Vetrotech Saint-Gobain (VSG) manufactures the VDS system which includes framing and doors with a variety of options as to finish and configurations.
Doors are steel composition with temperature rise construction available in ratings from 20 to 90 minutes with up to full light configurations. These are prepared for standard and optional hardware selections, and can be supplied with the required hardware.
Framing system is tested in accordance with ASTM E-119 which allows for larger sizing and exempts it from the 25% maximum wall area in the Code (you can make it as large as you wish, and your budget can afford). Based on a steel composition with heat barrier design, the system can be offered with a deep stop design, or with a center glazing configuration with stops on both sides. Ratings range from 60 to 180 minutes, and the system includes both vertical and horizontal intermediate mullions for larger configurations.
The system can be used in door elevations as transoms and sidelights, or for borrowed frame applications.
Typical factory painted finishes are available, as are cladding options including aluminum, stainless steel and wood veneer. Factory submittals are supplied on these systems.
Would you also be interested in a butt glazed, fire rated wall system? The Swissflam Structure by VSG is a one hour fire rated wall system featuring a perimeter frame which can be built-in to the surrounding wall or exposed, or a "frameless" approach, which features a silicone butt glazed system with typical panel spacing of up to a nominal four feet in width by over nine feet in height. As it is tested in accordance to ASTM E-119, the system is not subject to the 25% wall limitation and can be made with multiple panels width wise up to the maximum test height without the use of an intermediate member. Additional information on this and other systems available on request.
These VDS series, ninety minute fire rated doors with a stainless steel cladding provide an invitation for patrons who wish to enjoy the cozy vestibule area of the facility. The original doors were of a solid design which shielded the vestibule area, and impeded the traffic flow by the patrons who were not sure of what was on the other side.
On this series door sizing can be up to 4' x 9' per leaf with options on finish and hardware. The typical project is supplied with required hardware with the exception of threshold and keyed cylinders.
Systems such as the VDS can be customized with wood veneer for a softer look, and be paired with rated wood doors. In this photo the system in the one hour wall is rated at sixty minutes and features a wood veneer, custom pattern glass for effect, plus a vision light kit for the wood door to allow for the glass thickness and larger glass area.
These fire rated systems are performance tested to meet the higher and tougher requirements under the Code, such as ASTM E-119, thus are allowed to have larger glass areas and, in most cases, exceed the 25% wall area limitation.
Such systems can combine different options such as custom doors with various cladding options, conventional door types such as rated solid wood and hollow metal, as well as specialty glass make-ups. Use of special pattern glass, tints or decorative additions are possible. Please consult us with your design needs for more complete information and options.
To fit the various needs of designers and owners, systems from Aluflam North America and Vetrotech Saint-Gobain are shown as these cover the rating levels from 20 minutes to 3 hours, allowing better aesthetic effects at competitive pricing.
Properly labeled hollow metal doors, solid core wood doors and hollow metal frames continue to be the most common system into which rated glazing components are glazed. The typical rated door can accomodate a variety of glazing types and thicknesses either with the use of the factory supplied vision stops or the optional two-piece vision light kit. Most common door ratings range from 45 to 90 minutes for hollow metal, while wood doors typically range from 20 to 90 minutes.
Hollow metal frames for use as sidelights, transoms and borrowed frames can carry ratings of up to 45 minutes as most do not meet the temperature rise requirements under the Code. For specifics please consult the listing for the products being considered for doors, framing and glazing into them.
The proprietary system by Aluflam features an aluminum extrusion with insulation core allowing ratings of up to 1 hour, and is listed by UL.
The look is one of conventional flush glaze storefront with a wide range of finish options including clear and color anodized, as well as standard and Kynar painted finishes. Installation is very familiar and the doors are prepared for finish hardware, with the hardware being supplied as part of the door package.
Doors up to 6080 are available as well as fixed transom, sidelights and borrowed frames. Due to the fbarication techniques used, field assembly and fitting is kept to a minimum, allowing for lower field labor costs and making the system a small premium over conventional hollow metal systems, while giving you a different and more pleasing look.
While this system with various options are geared towards interior applications, exterior options can be supplied with certain limitations. For further information please contact us.
This application at a University allows full compliance with the Code by having sixty minute rated doors for life safety while also providing an open look for security of the students and personnel.
The reinforced design of the doors make for a low maintenance product, and the combination with transom and/or sidelights allows the flexibility to meet most opening dimensional needs.
