If youve got a 60 or 90 minute fire rating requirement and youre looking to enhance the looks of your building as well what product can you use? Answer – a stylish and contemporary option are 60 and 90 minute fire rated glass blocks. In this article youll learn the following about these products:

The features and benefits of fire rated glass masonry units
Where to use fire rated blocks.

The features and benefits of using fire rated glass masonry units

The main reason to use a fire rated glass block vs. a standard block is to meet UL ratings of 60 and 90 minutes for window assemblies (a standard block has a 45 minute rating). The following are some additional benefits youll get with these specialized glass units:

1.Transparency, looks, and light transmission The blocks are available in Vue (see through) and higher privacy patterns (Endura and Decora from Pittsburgh Corning and Wave from Mulia) and provide 75% visible light transmission.

2.Noise reduction Fire rated blocks have thicker faces of 3/8, and 3 of solid glass. The thicker face result in an improved sound transmission class to reduce noise of 53 for Solid Vistabrik glass bricks, and 48 for the sixty and ninety minute rated blocks.

3.Added security Since the fire rated assemblies are mortared together, and the blocks have thicker faces, they have increased impact resistance and are harder for vandals to break through. The faces on these blocks are 50% thicker for 60 minute blocks and 300% thicker for 90 minute blocks than a standard block.

4.Architectural design flexibility Use one pattern or combine all 3 patterns to create unique designs with increased fire ratings.

5.Bullet and graffiti resistant The Vistabrik 3 solid glass blocks and bricks can resist penetrations from high impact weapons with .357 magnum and 9 mm bullets. The non-stick glass surface makes it easier to remove graffiti as well.

Where to use fire rated blocks

Since fire rated glass block windows and walls will generally cost about 50 to 100% more than a standard glass block project (and will visually appear the same to someone looking at your building) they are generally used where the additional fire rating capabilities are either required or desired for additional safety. Here are some of the more popular places this product is used:

1.Limited lot line communities where the side walls of adjoining homes are close together A project in Columbus Ohio is considering 90 minute fire rated Thickset Decora pattern block for condominium style homes that are 12 feet apart from each other. The fire department requires a 90 minute rated window product and the builder wants to make sure all the rooms are light filled and feel open for prospective buyers.

2.Stairwells in schools, hospitals, parking garages, libraries, and homes Provides light and the feeling of safety.

3.Windows in gymnasiums, homes, factories and other commercial buildings – The blocks are hard to break with gym equipment or in a harsh industrial setting.

4.Building corridors.

5.Multi unit apartment and condominium complexes more light gets into each unit without sacrificing the tenant or owners privacy.

As you can see fire rated glass blocks can do much more than simply increase fire safety in a building they can enhance looks, increase privacy, and make a more secure and safe environment as well.

The real estate sector within the Canadian capital is presently booming, as a continually developing number of potential homeowners choose to settle their families in the area and take pleasure in the idyllic surroundings of Ottawa. In close proximity to the Rideau River, and the neighbouring province of Quebec, Ottawa homes are extremely sought after. Thats why many are now wondering whether now is the proper time to think about promoting their home and leveraging their marketing position to acquire an exceptional profit.

To begin the method of promoting your home, you will first need to speak with a professional who has a wide array of expertise on the local real estate marketplace. Ottawa real estate agents are key to understanding the intricate dynamics that come into play when selling your home. As Ottawa is an exceptionally large city, there are various real estate agents who will be quick to provide you their guidance. Choosing the correct person is essential. But how do you know what traits and qualities to look for in an Ottawa real estate agent? Firstly, experience is really a must. When contacting agents, ask them how many years theyve been inside the industry, and find out what theyve learned about the real estate marketplace during that time.

As a consequence of the citys proximity to Quebec, you will also require a real estate agent who’s completely bilingual, as you might encounter prospective customers who only speak French. Having a real estate agent on your side who can speak both French and English fluently, will ensure that you are able to totally communicate with prospective purchasers, and present all parties involved in the transaction with a total understanding of each others specifications and responsibilities.

