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Are you looking for a modern solution for privacy or an alternative to blinds or curtains in your business space? PRIVA-LITE glass is an ideal solution for a variety of situations, providing opaque to transparent glass on-demand in commercial buildings and properties.

 

As a global leader in glass systems, Greenlite Glass Systems is your best choice for PRIVA-LITE glass suppliers. Keep reading to learn more about PRIVA-LITE and why it’s the ideal choice for your location.

What is PRIVA-LITE Glass?

PRIVA-LITE or privacy glass – also known as smart glass or intelligent glass – is a switchable glass used for adaptive partitioning in locations that require customized privacy. This modern system utilizes Liquid Crystal technology to provide instant privacy at the flick of a switch through electronically controlled translucency.

Liquid Crystal molecules, in their natural state, are scattered randomly which creates an opaque frosted effect to block vision and allow for full privacy while still letting light through. These liquid crystals align when electricity is applied, causing the glass to instantly turn transparent.

What are the Applications of PRIVA-LITE Glass?

PRIVA-LITE glass can be used almost anywhere you would use regular glass and is installed in a similar manner as well. PRIVA-LITE glass can also be incorporated into double glazing or fire-rated glazing; curved, silk-screened, or sandblasted; and used as either a front or rear projection screen with high resolution for superb image reproduction.

Moreover, switchable glass is ideal for a variety of applications where transparent to opaque glass is required. Privacy glass can be used both interiorly and exteriorly for a wide range of design and media uses on:

• • Floor panels and counters
  • Display cases and screens
  • Front or back projection screens/multimedia walls
  • Windows, single or double glazed facades

What are the Benefits of PRIVA-LITE Glass?

Not only does PRIVA-LITE have a large range of application, but is also an innovative solution with a variety of privacy, design, and cost benefits, such as:

• Instant, easy, and silent switching between transparent and opaque states for adaptable privacy and media uses
• Allows for a more modern look by removing the need for blinds or curtains
• Completely obscures view without compromising light transmission
• Low power consumption. PRIVA-LITE glass only uses 0-3 W/m2, depending on its state.
• Long-term durability and reliability, including a 5-year warranty
• No maintenance costs

Further, PRIVA-GLASS offers a solution to a number of issues as well:

• Switchable glass addresses the need of privacy by offering an adaptable, modern solution, whether it is needed for confidentiality, to foster concentration, or simply for seclusion.
• It maximizes light transmission and energy efficiency. PRIVA-LITE glass allows instant control over the light transmission, reducing the need for and cost of artificial lighting.
• PRIVA-LITE provides strengthened functional flexibility by improving space utilization.

Are you looking for a modern privacy or design solution for your building? PRIVA-LITE offers a sleek, attractive option for a range of privacy, design, and media applications.

Contact us today to get a FREE quote or more information:

1. Call us at (778) 285-8530
2. Fill out the form below
3. Send an email to info@greenliteglass.com

Our industry professionals would love to help!

Is your facility fire-resistant? When the stakes are this high, it never hurts to be as cautious as you possibly can be! This article explains how a fire-rated curtain wall manufacturer can provide the right solution at the right time.

 

Modern architecture has made quite some progress in protecting our neighbourhoods and cities from fire hazards, more so than they were a couple of decades ago. Today’s business facilities are equipped with intuitive and advanced smoke sensors to combat life-threatening situations. In fact, firefighters even have updated safety protocol and equipment to address newer (and potentially more disastrous) types of fire hazards. In Canada, we have stringent federal fire safety codes and other such building regulations to not only prevent the outbreak of a fire but also drastically minimize the risks when fires do occur.

While all of this information still stands true, there are plenty of buildings that, nonetheless, fall prey to the ever-increasing threat of a fire. Published studies reveal that commercial fires are trickier to escape, given their rapid flashover rates. This means that firefighters have less time to respond and reach the building before it’s too late.

Above all else, guaranteeing the safety of the occupants in your building is absolutely critical. Fire-resistant and self-supporting constructions offer you that added level of safety and protection. In this regard, the VDS® CURTAIN WALL is a powerful anti-fire solution – and just what your facility needs! Essentially, it is a comprehensive fire-rated steel curtain wall that brings with it several significant advantages.

