When it comes to building safety, fire-rated glass stands out as one of the most critical investments a property owner or architect can make. At Bear Glass, we deliver premium fire-rated glass solutions across New York and the United States — combining superior safety performance with the elegance of modern design. Whether you’re constructing a new commercial space or upgrading a residential property, our fire-rated glass products offer the protection, clarity, and compliance you need.

What Is Fire Rated Glass?

Fire-rated glass is a specialized type of safety glass engineered to resist the spread of fire and smoke for a defined period of time. Unlike ordinary glass that shatters or melts under intense heat, fire-rated glass is manufactured using advanced materials and precision processes that dramatically enhance its thermal resistance and structural integrity when exposed to high temperatures.

This makes it an ideal choice for buildings where fire safety is a top priority — including commercial offices, hospitals, schools, hotels, and multi-family residential buildings. By slowing the progression of fire, it buys critical time for occupants to evacuate and for emergency responders to intervene — all while preserving natural light and open sightlines that define contemporary architecture.

“Fire-rated glass is ideal for cases where one needs open space and natural light in abundance, along with the proper fire rating of the establishment.”

— Bear Glass

Bear Glass Fire-Rated Glass Products

Bear Glass carries the best in quality fire-rated glass, with products available in a variety of fire ratings designed to meet most glazing classifications and applications. Our fire-rated glass product line is built around the trusted PYRAN® Platinum family — a superior glass-ceramic solution available in three configurations.

1. 3/16″ PYRAN® PLATINUM — Fire Rating: 20–90 Minutes

PYRAN® Platinum is Bear Glass’s entry-level fire-protection rated glazing material, crafted from transparent glass-ceramic at a thickness of 3/16″ (5mm). It is designed for non-impact, non-safety rated locations such as transoms and windows where true-color rendition and fire resistance of up to 90 minutes are required.

Safety Features

• Fire-rated for up to 90 minutes with required hose-stream test
• Passes positive pressure test standard UL 10C
• Withstands thermal shock for sustained performance under extreme heat

Where Can It Be Used?

• Can be used to construct insulated glazing units
• Can be lightly sandblasted or delivered with surface-applied opacity film, without affecting fire rating
• Approved for use with any standard fire-rated frame carrying the same rating

2. 3/16″ PYRAN® PLATINUM F — Fire Rating: 20–180 Minutes

PYRAN® Platinum F is a step up — a fire-protection rated and impact safety-rated glazing material made from transparent glass-ceramic at 3/16″ (5mm) thickness. It features a surface-applied safety film, making it ideal for use in safety-rated locations including door lites, transoms, sidelites, and windows with fire ratings up to 90 minutes in windows and an impressive up to 180 minutes in doors.

Safety Features

• Surface-applied safety film; impact safety-rated: meets ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16CFR1201 (Cat. I and/or II)
• Fire-rated for up to 90 minutes with required hose-stream test
• Fire-rated for up to 180 minutes in doors with required hose-stream test
• Withstands thermal shock
• Passes positive pressure test standard UL 10C

Where Can It Be Used?

• Can be used to construct insulated glazing units
• Can be lightly sandblasted or delivered with surface-applied opacity film, without affecting fire rating
• Approved for use with any standard fire-rated frame carrying the same rating

3. 5/16″ PYRAN® PLATINUM L — Fire Rating: 20–180 Minutes

PYRAN® Platinum L is the most robust option in the lineup — a fire-protection rated and impact safety-rated glazing material with a thicker profile of approximately 5/16″. It is made from a laminated glass-ceramic, offering a transparent appearance with exceptional durability. Like the Platinum F, it supports fire ratings up to 90 minutes in windows and up to 180 minutes in doors.

Safety Features

• Laminated floated glass-ceramic; impact safety-rated: meets ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16CFR1201 (Cat. I and/or II)
• Fire-rated for up to 90 minutes with required hose-stream test
• Fire-rated for up to 180 minutes in doors with required hose-stream test
• Withstands thermal shock
• Passes positive pressure test standard UL 10C

Where Can It Be Used?

