Environmental
Q. How can C/S prove it is the leader in sustainable wall protection?
Q. Why PVC-free wall protection?
Q. What is a PBT?
Q. What does Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM mean?
Q. Is Acrovyn 4000 GREENGUARD certified?
Q. Is there recycled content in Acrovyn 4000?
Q. Why ISO 14001 certification?
Q. How can C/S supply Acrovyn 4000 at the same price as traditional wall protection?
Q. Is C/S looking at bio-based products for future generations of Acrovyn?
Q. Where can I find additional information about the human health impact, ingredients and life cycle of Acrovyn 4000?
Technical Support Data
Q. Is Acrovyn fire rated?
Q. What is the difference between Class 1 fire rating and Time-hour fire rating?
Q. What is the value of the UL Label?
Q. How are the UL labeled products identified?
Q. Why must Acrovyn products be acclimated in a 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) environment for at least 24 hours prior to installation?
Corner Guards
Q. What heights are available?
Q. Are special angles available?
Q. Why should I use an end cap at the bottom of surface mounted units?
Q. How far above the finished floor should a corner guard start?
Q. Are corner guards for end wall applications all one size?
Q. How do you attach clear polycarbonate corner guards?
Q. Must flush corner guards be floor to ceiling?
Q. How do I handle flush retainer when cove base is required?
Q. Does C/S have fire rated corner guards for penetrating a fire rated wall?
Q. Are special fasteners required for different wall construction types?
Q. Are the Renaissance wood corner guards always pre-finished?
Handrails
Q. What lengths are available?
Q. Can Acrovyn and Renaissance wood handrails span further to accommodate glazing mullions?
Q. If I want cut-to-size material what measurements must I provide?
Q. How critical are correct measurements and cutting?
Q. Are inside and outside corners available for all products?
Q. How do I deal with odd angle corners?
Q. Can some radiuses be performed in the field?
Q. Can I use Acrovyn or Renaissance wood handrails on staircases?
Q. Are special fasteners required for different wall construction types?
Q. Are face rail feature bumpers and inserts standard on wood handrails?
Q. Are the Renaissance wood handrails always pre-finished?
Q. Are Renaissance wood rails easier to maintain than conventional wood rails?
Q. Is a touch-up kit available for wood products?
Q. What can I do to help prevent high risk patients from harming themselves?
Crash Rails, Bumper Guards & Accent Rails
Q. What lengths are available?
Q. Can Acrovyn & Renaissance wood rails span further to accommodate glazing mullions?
Q. If I want cut-to-size material, what measurements must I provide?
Q. How critical is correct measurement and cutting?
Q. Are outside corners available for all products?
Q. How do I deal with odd angle corners?
Q. Can some radiuses be performed in the field?
Q. Are special fasteners required for different wall construction types?
Q. Are the Renaissance wood rails always pre-finished?
Q. Is a touch-up kit available for wood Renaissance products?
Door & Frame Protection
Q. Are there standard sizes for kick/push plates?
Q. What is the available thickness for kick/push plates?
Q. Can specially shaped kick plates be contoured at the factory?
Q. How are the edges of kick/push plates finished?
Q. How much area of the door or frame can be clad without losing the fire rating?
Q. How is the door protection product normally applied to the door or frame?
Q. How are door and frame protection products notched around door hardware?
Q. Why are door frame measurements required when ordering door frame protection?
Q. What is the best way to provide dimensions for a door frame?
Q. Why are samples required on formed door frame protectors?
Q. How does one verify door to frame clearance?
Q. What can be done if sufficient space between the door and frame does not exist?
Q. Can radiused elevator frames be protected?
Q. How does one select the appropriate doorknob protector?
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Environmental
Q. How can C/S prove it is the leader in sustainable wall protection?
A. C/S walks the talk. We are the only wall protection manufacturer to commit to eliminating PVC. Not only do we offer multiple sustainable products, but our environmental stewardship has been recognized and/or certified on numerous occasions (PA Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence, 4-year consecutive recipient of Practice Greenhealth's Champion for Change Award, Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM.