Once you have performed a rigorous selection process and discovered the perfect real estate agent youre prepared to start the home sale procedure. The preliminary phase of the approach includes ensuring that your house is in the most effective possible situation to make sure a swift, lucrative sale. This means that you must adhere to a number of residence repairs and aesthetic detailing to set your house up perfectly for viewing by potential customers. The primary issue to bear in mind is that impressions could be formed exceptionally quickly. And once they’re formed it may be complicated to reshape them. As a result it is essential to pay close attention to your homes outward aesthetic appeal.

The outside components of your residence are the ones that visitors will first discover. Ensure that your lawn is mowed and that you have fresh flowers planted outside the perimeter of your home. This will likely help to project a feeling of all-natural vitality as guests are welcomed into your residence. It might seem obvious, but in addition to mowing the lawn and planting fresh flowers within the yard, it is also significant to get rid of all garbage cans from the area, as well as all garden tools as well as other personal products. Whilst guests want the home to have a homely feel they will not choose to see indicators that the property is at the moment occupied, as this may prevent them from personalizing the property within their very own mind.

This notion also comes into play when inviting guests inside your house. You have to take away all individual items from closets and from mantel pieces so that you can make sure that guests are ready to achieve a complete picture of what the home will look like once they move in with their loved ones. Also, take away all large furnishings from the area and place it in storage when showing your home to potential consumers. Doing so will present a clean and uncluttered space and show precisely how big of an area those viewing the property will receive should they select to get the house.

When the paintwork within your property appears stale or is chipping along selected places, you need to apply a brand new coat of paint to the walls to ensure that when potential buyers come to view the property, they may be greeted with immaculate-looking and colourful decorations. This freshness could inspire them instantly and set the process off on the right foot.

The last point of consideration when displaying your home to possible consumers is the kitchen. The kitchen is usually the most significant space during this stage, because it is probably where guests will stop and want to ask questions in regards to the the house. To make the ideal atmosphere, place a vase of fresh flowers inside the kitchen area and make sure that the air in the room is fresh by using vanilla or cinnamon air deodorizers, therefore presenting a serene atmosphere in which to talk about the many advantages that your property can provide to long term buyers.

Selling Ottawa real estate could be an exceptionally rewarding approach when completed correctly. Ensure you reach the maximum value from your home sale by speaking directly with your real estate agent and conducting a thorough overview of specialized property sale strategies. There has never been a greater time to begin the procedure.

All over the country, particularly in the West Coast, interest in bird houses has been steadily increasing. People are putting up bird houses in their own backyards. In stores, a myriad of new kinds of bird houses have emerged. You now have an endless array of bird houses to choose from, depending on your preference of design, size, or color. One of the most popular specialized bird houses right now are the martin bird houses.

Just as there are several different types of human homes, there are also several kinds of homes for birds. There are bird houses designed for single occupancy, called cottages or shanties, and there are also larger bird houses called churches, cathedrals, or condominiums, which are built to provide shelter for as many as a hundred birds.

Martin bird houses are of the condominium type. The most common martin bird house can accommodate about 15 birds. Each bird in the avian condominium has its own room. There are usually several levels of this bird condominium. Some of the larger martin bird houses have as much as 12 levels, with at least 10 compartments in each level.

An extensive martin bird house does not only offer shelter to a larger population of birds. It also provides them with greater protection and security from weather, temperature and other natural elements, such as other animals. Many small birds like the purple martins commonly fall victim to larger animals, particularly birds of prey like owls and hawks. Big martin bird houses can provide them with relatively more protection against these predators than smaller homes ever could.

Martin bird houses contain several birds at a time, so droppings and other dirt can accumulate faster and constant maintenance is required. Moreover, because of the large number of residents, parasites can transfer from bird to bird quickly if you do not keep the condominium clean at all times.

With the large number of rooms in the martin bird house, regular cleaning could prove to be a wearisome task. If you are looking to buy a new martin bird house, try to choose one whose back wall can easily be dismantled. This will make it easier for you to clean the compartments thoroughly. If you want a martin bird house that is placed on a pole, you need to have a way to raise and lower it easily to make cleaning less difficult. If you keep your martin bird house sanitary, your bird tenants will be very grateful and they will keep coming back to your place.

