Fire Resistant Glazing

What is Fire Resistant Glazing?

Fire-resistant glazing is a process to make glass panels more resistant to flames, smoke, and heat. There are different types of fire-resistant glazing techniques that you can combine, each offering a different level of protection from fire and heat.

You can apply some of these techniques to existing glass, such as glaze and laminates. Other techniques must be installed from the beginning when constructing a building.

You can use fire-resistant glazing to make glass panels or other surfaces fire-resistant. This can offer protection to certain rooms or a whole building against the effects of fire and heat.

How Fire-Resistant Glazing Works

Fire-resistant glass compartmentalises the smoke and flames by allowing for space between panes of glass to prevent it from shattering. The extra spaces contain fire-suppressing materials, which both contain the fire, and keep the radiant heat from going into the adjacent room.

This typically works one way, so there is a ‘correct’ and an ‘incorrect’ way to install fire-resistant glass. You also need to be sure you’re using a fire-resistant frame system as well, for it to be the most effective..

What is the Fire Rating System?

Fire ratings for glass and fire glazing are expressed as three numbers, indicating the time, in minutes, that the piece can withstand in a fire in each category.

The first number measures structural integrity, the second measures the spread of flames and smoke, and the third measures heat resistance. Most ratings average around 45 minutes, which is sufficient for most residential and low-risk areas to evacuate. However, buildings with combustible materials require longer fire ratings. It’s essential to check your building codes and standards to ensure you’re using the correct fireproofing systems for your area. Remember, to be considered fire-resistant, your glass must have fire-resistant frames, not just fire-protective ones.

Types of Fire Resistant Glazing

The different types of fire-resistant glazing include heat-resistant liquid coatings, laminate filters, and the use of wires or gels between panes of treated glass.

Fire protective glass can use any combination of these features to offer different protection times against standard fires. The fire-resistant glass must use the flame-retardant gels between the panes of the glass to lock out the heat from the fire. 

If you’re curious what this would look like, get in touch and we can show some example products. Additionally we can install a fire door using these methods up to the highest of safety requirements.

What Are the Uses for Fire Resistant Glazing?

You can use fire-resistant glazing to create safe evacuation routes in a commercial building. Do this by lining the stairwell with fire-resistant materials and having clearly marked exit doors. You can use the fire-resistant glass as a tunnel to the exit doors for a safe and efficient evacuation.

You could also use it to secure and contain areas where fires are more common, such as in a laboratory or other room where you must store flammable chemicals.

Using fire-resistant glazing in your home, along with other fire-resistant materials, can help your home maintain its structural integrity in the face of a fire.

What Are the Benefits of Fire Resistant Glazing?

Fire-resistant glazing can protect your home or business in the event of a fire. It can also add precious time to allow your family, employees, or clients to evacuate. The extra time allows them to safely evacuate the building before the fire has a chance to spread to the evacuation area.

You can save money and prevent property damage by making sure your business meets the criteria for fire resistance. Many insurance companies will offer discounts for premiums on fire-safe buildings.

You don’t have to sacrifice design to have a safe building. Many forms of fire-resistant glass look the same as regular glass, so you don’t have to compromise.

Build Safe and Smart with Fire Resistant Glazing

Fire-resistant glazing allows you a window of protection from flames, smoke, and heat in the event of a fire. Installing this kind of protection is required for some commercial buildings, and beneficial for keeping homes safer against fires.

To increase your protection against fire-based incidents, you may also install fire batts, fire dampers or fire collars and wraps.

We hope you use this information to help you make good choices about fire safety in your commercial building or home. If you would like help adding fire resistance to your commercial building or ensuring compliance with regulations, get in contact with us today or get a fire risk assessment by filling out the form.