazing with intumescent laminated glazing.
4. Recognize the installation process of a fire-resistive curtain wall system with intumescent laminated glazing, understand the limitations of these systems and the types of issues which one should expect to encounter.

PRESENTER BIO:

Mr. David Sacks is a member of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.’s (SGH’s) Building Technology group.  He is experienced in the investigation and evaluation of building enclosures, including roofing, below-grade waterproofing, and wall and glazing systems, with a specialty in repair and rehabilitation of existing buildings.  His professional experience includes the investigation and restoration design of existing low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise buildings, with exterior envelopes consisting of architectural terra-cotta, brick, stone, and modern curtain wall systems.

RSVP:

For BEC Chicago members, an RSVP invite will be sent out approximately 7 to 10 days in advance of event. For non-BEC Chicago members interested in attending, you may contact Jeff Diqui at jdiqui@stocorp.com to request an invite. The inviation will include a link to an RSVP.