Q. Why PVC-free wall protection?
A. There is controversy within the plastics community regarding the safety of PVC; however, C/S sides with the proponents of safe chemicals and human health concerns. Vinyl chloride monomers, halogenated/brominated fire retardants, plasticizers and other materials added to enhance the physical performance and fire rating of PVC have all been shown to be harmful. Dioxin is among the top PBTs on EPA's list of toxic chemicals and is attributable to a number of materials, of which PVC is one. The environmental concerns of PVC have led numerous local authorities in the U.S. and several European countries to discourage its use. In the LEED® Pilot Program, ID Pilot Credit 54: Avoidance of Chemicals of Concern encourages the increased use of products and materials that disclose chemical ingredient data and the reduction of the concentrations of chemical contaminants that can damage air quality, human health, productivity and the environment.
Q. What is a PBT?
A. Persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs) are toxic chemicals that remain in the environment and pose risk to human health and ecosystems. They are a threat because they do not break down easily in the environment, which is why they are described as persistent, and they can build up in the food chain over time, or bioaccumulate. PBTs are harmful to humans because they are known to cause damage to the nervous and reproductive systems. Most PBTs are man-made, but some, such as mercury, exist naturally and have only become a problem because of their increased use in man-made products. Acrovyn 4000 is PBT-free.
Q. What does MBDC Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM mean?
A. MBDC is a world-renowned third party organization that evaluates company's product and processes against the Cradle to Cradle® standards. Cited by many to be one of the most rigorous environmental standards, MBDC has not just evaluated our base resin, but all our practices, processes and complete product down to its chemical constituents at the level of 100 parts per million (ppm). The five key criteria that MBDC bases its certification on are:
- Materials – The actual material composition identified and assessed down to the 100 ppm.
- Material Reutilization/Design for Environment – The manufacturing process is evaluated and the recycling of the material is clearly defined (Cradle to Cradle®).
- Energy – Responsible energy consumption is evaluated.
- Water – Responsible water consumption and conservation measures are evaluated.
- Social Responsibility – Fair employee compensation plan, are all documented and reviewed.
Q. Is Acrovyn 4000 GREENGUARD certified?
A. No. GREENGUARD certifies that products meet the CA 01350 protocol for good indoor air quality, while MBDC evaluates much more, as stated above. Since Acrovyn 4000 meets CA 01350 it meets the GREENGUARD protocol.
Q. Is there recycled content in Acrovyn 4000?
A. Yes. This varies by model; please contact the factory for specific requirements.
Q. Why ISO 14001 certification?
A. ISO 14001 is the foremost international standard for responsible environmental management. C/S chose ISO 14001 as the umbrella under which it manages and audits its diverse and many environmental initiatives.
Q. How can C/S supply Acrovyn 4000 at the same price as traditional wall protection?
A. C/S has listened to the market and has worked diligently to keep our pricing at PVC levels. We can manufacture all materials from one environmentally-friendly compound, formulated from a base resin that is readily produced and economically available. Because of this, we have only one inventory to maintain, which has proven to be very cost effective.
Q. Is C/S looking at bio-based products for future generations of Acrovyn?
A. Yes. C/S continues to review the evolution of bio-based compounds for potential use in future generations of Acrovyn. We believe additional time, research and discernment is necessary before the use of bio-polymers can be accepted as a socially, ethically and environmentally sound practice. Our move towards bio-based materials will be dependent upon the satisfaction of our requirements that these newer products meet the practical, biological and ethical standards held by the design/build community and the oversight groups who monitor and certify their composition. Until then, we will continue to use only those raw materials that have been sourced responsibly while meeting the strictest definitions of being truly "eco friendly" without compromise.
Q. Where can I find additional information about the human health impact, ingredients and life cycle of Acrovyn 4000?
A. Please visit transparency.c-sgroup.com to review material content, recycled content, third party certifications and more for our wall guards and rigid sheet.