• Can be used to construct insulated glazing units
• Can be lightly sandblasted or modified with surface-applied decorative or opacity films without affecting fire rating or UL listing

Fire-Rated Glass Specifications at a Glance

Benefits of Fire-Protective Glazing

Fire-protective glazing goes far beyond simply slowing down flames. Here’s a closer look at why architects, builders, and property owners across the country trust Bear Glass for their fire-rated glass glazing needs:

• Fire Resistance: Withstands high temperatures and prevents the spread of flames and hot gases, containing a fire event within defined zones.
• Smoke Containment: Limits the passage of smoke, significantly reducing visibility hazards and toxic gas exposure during an emergency.
• Thermal Insulation: Minimizes heat transfer, protecting adjacent areas from dangerous radiant heat buildup.
• Impact Resistance: Many fire-protective glazing solutions also offer robust impact resistance, enhancing overall safety against both fire and physical hazards.
• Natural Light Preservation: Unlike solid fire walls, fire-rated glass maintains visibility and allows natural daylight — making buildings safer without compromising aesthetics.
• Code Compliance: Helps properties meet local, state, and national building codes and fire safety regulations with certified, tested products.

Where Is Fire-Rated Glass Used?

Bear Glass fire-rated glass can be integrated into a wide range of architectural applications, both in new construction and renovation projects. Here are some of the most common use cases:

• Doors and Windows: Installed in fire-rated doors and windows to maintain compartmentalization and prevent fire from spreading between zones.
• Partitions and Walls: Used in interior partitions and walls to create fire-resistant barriers without blocking light or sightlines.
• Facades and Atriums: Incorporated into building facades and open atriums for a combination of modern aesthetics and essential safety performance.
• Stairwells and Corridors: Essential in escape routes and emergency corridors to ensure clear, safe evacuation paths during a fire event.
• Hospitals and Schools: Critical in high-occupancy buildings where compliance and occupant safety are non-negotiable priorities.

How to Choose the Right Fire-Rated Glass

Selecting the right fire-rated glass involves more than just picking a product off the shelf. Here’s what you should always verify before making your decision:

1. Match the fire rating to the application. A door may require up to 180 minutes of protection, while a transom window may only need 20–90 minutes.
2. Check for impact safety ratings. In high-traffic or safety-rated locations, choose products that also meet ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16CFR1201 standards.
3. Verify certifications. Always look for glazing products certified by recognized testing standards, such as UL 10C for positive pressure performance.
4. Consult with experts. Not all glazing products are equal — Bear Glass experts can help you determine the right product for your specific building classification, code requirements, and design goals.
5. Plan for maintenance. Fire-rated glass is durable, but regular inspection and upkeep are essential to ensure long-term performance. Check for cracks, film integrity, and frame compatibility periodically.

What is the difference between fire-rated glass and regular glass?

Regular glass shatters or melts when exposed to heat, compromising the safety of a building. Fire-rated glass is specifically engineered to maintain its integrity for a defined duration — whether 20, 60, 90, or 180 minutes — under direct fire exposure.

Can fire-rated glass be customized?

Yes. Bear Glass’s fire-rated products can be lightly sandblasted or fitted with surface-applied opacity or decorative films without affecting their fire rating or UL listing. Custom sizes and shapes are also available to suit project-specific requirements.

Why Choose Bear Glass for Fire-Rated Glass?

Bear Glass has been a trusted name in the glass industry, serving customers across New York and the broader United States. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Extensive Product Range: From PYRAN® Platinum to Platinum F and Platinum L, we carry fire-rated glass suited for virtually every application.
• Expert Guidance: Our team of specialists will help you navigate fire ratings, building codes, and product certifications to find the best fit for your project.
• Internal and External Applications: Our products perform in both exterior and interior glazing scenarios, giving architects and builders maximum design flexibility.
• Certified and Compliant Products: All our fire-rated glass products meet rigorous national testing standards and carry recognized certifications.
• Two Convenient Locations: Serving customers from our Queens Village, NY and Tinton Falls, NJ facilities.