An Excellent Fire-Resistive Framing Solution to Combat Smoke, Heat and Flames

No doubt you’ve heard the phrase, “it spread like wildfire.” Don’t let this be your facility’s reality! The VDS fire curtain has far-reaching applications to lend your facility a well-rounded fire-resistant outlook. This solution works perfectly with partitions, doors and window frames to cement their fire-resistive properties. Essentially, this means that, if a fire does break out, it will be contained or restricted to a single room rather than spreading to the entire facility. The VDS fire-rated curtain wall acts as an excellent barrier to heat, flame and smoke. It prevents their passing – not only from room to room but also from level to level!

This particular product has proven itself to be ideal for all sorts of applications – in both exterior and interior openings. Its thermal break feature just adds to the comprehensive performance of the system. This barrier is so formidable, in fact, that it is capable of resisting radiant heat from 60-120 minutes!

Offers Hard-to-Resist Design Flexibility

The ideal architecture combines both form and function. Why compromise on the visuals of your structure when you don’t have to? In view of this, the VDS® CURTAIN WALL is slim, multifunctional and comes with an irresistible aesthetic appeal. It is structurally sound and offers streamlined design flexibility. The bottom line? Your structure can enjoy higher and longer spans, owing to the tight tolerances and clean lines that come with the extruded aluminum!

The curtain boasts of a very slender sidelight of about 1-¾” or 2-⅜” and an individual profile design as well as versatile surface treatments. It lends generous transparency and appearance over quite a sizeable area. Its impressive spectrum of performance doesn’t end there. The VDS fire-rated curtain is also suited to multiple storeys, up to a height of 16’ 5”!

It is this extraordinary freedom of design that lets you harmonize all the various components within your facility. An environment that’s safe and pleasing to the eye will only bode well for your occupants and your operations!

Tested and Approved So That You Can Sleep Easy!

None of the above claims would elicit your trust until the VDS fire-rated curtain came with a field-tested and proven endorsement. And, quite honestly, it does just that! It is well suited to those areas that experience a heavy flow of traffic and as such, have robust constructional demands.

This system has proven itself many times over. When in the field, the fire-resistant glazing and doors hold their own for 40/60/90 and 120 minutes – depending on your requirements. Added to that, the fire-rated system is code-approved and abides by only the most stringent requirements as far as its ability to withstand stress are concerned.

Protect Your Facility and its Occupants. Invest in a Solution That Will Go the Distance!

More Details on VDS FIRE FRAME SYSTEM – Click Here.

 

Need a FREE quote or more information?

Contact us today by doing one of the following:
1. Call us at (778) 285-8530
2. Fill out the form below
3. Send an email to info@greenliteglass.com

Our industry professionals would love to help!

Looking to upgrade or modernize your building’s aesthetic? Consider implementing state-of-the-art fire-rated curtain walls that offer complete design flexibility. VDS curtain walls use fire-rated glazing products to provide a fire-resistive and fire-protective framing solution that meets your demands without compromising your aesthetic. Designed with both functionality and safety in mind, the VDS curtain wall is structurally robust and is a preferred solution across various industries.

As a global industry leader and reputable fire-rated curtain wall supplier, Greenlite Glass Systems proudly carries a variety of safety glass solutions including the VDS Curtain Wall. To learn more about the state-of-the-art curtain wall and its advantages, keep reading:

What is VDS Fire Rated Curtain Walls?

The VDS curtain wall is a fire-rated steel curtain wall system engineered with precision to offer a durable barrier against radiant heat. With fire ratings from 60 to 120 minutes in both interior and exterior openings, VDS fire-rated curtain walls meet the fire-resistive demands of most buildings with ease. Keeping out fire, flames and smoke in case of emergencies, these innovative curtain walls act as a fire-stop when necessary. To further its overall performance, the VDS curtain wall also features a thermal break to help reduce or prevent the flow of thermal energy between conductive materials in case of a fire.

Designed with practicality in mind, VDS curtain walls also offer complete design flexibility without compromising the structural integrity of your building. Featuring streamlined aesthetic, clean lines and tight tolerances (typically associated with extruded aluminum), VDS curtain walls are unparalleled in the industry. Ideal for use in applications that require high-span and self-supporting construction, VDS curtain walls can be used as walls or partitions for separating your workspace, windows, and more.

