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Why Do We Need Fire Rated Doors?

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Jessica Rand

When it comes to fire safety and building to code, it may seem as though entrances and exits are minimal to the bigger picture. However, means of egress to your occupants are imperative to feeling confident about protection in the event of an extreme situation such as a structure fire. Additionally, the doors and frames…Read More»

Why FRP?

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Jessica Rand

In 1981 Special-Lite pioneered FRP face sheets in response to the need for a scratch and dent resistant door. Initially targeted at schools looking to avoid ongoing door replacements and time-intensive maintenance, this unique product has slowly proven its reliability in a variety of market applications for commercial builds and construction projects.

Courthouse Doors will be Trouble-Free Long After John Retires

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Andrew Paschall

A few weeks ago, I spoke to Special-Lite Sales Representative Joe Hoffman of D.A. Loss Associates. He excitedly told me that he had just been on-site at a courthouse, where Special-Lite doors had been installed over 30 years ago and still looked great! Joe enthusiastically shared his story: In 1981 Fond du Lac County built…Read More»

Case Study: Mission BBQ

Posted on September 27, 2018 by Andrew Paschall

A Mission to Build the Brand In the restaurant market, branding is a critical asset. This is especially true for restaurant chains. Here, building construction is heavily connected to the brand identity, even as local variations are permitted. For MISSION BBQ (https://mission-bbq.com/, the brand is reflected in their buildings (such as the corrugated metal awnings),…Read More»

Restaurant Doors Make a Great First Impression at Bravo!

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Andrew Paschall

For any restaurant, a first impression is important. And for most customers, that first impression is made right at the front door. The 180-seat Bravo! Restaurant & Café in Portage, Mich., just celebrated its 30th anniversary, serving a variety of Italian-American cuisine including pasta, calamari, and its famous mushroom soup, for which chef/owner Shawn Hagen…Read More»

How to Refinish Wood Grain Fiberglass Doors

Posted on July 5, 2018 by Andrew Paschall

Why Refinish a Wood Grain FRP Door? Every door, even the resilient doors of Special-Lite, need some periodic care to ensure both functional and appearance standards are met. You know that repainting a hollow metal door and refinishing a wood door require different processes. Most of the Special-Lite FRP doors are similar to the metal…Read More»

Case Study: Research Proves Special-Lite Doors Perform

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Andrew Paschall

As the Government of Canada’s premier research and technology organization, the National Research Council (NRC) is uniquely qualified to evaluate the merits of any product or technology, and the validity of any claims made about it. With over 50 specialized laboratory, testing, and office buildings to maintain in a sprawling campus in Ottawa, Ontario, they…Read More»

The Landing: Creating an Experience One Door at a Time

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Andrew Paschall

How do you design a restaurant that is as beautiful as the shores of Northern Lake Michigan, and as welcoming as your favorite local hangout? How do you enable a venue to stay as fresh and appetizing as the great food it serves its customers, all while battling a high-moisture environment and high-volume traffic? The…Read More»

Doors that Brand: The Making of a Winning Entrance

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Andrew Paschall

Do you need Doors that Brand your building? Follow the making of a Winning Entrance In March, we completed our #inoticedoors hashtag photo contest, and we announced the winning photo by Mike of The Lazzaro Companies: an entrance at Peoples Bank in Highland, IN. A Winning Design This entrance is unique, featuring not only curved…Read More»

PART 3 of 3 – Bullet Resistance (Ballistic) and Blast Resistance & How to Choose a Level of Protection

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Andrew Paschall

Bullet Resistant (Ballistic) It is sad to think that we live in a time where we need to design entrance solutions for keeping our families and property safe, but we must continually innovate to overcome the threats that present themselves in daily life. Bullet resistant doors or ballistic doors and complete ballistic-rated entrance systems are…Read More»

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Why Do We Need Fire Rated Doors?
Why FRP?
Courthouse Doors will be Trouble-Free Long After John Retires
Fire-Rated Doors 101: Learn More about Commercial FRP Fire Doors
Case Study: Mahana Condos