Award

D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | 51 Fire Protection Systems P H OTO G R A P H Y BY C A LV I N OW EN J O N E S/CO U RT E S Y A L L M A R I N C . P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y V E T ROT EC H SA I N T- GO BA I N For decades, Vetrotech Saint- Gobain has produced superior fire-resistant and fire-protective safety glass, including fire-rated doors, systems, and curtain wall, intruder, impact-, bullet- and hurri- cane-resistant glass, and a full line of clear fire-rated glazing products that protect from 20 to 180 minutes. As the company sets it sights on being a full-value partner to both glaziers and architects alike, it highlights the value of its VDS framing systems, from performance and aesthetics to instal- lation and decarbonization. Vetrotech's VDS framing collection offers a comprehensive range of high- quality, fire-rated assemblies that meet code requirements. Their integrated solutions unite framing, doors, and glazing to create an all-inclusive fire-rated barrier that embodies the signature design support and aesthetic excellence of Vetrotech Saint-Gobain North America. VDS steel frames are waterproof with gaskets for long-term durability. They feature slim sightlines, tight tolerances, and design versatility with custom shapes and finishes. VDS frames also simplify the installation process like no other sys- tem available on the market today, arriving fully fabricated, knock-down with the fewest parts to manage, the fewest steps to install, and with no parts to cut on-site. VDS frames are backed by EPDs, demonstrating Vetrotech's commitment to transparency and sustainability. VDS frames are made in the U.S. at Vetrotech's new Faribault, Minnesota manufacturing facility, which has also put decar- bonization and recycling initiatives into practice. Steel frame scrap from VDS production is recycled by local partners into new steel. Glass cullet from the Faribault campus, shared with SageGlass, as well as the cullet from numerous other Saint-Gobain North America facilities is recycled and repurposed into the group's insulation products. Vetrotech's new facility also extended its REC contract through 2029 to ensure its manufacturing processes are powered by 100 percent renewable wind energy, marking another step toward Vetrotech and Saint-Gobain's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. RECs symbolize one megawatt hour of renewable electricity generated. Finally, Elise Mayberry, VP of marketing at Allmar Inc., speaks to the funda- mental importance of companies such as hers in the construction sector – not just for products, but also for follow-up service. "The safety of buildings depends on construction products that meet fire and life safety codes, as well as regular inspection and maintenance of fire-rated doors and architectural hardware that is rated to work with these doors," she says. "Architectural hardware that stands up to pressure in a fire, acts as a barrier with the door, or locks or unlocks to provide access or egress supports safety and security and a strong fire prevention plan." Mayberry goes on to note that "with building owners and managers and Canadian federal buildings responsible for maintenance and care of fire rated assemblies, it's important that buildings perform an annual inspection by a certified professional. Provincial governments are expected to adopt the National Building Code over the next several years, which will require annual inspection of provincial buildings as well. "At Allmar, our knowledge of building codes, experience with doors and hardware, and staff who are cer- tified to inspect fire door assemblies grant us the expertise and authority to ensure that fire-rated doors are inspected regularly, function prop- erly, and that requirements for annual inspection are being met. Ongoing inspection and maintenance of fire and egress doors helps prevent loss of life, while reducing property damage and insurance premiums, and all of Allmar's fire door inspectors are certi- fied through the Door and Hardware Institute's Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspection program." A Fire-rated doors and architectural hardware stand up to pressure in a fire. The VDS range of high- quality, fire-rated assemblies. Aluflam North America 562-926-9520 aluflam-usa.com Fire-Rated Aluminum Window And Door Systems Aluflam true aluminum framing combined with CONTRAFLAM® One glass, allows architects to incorporate much larger openings, representing an increase of up to 40%. Think bigger windows and brighter, more inviting interiors while maintaining fire-rated safety for up to 120 minutes. 1 VLT (NFRC 200) for CONTRAFLAM® One 60 low iron configuration. The clearest – up to 90 % visible light transmission 1 Fire-rated for 60 to 120 minutes Thinner for longer duration (90 & 120 min.) T he Lightest – up to 28 % weight savings With CONTRAFLAM ® One Photo Credit: ©Dana Sohm Without CONTRAFLAM ® One Photo Credit: ©Dana Sohm Expand your possibilities. Aluflam Fire-Rated Glass Gets a Sizeable Upgrade. March 2025 ANNUAL INDUSTRY FEATURE: Structural Steel Book your ad space now:  |  Dan Chapman 604.473.0316

• Cover