Safety is paramount in public spaces like restaurants, offices, and shops; protecting staff and customers should always be the top priority.
That’s where fire-rated glass comes in. The design of a property affects not only its visual appeal and brand image (for commercial applications) but also how safe it is from potential threats, in this instance, the spread of fire.
In the past, safety aspects have been overlooked when building offices, homes, and warehouses, to name a few. But fire-rated glass combines compliance, durability, and preventative measures into one versatile product, so you have less to worry about.
To learn more about how fire-rated glass is the next best thing for your project, stick with TuffX! We’re your go-to glass manufacturers for residential and commercial installations and projects across the UK.
What is Fire-Rated Glass?
Fire-rated glass is a fairly recent development that surpasses the performance of traditional glass by a long shot.
While it shares properties with safety glass, fire-rated glass is designed with the purpose of helping mitigate the spread and destruction of fire. With this in mind, this type of glass has been constructed to handle high temperatures and extreme conditions for up to 30, 60, and 90 minutes.
Sure, you may be thinking, ‘This sounds too good to be true.” But we have the science to back it up! Since this goes above and beyond conventional glass, advanced manufacturing processes are used to combine several layers of toughened glass with wired, ceramic, and intumescent interlayers (but we’ll get more into this in a second).
Are you designing or renovating a property? Or are you trying to find the perfect material for future projects? If so, our fire-rated glass floors are a great choice.
How Does Fire-Rated Glazing Work?
So, how does fire-rated glass actually slow down the spread of fire? This all comes down to the combination of materials used.
To be classified as fire-rated glass, the product must be able to handle temperatures of up to 870°C. In order for residents to escape the building and protect the structure from collapsing, it needs to handle an excess of heat while remaining intact.
That’s why one of three materials is used when manufacturing fire-rated glass: wired glass, ceramic glass, or multiple layers of intumescent materials. Each one is effective for its own reasons.
- Wired glass: Designed with a metal wire mesh, this wire holds the fragmented pieces of glass together if the outer layer cracks under heat stress. This prevents gaps that could allow flames or smoke to pass through.
- Ceramic glass: Renowned for its ability to withstand high temperatures, ceramic glass can endure direct exposure to flames without suffering severe structural damage. For this reason, it’s ideal for applications requiring clear views from the inside and reliable fire protection.
- Intumescent glass: This includes multiple interlayers of intumescent material sandwiched between panes of glass. These layers expand and form a dense, opaque barrier when exposed to high temperatures, blocking flames and smoke and reducing the risk of ignition on the protected side.
Side note: Certain intumescent layers can turn opaque to reduce the rise of panic in evacuees, preventing a clear view through the glass.
The Classifications of Fire-Rated Glass
When it comes to fire-rated glass, you want to know that what you’re seeing is what you’re getting. For this reason, all of our fire-rated glass products are rigorously tested, certified, and labelled according to strict industry standards.
Its performance is measured by two things: the integrity of the glass (how well it remains intact under stress) and its insulation properties (its capacity to reduce heat transfer to the non-fire side).
1. Integrity (E)
The integrity of fire-rated glass relates to how long the glass can remain in the frame during a fire and how well it can reduce the effects of heat and smoke.
For example, E60 glass would prevent the spread of fire from one room to another for 60 minutes.
Applications: Partition walls, doors, and windows.
2. Integrity and Radiation Control (EW)
EW-rated glass offers integrity and partial control of heat radiation. It doesn’t fully insulate against heat transfer, but it does significantly reduce the amount of radiant heat that passes through.
This prevents the risk of secondary fires.
Applications: Corridors and stairwells.
3. Integrity and Insulation (EI)
This refers to how well the glass can limit heat transfer from one side of the glass to the non-fire side and for how long (in addition to containing smoke and flames).
EI-rated glass keeps the surface temperature low, offering the highest level of protection for homes and businesses.
Applications: Escape routes, floors, fire doors, and high-risk zones.
Key Considerations for Compliance
Now, when working with fire-rated glass, how well it performs in a certain application depends on the correct specification, certification, and installation.
Understanding each one is essential to making sure you comply with building regulations and provide clients with reliable solutions.
Certification and Standards
Only use fire-rated glass that has been tested by accredited laboratories and certified by recognised bodies.
The classification (E, EW, or EI) and the time rating (e.g., 30, 60, 90 minutes) should be clearly stated on certificates. This is important to comply with Fire Safety: Approved Document B of the UK Building Regulations.
Make sure you install the correct classification of fire-rated glass according to the applications mentioned above!
Correct Installation
All fire-rated glass panes must be installed into approved fire-rated frames, including steel, aluminium, or hardwood.
Fire-rated glass must only be installed by a professional. The frames must be tested together with the glass to ensure they are effective at preventing the spread of fire.
What are the Advantages of Fire-Rated Glass?
If you’re still wondering how fire-rated glass can take your project to the next level, take a look at all of the benefits you can expect for both commercial and residential applications below:
- Superior fire safety: It’s essential for protecting people and objects during a fire, slowing down the spread of smoke and flames.
- Compliance with regulations: The use of fire-rated glass shows that occupant and structural safety is a top priority, helping your project pass inspections.
- Heat insulation: EI-rated fire glass prevents surfaces on the non-fire side from becoming dangerously hot, protecting occupants and furnishings in surrounding areas.
- Acoustic insulation: Besides fire safety, it offers excellent soundproofing qualities, blocking out outside noise. This is beneficial for offices, schools, and hospitals.
- Versatile application: Fire-rated glass can be used for windows, doors, partitions, curtain walls, and floors. This makes it a great choice for architects, contractors, and designers.
- Durability: The robust construction of fire-rated glass means it can withstand everyday wear and tear and force, ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Energy efficiency: Many fire-rated glass products reduce heat loss and gain, helping to improve a building’s overall energy performance.
TuffX: Leading the Way in Fire-Rated Glass Solutions
Fire-rated glass isn’t just a rising trend; it’s a necessity.
As a trusted supplier and glass manufacturer, TuffX is dedicated to offering high-quality products that meet stringent building demands, offering you the highest standards of safety and performance for every project.
If you’re looking for fire-rated glass floors for multi-story homes and buildings, look no further. Our fire-rated glass adheres to European and British safety regulations, including EN 13501-2, offering you outstanding glass solutions and extra peace of mind.