^ Back to TopTechnical Support Data
Q. Is Acrovyn fire rated?
A. Yes. Acrovyn is UL Classified and Labeled Class 1 or Intertek Labeled. The following lists the six distinctly different applications for Acrovyn. (Refer to actual test results found here.)
- Acrovyn Profiles (handrails, crash rails, bumper guards, accent rails and corner guards)
- Acrovyn Wall Covering
- Acrovyn Wall Panels (tested in accordance with ASTM E84 Class B fire characteristics)
- Acrovyn Fire Rated, Flush Mounted, Corner Guards are UL Labeled with 1-hour and 2-hour ratings (acts as a fire barrier when used with fire rated walls)
- Acrovyn Door Protection is Intertek Labeled for 20 minute wood fire doors (particle board core with wood stiles and rails; surface mounted or concealed intumescent required) and 60 minute wood mineral core fire doors with non-combustable stiles and rails (surface mounted or concealed intumescent required).
- Acrovyn Door Frame Protection is Intertek Labeled for 60 minute standard steel UL Subject 63 fire door frames (intumescent edge seal required).
Q. What is the difference between Class 1 fire rating and Time-hour fire rating?
A. Class 1 designates the material's surface burning characteristics when tested in accordance with UL723, ASTM E84 and CAN/ULCS102.2. The governing building codes such as ICC, NFPA, UBC, BOCA and SBCCI mandate that all building materials carry a minimum of a Class III rating. Acrovyn is Class 1, signifying a much lower flame spread rating than required by code.
Time-hour rating is the appropriate designation for those products applied onto or into equally rated doors, as well as fire rated flush mounted corner guards installed in fire rated walls. Applying a material that is not time-rated to a rated door and/or door frame will negate the rating of the assembly.
Q. What is the value of the UL label?
A. The Underwriters Laboratories certifies, via its label, that each piece of Acrovyn constantly meets or exceeds the requirements of the specified test procedure and outcome. C/S is part of the UL Follow-Up Program, which ensures we continue to use classified materials and components.
Q. How are the UL labeled products identified?
A. Furnishing a test report is insufficient; therefore, the products must be labeled with a UL approved label.
Q. Why must Acrovyn products be acclimated in a 65-75ºF (18-24ºC) environment for at least 24 hours prior to installation?
A. Product acclimation prior to installation helps prevent unnecessary shrinkage or expansion problems after installation is complete.
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Corner Guards
Q. What heights are available?
A. 4', 8' and 10' (1.2m, 2.4m and 3.0m) are standard heights for most Acrovyn models, with any size up to 20' (6.1m) being available. Renaissance corner guards are supplied cut to size only with a standard maximum height of 10' (3.0m); consult factory regarding longer length requirements. Be sure to reference the available heights for specific model(s) of interest.
Q. Are special angles available?
A. Acrovyn corner guards are available in most degrees for both surface mounted and flush mounted models. Consult factory with specific requirements.
Q. Why should I use an end cap at the bottom of surface mounted units?
A. The bottom cap prevents the cover from slipping down.
Q. How far above the finished floor should a corner guard start?
A. It's recommended that all corner guards start at the top of the cove base height to facilitate floor cleaning.
Q. Are corner guards for end wall applications all one size?
A. No. End wall guards are fabricated to suit the wall thickness specified.
Q. How do you attach clear polycarbonate corner guards?
A. Clear corner guards must be applied with screws because adhesive will show through the unit.
Q. Must flush corner guards be floor to ceiling?
A. No. Flush guards are available in partial heights utilizing special closure caps for models FS-20N, FS-20RN, SFS-20N, SFS-20RN and FSC-25N; however, models FS-10N, FS-10RN, SFS-10N and SFS-10RN do need to be installed at full height.
Q. How do I handle flush retainer when cove base is required?
A. Our flush retainer has a standard base unit for cove base to go over. Specify desired height.
Q. Does C/S have fire rated corner guards for penetrating a fire rated wall?
A. Yes. (Refer to the product brochure for several options of fire rated flush mounted corner guards.)
Q. Are special fasteners required for different wall construction types?
A. All interior wall protection products are supplied with fasteners appropriate for the installation. Use of other fasteners will void the product warranty. Be sure to specify the wall condition when ordering.