Progress in preparing the draft regulations under the Thailand Condominium Act amended in 2009 with the purchase and sale agreement is almost completed and will be presented to the meeting of the Council of Ministers (Cabinet) in August 2011. The essence of the contract will be to declare the act as another measure to protect consumers, which requires that any project or condominium units which will be open to the public for sale must be certified or approved by the Environment Impact Assessment Committee (EIA) and must have a valid license for construction.

The framework of this contract will provide fairness for the buyer. Many previous condominium projects were sold or booked but without passing the EIA assessment first which meant that there were many legal cases being brought against developers.

The legislation drafting committee has now approved Condominium Act law. Preliminary determination of the initial height from three stories up and the height of the building will be based on the building control act which regulates the rules or details already. Room sizes, for example, must have a minimum usage area of 20 square meters and a bathroom included. However, the editing of the various definitions will take a year to complete and make enforceable.

The new combined Bangkok city plans to include FAR (Floor Area Ratio) for land use along the metro system includes both open-for-business and under-construction projects and investment projects in the planning stages.

According to the combined Bangkok city plan which is considering updating and prepare to announced a new city plan enacted for 2012. By taking lessons and shortcomings of the previous land use plan for revision as well as the growth rate of both residential and commercial development including the number of people using the area as a key element in determining the future layout of urban development.

The consideration of the new Bangkok city plan will increase the use of land along the entire metro route which is currently in service and currently under construction according to master plan and investment plan.

This is because the demand for land along metro lines is high from both investors interested in investing in all types of commercial ventures including shopping centers and low-rise housing and high-rise housing especially in the inner city and central areas and the demand of living near working areas and shopping centers. The city of Bangkok will increase the FAR ratio or total building area per land area to be able to construct more on the same piece of land as 1-2 times.

Apart from that, areas in Bangkok inner city and Bangkok middle areas that have the overhead train can be able to develop more high-rises with land high prices and are likely to be considered worth the investment of further rail systems including Bangkoks outer areas stations.

However, BMA has planned to raise the ceiling of a maximum FAR10: 1 to FAR 15:1 especially in some of the red zone area such as some part of Silom will also increase In descending order according to their suitability and land use. increasing the FAR to 11:1, FAR 12:1, FAR 13:1, FAR 14:1 and FAR15: 1. However, it must depend on the city planning committee for approval.

Condominiums are some of the most popular types of housings in Philippine market due to its benefits which conform in todays modern trends. So what are the benefits or advantages of living in a condominium unit?

Different Types of Condominiums
There are currently two types of condominiums in the Philippines, the typical condominiums mostly found in the city, such as the many Metro manila condominiums, and condominiums found in the outskirts or even in the provinces, which are known as condominium complexes.

Location
The main factor which made most condominiums in the city popular is because of its location. Most of these types of housings are strategically found in business and commercial district, such as those found in Makati City and many other major cities in Metro Manila.

Because of its location, residents can enjoy the luxury of living within walking distance or mass transit distance from their workplaces, allowing them to avoid the usual hassles of rush hour. Its location is also within reach of popular entertainment places such as malls and “hang-out” places.

Condominium complexes, on the other hand, are found far from these places. Most condominium complexes are found in the outskirts, while some are even found in the provinces. These types of condominiums aim to provide a more family-oriented environment for Filipino families compared to Metro manila condominiums.

Because of its location, condominium complexes can offer a more peaceful and quieter environment compared to that of the city. Condominium complexes can also offer the wide open space that growing children require for playing. However, what made condominium complexes more popular is with its amenities.

Amenities
Other than its family-oriented location and environment, condominium complexes are also known for its amenities such as its own swimming pools, gyms, recreational parks, playgrounds, as well as a full-size sports complex complete with basketball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton courts. Because of this, condominium complexes became one of the best types of modern housing for modern Filipino families.

However, other than condominium complexes, a number of condominiums in the city are also known to offer their own amenities. Some of the oldest Metro manila condominiums offer gyms as their amenities. Today, many new condominiums in the city can now offer their own indoor swimming pools and sports complexes for the enjoyment of their residents.