When you think of fire protection in a building, what comes to mind? Fire extinguishers, Smoke alarms, Sprinkler systems. Fire-rated glass has been an important component in building safety for decades,   most professionals in the industry know little about it. As a result, incorrect product is specified, installed and approved – potentially putting lives and property at unnecessary risk.

What is fire-rated glass?

As the name implies, it is glass that has proven to offer a protection in the face of fire. That may sound like a strange task for glass to perform. Obviously, glass can’t extinguish a fire or warn a building’s that there’s any danger. But fire-rated glass can help to  keep flames and smoke from spreading from one room to another. The official term for this is partition, and it means that glass can play a vital role in restricting fire damage to a limited area.

Fire-rated glass looks deceptively similar to its non-rated counterparts. However, in reality, most glass offers little, if any, fire protection. For instance, standard window glass will break when the temperature reaches approximately 250° F. Tempered glass can last until about 500°F. In contrast, fire-rated glass can typically survive heat in excess of 1600° F. With structural fires capable of reaching extremely high temperatures very quickly, the need for this specialty glass is easy to recognize.

Types of fire-rated glass:

1. Polished Wired Glass

Polished Wired Glass is far and away the most well known product in the industry. For many years it was the only glass that could pass the fire testing.

2.   Ceramic Glass

Ceramic Glass is a category of fire-rated glazing that has long been known for its amazing ability to withstand heat and thermal shock.

3.  Tempered Glass

Tempered Glass has become a popular alternative for low level fire safety. It is clear, wireless and has a fairly moderate initial investment.

4.  Transparent Wall Units

Transparent Wall Units make up the final category of fire-rated glass, and in reality, they are in a class by themselves. They are tested and classified as “walls, ” even though they are made of glass. Their claim to fame is their resistance to heat tranfer. Transparent wall units can actually block significant amounts of heat from transfering through the glass.

5. Chicken Wire glass

Chiken Wire Glass  is manufactured primarily as a fire retardant, with wire mesh inlaid in the  glass to prevent it from shattering and breaking out under stress or when exposed to high temperatures. This product is traditionally accepted as low-cost  fire glass.

Where Fire – Rated Glass Can Be Used :

1. External use of windows, doors, store fronts in offices, houses, shops etc.
2. Interior glass screens, partitions, balustrades etc.
3. shop display windows, showcases, display shelves etc.
4. Museums, prisons, government buildings
5. Jewelry stores, banks, airports
6. Furniture
7. Bathroom etc.

 

At Bear Glass Our team is always available to give prompt replies and service. We ensure that you will receive the high quality glass you want at the most  competitive prices.