There is also a misconception that grout is required for fire rated frames, which is not true. This may be desirable for specific openings, such as an external door assembly in masonry where forced entry may be an issue. However, when done properly, grout can improve durability of the frame and sound deadening. Grout is usually not necessary for masonry construction either. And we all know what happens when metal is in a moist environment-rust. The other places the moisture could go are into the hardware or the bottom of the frame. The first is into the drywall, which weakens it and may hinder the frame’s integrity or ability to retain anchors. It is water-based, and when drying, the moisture only has a few places to go. Grouting should never be specified for drywall construction. After all, a properly anchored frame without grout can pass fire and hose stream, cycle, and even impact tests. We believe there are more risks than rewards when grouting frames. Steel building products contribute positively toward points under Credits 4.1 and 4.2:Ĭredit 4.1 (1 point) “Use materials with recycled content such that the sum of post-consumer recycled content plus one-half of the pre-consumer content constitutes at least 10% (based on cost) of the total value of the materials in the project.”Ĭredit 4.2 (1 point) “Use materials with recycled content such that the sum of post-consumer recycled content plus one-half of the pre-consumer content constitutes at least 20% of the total value of the materials in the project. Materials & Resources Credit 4: Recycled Content intends to increase demand for building products that incorporate recycled content materials, thereby reducing impacts resulting from extraction and processing of virgin materials. Steel construction materials, including hollow metal doors and frames, typically generate credits in green building certification programs and reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System aims to improve occupant well-being, environmental performance and economic returns of buildings using established and innovative practices, standards and technologies. A quick search on either online Certification Directory might help as well. If this information is found, I would suggest taking it to Intertek and/or UL to see if they can trace it back to the listed designs. Steel frames may have an embossed logo or certification mark on the rabbet or face. Some steel door manufacturers may incorporate an embossed logo on the hinge reinforcement of the door, which may be visible by removing a hinge blade. Occasionally there will be a paper sticker or stamp across the top or bottom of a door which may be useful in tracing the assembly back to a manufacturer or supplier. If none of the doors or frames have a fire label (or the labels have been painted over and are not legible), try finding any identifying marks on the doors and/or frames themselves. The agency can then provide field labeling services if needed. Start by contacting the certification agency noted on the remaining fire labels, such as Warnock Hersey (Intertek) or UL, to see if they can trace the assemblies of the non-labeled products.
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