LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 6, 2017 - C.R. Laurence (CRL), a leading manufacturer and supplier of architectural glazing systems, has received an ICC-ES Evaluation Report (ESR-3842) for its GRS TAPER-LOC® Laminated Glass Guardrail System. This represents the first and only base shoe system for laminated glass guardrails with ICC-ES approval. The system will debut at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2017 in Orlando, booth #1163. CRL will be providing live demonstrations all three days.
The ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) is a subsidiary of the International Code Council and the most widely accepted and trusted authority in performing technical evaluations for IBC compliance. The ICC-ES evaluation committee consists entirely of code officials from jurisdictions across the U.S. to ensure all codes are addressed.
This announcement gives contractors, architects, engineers, and code officials peace of mind knowing that the guardrail will meet or exceed code, and be accepted in construction projects nationwide. An Evaluation Report is only issued for products that successfully complete ICC-ES’s stringent evaluation process.
To issue Evaluation Reports for glass railing and balustrade systems, the ICC-ES tests products in accordance with Acceptance Criteria 439 (AC439). AC439 represents the definitive standard for testing glass guardrail systems. CRL partnered directly with the ICC-ES to develop AC439, something no other railings manufacturer has done before.
In 2015, updates were made to the International Building Code (IBC) requiring laminated glass in all guardrail applications. The GRS TAPER-LOC® Laminated Glass Guardrail System is engineered to meet these code updates. It also exceeds the 200 lb. design load minimum with a 4x safety factor (IBC Section 2407). ICC-ES performs ongoing audits to ensure that products continue to comply with the latest codes.
The GRS TAPER-LOC® Laminated Glass Guardrail offers several benefits in addition to ICC-ES approval. Its patented dry-glaze TAPER-LOC® System reduces installation time by as much as 50% and simplifies glass adjustment or replacement. Its base shoe features a multiple hollow design that makes it 30% lighter than standard base shoes for easier handling and lower shipping costs. A patented “Safety Seal” can be installed in the base shoe before the glass is so glaziers no longer have to risk reaching over the railing to roll in the outside gasket.
The engineering advantages offered by the GRS TAPER-LOC® Laminated Glass Guardrail System garnered industry recognition. The system won the “Best in Category — Railings” award during Architectural Record’s 2016 Record Products competition.
“CRL Glass Railing Systems were the first to receive ICC-ES approval,” said Chris Hanstad, Vice President of Architectural Sales at CRL. “With our GRS TAPER-LOC Laminated Glass Guardrail System, we’re continuing with our tradition of providing innovative products that not only push the envelope in terms of function and aesthetics, but also eliminate the guesswork involved with code interpretation and compliance.”
CRL also has an ICC-ES Evaluation Report for its GRS TAPER-LOC® Monolithic Glass Railing System (ESR-3269). You can view the company’s complete line of railing systems and hardware in its HR18 Catalog.
For more information on CRL products and services, call (800) 421-6144 ext. 17730 or email railings@crlaurence.com. For more information on the ICC-ES, visit icc-es.org.
About CRL-U.S. Aluminum
CRL-U.S. Aluminum is a premier manufacturer and distributor of glazing systems with over 60 years of experience in the industry. The company is a leading supplier to the glazing, architectural, construction, and automotive industries, with service centers located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. With rapid customization capabilities, robust stock inventories, and a worldwide distribution network, CRL-U.S. Aluminum’s single-source model delivers one of the shortest lead times in the marketplace. For more information, call (800) 421-6144 or email askus@crlaurence.com. Glaziers may also visit crlaurence.com. Architects and specifiers, visit crl-arch.com.
Hi-Res Images:
Press Contact:
Andrew Haring
Vice President of Marketing
andrew_haring@crlaurence.com
(323) 588-1281
2503 E. Vernon Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90058