Favorite alternative to standard interior storefront?

Archive of Older Topics Archive - Product Discussions #6
1

I’m stuck in a rut. I need some alternates for standard 1-3/4" or 2" x 4-1/2" storefront for interior glazed partitions.

There are a lot of expensive options available, but ideally I’m looking for a cost comparable option that possibly captures a standard partition thickness of 4 7/8". I really dislike how standard SF don’t play nice with base finishes.

Any ideas?

2

Wood.
Hollow metal frames
Structural glass

What are you trying to achieve? If it is visibility plus access control without smoke or fire control, use chain or perforated metal.

3

Aluminum & glass.

4

Raco Aluminum frames for interiors was a basis of design our designers preferred when I was active 10 years ago. Economical solution for interior only. It never made sense to me to use an exterior storefront inside a building, except where it was part of a vestibule. For glass and aluminum office storefronts, Raco seemed to work.

Here are the other manufacturers listed in the ten-year old section I found, with no guarantees who is still in business, or who is comparable to whom:

  1. Dual Lock Partition Systems, Inc.
  2. Frameworks Manufacturing Co., Inc.
  3. Modulex, Inc.
  4. Raco Altura.
  5. Versatrac; a division of A. J. May, Inc.
  6. Western Integrated Materials, Inc.
  7. Wilson Partitions, Inc.
5

Colin has these under 08 1125 - Interior Aluminum Doors and Frames, in 4specs.com

6

I used 08 1216 and called it “Interior Aluminum Frames” - MF16 lists that number as “Aluminum Frames”.

7

I describe these products for my clients in Houston as “RACO-type frames.” There were developed by the Ragland Company for a large commercial office developer here in Houston. It is a pretty slick system.

The extruded wall thickness is not as thick as storefront. While this is appropriate for a commercial office environment, it should not be used in a school or other institutional application.