In the event of a fire, smoke—the largest cause of fire-related deaths—can travel just as fast as flames, posing major safety risks to a building and its occupants. To provide optimal protection against the spread and impact of smoke, Trex Commercial Products, a national provider of architectural railing systems, has introduced a Smoke Baffle System engineered to serve the safety and aesthetic needs of today’s commercial settings.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 100,000 commercial building fires occur each year in the U.S., resulting in thousands of injuries and deaths, along with over $2 billion in damages. If not properly contained, smoke can lead to reduced visibility, making it difficult for building occupants to identify and follow exit paths. In addition to health and fatality risks, smoke can also cause serious and costly property damage.
A smoke baffle, also known as a “draft curtain,” corrals heat and smoke into curtained areas to prevent the spread and to help facilitate safe building evacuation. A study published in the Journal of Fire Protection Engineering also found that a draft curtain can reduce sprinkler activation time by up to 15 percent, allowing for faster sprinkler activation in the event of a fire.
Engineered to meet today’s fire codes for commercial buildings, Trex Commercial Products’ Smoke Baffle System is designed to both contain and prevent the spread of smoke along ceilings. The draft curtain utilizes 1/2-inch laminated glass held in place by an aluminum glass channel, creating a virtually invisible glass curtain that resists high temperatures.
Available in clear glass or with frosted or digitally printed finishes, this sleek smoke screen is customizable and can be mounted below or flush with a finished ceiling, allowing seamless integration in mezzanine spaces, such as stairways and other open concept areas, to prevent smoke from rising to upper levels.
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