The Benefits of VDS Fire Rated Curtain Walls

The VDS curtain wall is a comprehensive steel curtain wall system that offers monumental advantages such as:

• Creativity – The VDS curtain wall allows you to perfectly harmonize components of your building to ensure the potential for freedom of design and uniformity
• Conjoins – VDS curtain walls can be used in combination with CONTRAFLAM and Forster Fuego fire-resistant doors to further its performance
• Customizable – Choose the appropriate level of fire-resistance that best suits your building’s needs (options include choosing from fire-ratings ranging from 60/90/120 minutes)
• Durability – Constructed with reliable, fire-resistive materials such as fire-rated steel and/or glass, VDS fire-rated walls act as a fire stop when necessary, slowing or preventing the passage of flames within the building
• Performance – VDS curtain walls are not only fire-resistant, but they’re also burglar, bullet, wind, rain, sound transference, and impact resistant.
• Passive Design – With VDS curtain walls, you can have complete design flexibility over the building’s interior and exterior design, effortlessly achieving a high degree of aesthetic appeal. VDS curtain walls add to the passive design criteria by allowing larger glass panels and in turn, more natural light into the building.
• Safety – Listed and labelled by Underwriters Laboratories Inc and the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, VDS fire-rated curtain walls are certified to help keep fire, flames and smoke out in case of an emergency
• User-friendly – Fire-rated curtain walls are multi-functional, easy to install and can be assembled with ease using mechanical T-joints

Searching for a more contemporary look for your building? VDS Curtain Walls are a modern, state-of-the-art solution that delivers fire-resistive and fire-protective properties to protect your building from fire, smoke and impact.

As a global industry leader, Greenlite Glass Systems is a proud supplier of fire rated curtain walls in North America. Maintain aesthetics while enhancing the safety of your building with VDS curtain walls.

Need a FREE quote or more information?

Contact us today using one of the following methods:
1. Call us at (778) 285-8530
2. Fill out the form below
3. Send an email to info@greenliteglass.com

Accordingly to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2017, it was estimated that a structural fire occurred every 63 seconds resulting in property losses well over $30 million.

 

 

The latest construction safety regulations in North America have largely influenced the way architects approach commercial and industrial projects in 2019. This is why it’s of the utmost importance for not only architects but also city planners, designers, building health and safety inspectors and engineers to rally in these efforts so as to stay compliant with these new codes.

 

What Exactly is Fire-Rated Glass? 

One such game-changing safety requirement in 2019 is fire-rated safety glass. Fire-rated glass floor manufacturers have taken great strides in designing safety glass that exceeds new levels of engineering excellence.

This innovative technology protects against radiant heat, flames, and smoke by averting their transfer from room to room, commonly known as compartmentalization. They are engineered with remarkable fire-ratings from 1 to 2 hours.

In essence? Fire-rated safety glass minimizes damages and allows people to effectively evacuate the premises. It is a rigorously tested glass that can endure temperatures as high as 1700°F while still maintaining its integrity and insulation properties as mentioned before.

Besides ushering safety to the forefront, these systems are customizable depending on your building’s unique fire requirements.

For instance, Greenlite’s proprietary fire-rated safety glass, LITEFLAM, is engineered with a standard live loading capacity of 100 psf but can be engineered to withstand higher loads if required.

 

Fire-Rated Safety Glass Combines Integrity and Insulation – A Novel Approach to Saving Lives

These assemblies reinforce your building’s fire protection systems to keep occupants and possessions out of harm’s way. Seeing as they act as a fire barrier and compartmentalize the outbreak of commercial fire, fire-rated glass gives firefighters more time to respond and occupants more time to egress.

The glass will turn opaque when a heat source hits the glass. What it does for the architect is it allows them to use glass where traditionally only brick, steel or concrete would be used, therefore bringing more natural light into space.

What are the types of fire-rated glass? In North America, there are two types of fire-rated glass; Resistive and Protective.

Resistive glass protects against Radiant Heat, Smoke and Flames.
Protective glass protects against only Smoke and Flames.

 

Where Can Fire-Rated Safety Glass Be Used?

Fire Escapes: Updated fire safety norms outline the duration of protection required for a building’s escape route. Accordingly, architects have to modify the layout to factor in these norms.

Indoor Partitions: Fire-rated glass confines the fire and prevents it from travelling to other rooms. It makes sense that this glass should be incorporated as partitions between different rooms. Because it is see-through, it opens the space and lets natural light through space.

A common question is, “Is tempered glass fire resistant?” The answer is no. Tempered glass is nowhere as tough enough to endure high temperatures as it can only provide an integrity rating of 20 minutes with no insulation performance whatsoever. Even if you were to pair a tempered glass partition with a sprinkler system, it will shatter when shocked with water at such high temperatures.