Q. Are the Renaissance wood corner guards always pre-finished?
A. Yes. Renaissance wood corner guards will be shipped pre-finished only. Custom finishes are also available.
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Handrails
Q. What lengths are available?
A. Acrovyn rails are supplied in length up to 20' (6.1m) or cut to size, as required. Renaissance wood rails will be shipped in random lengths from 7'-12' (2.1m-3.7m) unless ordered cut to size. [Special orders can be supplied up to 16' (4.9m) long.]
Q. Can Acrovyn and Renaissance wood handrails span further to accommodate glazing mullions?
A. Yes. With additional reinforcements in some cases, most Acrovyn and Renaissance handrails will span across full height glazing where mullions are at conventional spacing.
Q. If I want cut-to-size material what measurements must I provide?
A. Measure door jamb to door jamb; the factory will make the appropriate deductions.
Q. How critical are correct measurements and cutting?
A. Measuring and cutting are very critical, although most Acrovyn rails are designed to allow for some adjustment of end caps after installation, for best possible fit and finish. Renaissance wood rails allow for no adjustment.
Q. Are inside and outside corners available for all products?
A. No. Refer to the product brochure, as some rails do not have certain corner accessories.
Q. How do I deal with odd angle corners?
A. Most rails are available with factory fabricated corners for odd angles.
Q. Can some radiuses be performed in the field?
A. Acrovyn, yes. Renaissance, no.
Q. Can I use Acrovyn or Renaissance wood handrails on staircases?
A. The majority of handrails are not recommended. HR-6C, HRO-6, P-OA, P-RA, P-OW, P-RW, P-OM and HRW-6C are not recommended for stair towers but can be used for straight staircases. HRWS-6C and HRS-6C can be used for both conditions.
Q. Are special fasteners required for different wall construction types?
A. All interior wall protection products are supplied with fasteners appropriate for the installation. Use of other fasteners will void the product warranty. Be sure to specify the wall condition when ordering.
Q. Are face rail feature bumpers and inserts standard on wood handrails?
A. No. You have to specify exactly which you want or the rails will be supplied with no inserts or surface treatment.
Q. Are the Renaissance wood handrails always pre-finished?
A. Yes. Renaissance handrails will be shipped pre-finished only. Custom finishes are also available.
Q. Are Renaissance wood rails easier to maintain than conventional wood rails?
A. Renaissance profiles using aluminum retainers incorporate a patented design which allows the wood components to be removed for repair/refinishing without having to remove the entire handrail from the wall.
Q. Is a touch-up kit available for wood products?
A. Yes, touch-up markers and putty sticks are available for standard and custom finishes.
Q. What can I do to help prevent high risk patients from harming themselves?
A. C/S can provide a handrail bracket enclosure for most of our handrail profiles. This enclosure completely seals off the back of the handrail so there is no gap between the wall and the handrail.
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Crash Rails & Accent Rails
Q. What lengths are available?
A. Most Acrovyn crash rails and bumper guards are supplied in lengths up to 20' (6.1m) or cut to size as required, while most Acrovyn accent rails are supplied in 12' (3.7m) lengths. Renaissance wood rails will be shipped in random lengths of 7'-12' (2.1m-3.7m) unless ordered cut to size. [Special wood orders can be supplied up to 16' (4.9m) long.]
Q. Can Acrovyn & Renaissance wood rails span further to accommodate glazing mullions?
A. Yes. With additional reinforcements in some cases, most Acrovyn and Renaissance rails will span across full height glazing where mullions are at conventional spacing.
