Window wall systems have increased in popularity for highrise construction. They are more economical than conventional curtain wall, while emulating the aesthetic look of such systems. A window wall system sits atop the floor slab. There is not a traditional joint like that which exists with traditional curtain wall. However, there is a gap between…

Intumescent firestop products, which are those materials that when heated will swell and expand in volume, are typically the best overall performers for most applications. Plastic piping firestop systems almost universally require some form of intumescent material since the combustible pipe will soften and eventually be consumed by the fire. However, a solution exists in the form of an intumescent wrap strip, collar…

STI E-Wrap Endothermic Wrap was originally designed for protection of electrical circuits in order to maintain circuit integrity for crucial power and communications systems during the event of a fire. However, the application potential of E-Wrap is much farther reaching and STI continues to blaze a trail, exploring applications where E-Wrap can be used to protect essential service systems and penetrations. For example,…

When comparing a field condition to a UL Tested system there are many factors that must be evaluated to ensure that the proper solution is selected. One of those factors is the minimum and maximum annular space that the UL System allows for. The topic of annular space is not something new, especially to those that have been in the business for…

Entrepreneurship is part of the American Dream.  But even in a stable economy, most start-ups don’t  survive. In these lucid times, established companies too are experimenting to find greater resilience and flexibility.  The co-founder and CEO of Specified Technologies, Inc., Charbel Tagher, shares some of what he has learned over 30 years nurturing a start-up in the construction industry to its thriving maturity today….

 A growing trend across the nation is the revitalization of old office buildings, train stations and retail spaces to create residential lofts and hotels. Many of these structures are decades old and in most cases were constructed of materials that have not been tested like modern walls and floors to ASTM E-119. STI’s Engineering Services…

 We all rely on signs to help us navigate in unfamiliar surroundings. Anyone disembarking from an airplane outside of their home base needs the guidance of signage to find the baggage claim and ground transportation. Imagine trying to take a hike in the woods without a properly blazed trail. The well-known song might opine that…

 Firestop Clash Management, a plugin for Autodesk Revit®, now includes the ability to identify and assign firestop systems for construction joints. Whether the construction joint is needed for applications such as floor to floor, floor to wall, wall to wall, head of wall, or bottom of wall, FCM has it covered. For those already familiar…

 Any type of building, no matter the industry, achieves the most success when collaboration is maximized. This is especially true when it comes to the construction industry. Collaboration is found everywhere on the jobsite, within each trade and also with different trades. Harnessing the power of collaboration increases productivity and energizes team members to bring…