Dry Lining: The structure’s internal lining can go a long way to curb the growth of a fire. On the other hand, if these materials are easily combustible, they can also contribute to the fire’s proliferation. Fire-rated glass barriers, in this case, can prevent injuries and property damage.

 

Fire-Rated Safety Glass is a Vital Federal Safety Code Requirement in 2019

To help you stay compliant with these new regulations and increase the fire protection and fire-resistant properties of your facility, Greenlite Glass Systems manufactures a wide range of innovative and durable fire-rated glass systems – CONTRAFLAM Structure, LITEFLAM, CONTRAFLAM, KERALITE, VDS Fire Frame System, and VDS Curtain Wall.

Need a FREE quote or more information?

Contact us today by doing one of the following:
1. Call us at (778) 285-8530
2. Fill out the form below
3. Send an email to info@greenliteglass.com

Our industry professionals would love to help!

Since February 2012, Greenlite Glass has been working on a groundbreaking project with various other suppliers and companies to construct a complex 400,000 square-foot building like no other in Washington, DC. Over 4 years of construction later, the building–now known as the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)–opened its doors to the public in September 2016.

Since then, Greenlite Glass has been honoured with the 2017 Green Design Award from US glass magazine for its contribution to the NMAAHC. Featuring fire-rated glass floors from Greenlite, in addition to glass curtain walls, skylights, glass soffits, and more, the NMAAHC has also been certified as LEED Gold, the first honour of its kind for any building on the National Mall.

Discover the Fire Rated Glass Floors NMAAHC Used

To complement the architectural design and aesthetics of the building, the NMAAHC utilizes fire-rated glass systems supplied by Greenlite Glass. More specifically, the NMAAHC features LITEFLAM XT 120, a state-of-the-art fire-rated glass floor constructed with Contraflam fire-rated glass from Vetrotech Saint-Gobain.

Thanks to the exclusive properties of LITEFLAM XT 120, architects were able to take advantage of the product’s unique selling points:

• Fire-Resistance (up to 2 hours)
• Impact-Resistance (standard live loading of 150psf)
• Energy Efficiency

Strategically placed in the 400,000 square-foot NMAAHC, LITEFLAM XT 120’s unique properties allow for natural light to pass through the lower levels of the museum–where artificial light would otherwise be used as a light source. Conveniently, LITEFLAM also promotes energy-efficiency; by encouraging the use of natural light, LITEFLAM XT 120 helps reduce overall operational costs used towards lighting and heating.

Further, not only does it stop flames from spreading, the state-of-the-art glass floor system also stops heat and air conditioning from escaping. Known as the first tested fire-rated glass floor system and exterior fire-rated glass floor/skylight system, the LITEFLAM is unparalleled in the industry.

The Specifics of the LITEFLAM XT 120

LITEFLAM XT 120 is Greenlite Glass Systems’ proprietary fire-rated glass system that is both impact-resistant and fire-rated for up to 120 minutes. As one of the exterior glazed insulated glass assembly in North America, LITEFLAM helps keep fire, flames and smoke out in case of an emergency.

Beyond that, LITEFLAM XT 120 can be used as a durable, non-slip walking surface with approved loads of 150 psf. To further guarantee its safety, Greenlite Glass Systems including LITEFLAM have been listed by the South West Research Institute Laboratories (SwRI). Available for both interior and exterior applications, LITEFLAM has been used to complete over 100 projects worldwide since 2006, including the groundbreaking NMAAHC in Washington, DC.

About The US Green Glass Design Award

In order to be considered for the 2017 US Glass Green Design Award, projects had to not only be attractive and energy-efficient but also had to feature unique glass and facade components.

Eligible projects were then further evaluated on the following criteria:

• Energy performance benefits the glazing provides the project;
• Sustainable attributes of the glazing systems used on this project;
• Whether or not the building project is certified to any green building programs (different levels of LEED, Living Building Challenge, etc);
• Design aspects used to enhance indoor environmental quality and occupant productivity (daylighting, views, comfort, and air quality/ventilation);
• Unique/innovative design practices, specific to the glazing; and
• Any other green/sustainable characteristics/ features.

Need a FREE quote or more information?

Contact us today by doing one of the following:
1. Call us at (778) 285-8530
2. Fill out the form below
3. Send an email to info@greenliteglass.com

Our industry professionals would love to help!