Q. If I want cut-to-size material, what measurements must I provide?
A. Measure door jamb to door jamb; the factory will make the appropriate deductions.
Q. How critical is correct measurement and cutting?
A. Accuracy is essential because there is no allowance for adjustment.
Q. Are outside corners available for all products?
A. No. Refer to the product brochure, as some rails do not have certain corner accessories.
Q. How do I deal with odd angle corners?
A. Most rails are available with factory fabricated corners for odd angles. Consult factory.
Q. Can some radiuses be performed in the field?
A. Acrovyn, yes. Renaissance, no.
Q. Are special fasteners required for different wall construction types?
A. All interior wall protection products are supplied with fasteners appropriate for the installation. Use of other fasteners will void the product warranty. Be sure to specify the wall condition when ordering.
Q. Are the Renaissance wood rails always pre-finished?
A. Yes. Renaissance wood rails will be shipped pre-finished only. Custom finishes are also available.
Q. Is a touch-up kit available for Renaissance wood products?
A. Yes, touch-up markers and putty sticks are available for standard and custom finishes.
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Door & Frame Protection
Q. Are there standard sizes for kick/push plates?
A. Yes. Typically kick plates are 28"-46" (.7m-1.2m) in height and width. [Kick plates should be ordered 2" (50.8mm) narrower than actual door widths.] Push plates are generally 16"-20" (406.4mm-508mm) in height by 4"-6" (101.6mm-152.4mm) in width. Factory will fabricate kick/push plates to your exact dimensions.
Q. What is the available thickness for kick/push plates?
A. Kick/push plates are available in .040" (1.02mm) and .060" (1.52mm) thick Acrovyn, as well as 16 GA. stainless steel.
Q. Can specially shaped kick plates be contoured at the factory?
A. Yes. C/S has cutting tools to create waves and other custom shapes from .040" (1.02mm) and .060" (1.52mm) Acrovyn sheet. Contact the factory for design possibilities.
Q. How are the edges of kick/push plates finished?
A. To avoid snagging, Acrovyn kick/push plates are normally furnished with beveled edges on all four sides, while all edges of stainless steel kick/push plates are de-burred.
Q. How much area of the door or frame can be clad without losing the fire rating?
A. The entire door and frame can be clad with Acrovyn and still retain the door rating. C/S has achieved Intertek certificatation for the full height when Acrovyn is applied with either water-based contact cement or double-faced tape.
NOTE: C/S marks the exposed face of all cladding with a heat stamp showing a company identifier and the Intertek symbol to eliminate any questions inspectors may have.
Q. How is the door protection product normally applied to the door or frame?
A. Door protection is applied with water based contact cement or double-faced tape. Screws can also be used for stainless steel kick/push plates and stainless steel door edge protectors.
Q. How are door and frame protection products notched around door hardware?
A. For Acrovyn products, the required cutouts can be made in the field with a utility knife. Stainless steel products must be factory notched according to accurate field dimensions.
Q. Why are door frame measurements required when ordering door frame protection?
A. There are several standard door frames in the industry; accurate field measurements help ensure the correctly sized door frame protection is supplied.
Q. What is the best way to provide dimensions for a door frame?
A. The best way is to accurately measure the frame and note the dimensions on a sketch. C/S will produce a sample based on those dimensions.
Q. Why are samples required on formed door frame protectors?
A. Samples are required to verify the size(s) to be produced will fit correctly.
Q. How does one verify door to frame clearance?
A. Request a small sample of .040" (1.02mm), .060" (1.52mm) or stainless steel material from the factory. Hold sample against the door frame, then close the door to verify sufficient clearance exists. Be sure to check clearance at various places from the bottom of the door and frame up to the point where the protection terminates, as clearance varies depending upon how straight the door and frame are.
Q. What can be done if sufficient space between the door and frame does not exist?
A. On non fire rated doors, edges of the door can be undercut to compensate for material thickness. NOTE: Undercutting fire rated doors will nullify fire rating.
Q. Can radiused elevator frames be protected?
A. Yes. C/S makes a radiused elevator guard, model C1-DFP. These guards are custom formed to dimensions provided by the customer.
Q. How does one select the appropriate doorknob protector?
A. Measure the outermost dimensions of the hardware to help determine which doorknob protector has the appropriately sized/shaped opening. Refer to our website or contact the factory to select the door knob protector that will work best.
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