When it comes to architectural and construction projects, choosing suitable materials for door and frame openings is crucial. Hollow Metal Specialties openings offer unique advantages that cater to various needs, particularly in unique or specific spaces. These spaces include schools, food processing plants, any corrosive/abusive environment, government buildings, offices, and multi-unit buildings.
What are FRP Openings?
Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) openings are known for their durability and low maintenance. They are also aesthetically pleasing, with a thinner appearance that architects prefer. The squared edges of FRP openings give them a slimmer look compared to traditional rounded edges. Depending on the application, AF (All Fiberglass) or Hybrid (Fiberglass x Aluminum), LaForce works with leading manufacturers offering various products suitable for multiple applications.
Advantages of Aluminum Frames
Interior aluminum frames have clean, crisp lines and come pre-finished to the job site. These frames can be factory painted, ensuring a superior finish to field painting providing better durability and coverage. Additionally, aluminum frames can be anodized, a finish that hollow metal frames cannot provide. Prefinished frames are easily installed into finished walls, saving labor costs and offering flexibility in the job site timeline.
Installation and Timing Benefits
One significant advantage of aluminum frames is their installation flexibility. They can be installed after the sheetrock, later in the job, and even after the walls are painted and the carpet is in place. This reduces the risk of damage to the frames and prevents delays in the project timeline. In contrast, hollow metal frames often cause delays as they must be installed earlier, which can hold up other tasks like sheetrock and painting.
Prefinished Steel Door Frames (PFKD Frames)
Prefinished steel door frames (PFKD) are an ideal solution for most interior commercial drywall applications. PFKD frames, like interior aluminum frames, are installed after the drywall is applied and painted. Here are a few of the benefits:
- Installation Over Finished Walls: PFKD frames are installed at the end of the project, reducing the risk of damage and allowing for easy adjustments or relocations.
- Lead Times: PFKD frames typically have a quicker lead time.
Sound Transmission Class (STC) Ratings
When considering STC ratings, it is critical to understand what the numbers mean and what sounds can be heard through an STC-rated door:
- 25: Normal speech can easily and distinctly be understood through the partition.
- 30: Loud speech can be understood well; normal speech can be heard but not understood.
- 35: Loud speech audible but not intelligible.
- 40: Loud speech audible as a murmur.
- 45: Loud speech, not audible.
- 50: Very loud sounds, such as musical instruments or stereo music, can be faintly heard.
- 55: Superior sound control; most sounds are inaudible.
At the different levels, what are the cost and lead time implications:
- STC 35-43: Low cost and easy to achieve with relatively short lead times from hollow metal and aluminum vendors.
- STC 44-49: Moderate cost, still widely available.
- STC 50-57: High cost, specialized, with limited availability.
- STC 58-64: Very high cost, specialized, and minimal availability.
What are the components that make up an STC opening?
- Frame – This is most commonly supplied as a slip-in or split-frame style. Jambs must be filled with grout or mineral wool (6-12 pcf), and frames must be caulked on all sides.
- Door – Door thickness depends on STC rating. 1-3/4” to 3” is most common. 52 and higher will usually have the double seal with the added door panel. The higher the rating, the more material is inside the door.
- Seals – For the vertical and head seals, there are three typical types of seals: bulb seals, compression seals, and magnetic seals. As the rating increases the seals go from two sets of bulb seals to a single set of either compression or magnetic. As the rating increases from there a second set of seals is added. The door bottom is the fourth space to be sealed, and either a fixed adjustable compression type seal is used or an automatic door bottom. The seals are critical to the opening passing the sound testing.
- Hardware – STC levels dictate much of the hardware that can and cannot be used.
Conclusion
Hollow Metal Specialties openings provide robust solutions for various architectural needs. With offering high-quality products and comprehensive resources, architects and builders can make informed decisions that enhance the functionality and appearance of their projects. Specialized door/frame applications, along with lab-tested ratings, further expand the options available, ensuring that every project can meet its specific requirements. Whether for schools, government buildings, or other applications, these materials offer a blend of durability, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal that is hard to match.
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