Request a Free Quote Today

Ready to enhance the fire safety of your building without sacrificing design? Bear Glass is here to help. Contact our team today to discuss your fire-rated glass requirements and receive a no-obligation quote tailored to your project.

Queens Village, NY: 217-44 98th Ave, Queens Village, NY 11429 | +1 (718) 832-3604

Tinton Falls, NJ: 359 Essex Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753 | +1 (732) 901-2626

Email: sales@bearglass.com

Bear Glass Inc. — Delivering premium fire-rated glass solutions across the United States. Visit us at bearglass.com | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).

The post Fire Rated Glass: The Ultimate Safety Solution for Modern Buildings | Bear Glass appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

If you are looking for quality wood stove glass for your home heating needs, Bear Glass can provide custom wood stove glass doors that have been heat treated to increase strength and thermal shock and prevent injury due to breakage.

Ideal Solution for Woodstove Glass Replacement

Are you looking for woodstove glass replacement? Bear Glass can offer super heat resistant neoceram that is the perfect solution for use as cast iron wood stove glass doors where the panels are less than 6 inches from the hot burning fire.

The glass in your wood stove door or fireplace gives you a clear view of the fire burining. This is part of the ambiance of having a wood stove or fireplace. When you have glass in the wood stove door, it makes it that much more enjoyable to have a fire burning on a chilly fall evening or a cold winter day. Sometimes, due to accidents, the wood stove glass gets broken. We can replace it for you. We custom cut the woodstove glass to meet your needs. If it is curved or any shape other than a rectangle, provide us with a template and we’ll cut it to your specifications. Bear Glass specializes in 24 hour turn-around so you have your wood stove glass back in your woodstove door and you are back in service, once again enjoying a romatic fire on a chilly evening.

Neoceram® is commonly referred to as glass but it is actually a transparent ceramic. Neoceram is 3/16″ or 5mm thick. Unlike true glass, NeoCeram® withstands continuous exposure to high temperatures without fear of destruction. It is also resistant to failure due to temperature variation. This makes it the ideal solution for many wood stoves and fireplaces where glass panels are less than 6 inches from the flames. We offer optional tints or colors for your custom order.

Neoceram is a transparent low expansion glass-ceramic with a number of outstanding features that include high resistance to thermal shock, high mechanical strength, and excellent electrical characteristics. With an almost zero thermal expansion coefficient, the applications for Neoceram continue to grow from Wood Stoves, Gas Fireplaces, Electric Heaters to High Tech Applications.

About Neoceram Neoceram is commonly referred to as glass but it is actually a transparent ceramic. Neoceram is 3/16″ or 5mm thick. Ideal Solution for Woodstoves. Unlike annealed glass (Regular Float), Neoceram withstands continuous exposure to high temperatures without the fear of destruction. It is also resistant to failure due to temperature variation. It is the ideal solution for many wood stoves and fireplaces where glass panels are less than 6 inches from the flames.

Strength and Durability Neoceram can take the heat! Continuous temperatures up to 1470°F (700°C) can be withstood because this ceramic has an extremely low thermal coefficient of expansion. It doesn’t run or swell at high temperatures the way normal glass does.

Field Tested against Underwriters Laboratories (UL-1482) impact test Neoceram is a glass product that offers continuous, high temperature use (700°C / 1470° F) with no fear of destruction from high heat or temperature variation (water or snow on hot glass). Whether burning gas or wood, today’s high efficiency stoves and fireplaces can produce intense heat. While ordinary tempered glass withstands temperatures up to approximately 250° C (500°F), higher levels of heat may cause it to crack and shatter or worse explode out of your fireplace. For builders and home owners, that can mean costly replacements – or worse!

Thanks to modern technology, there is now an alternative! With the transparency of glass and the heat-resistant characteristics of ceramic. Neoceram can tolerate continuous temperatures up to 1470° F – nearly three times the heat resistance of tempered glass. Neoceram cannot be broken by heat during typical usage in a wood stove or gas fireplace.

Neoceram glass ceramic enables hearth appliance manufacturers and dealers to provide their customers with safe, high-efficiency gas- and wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, while maintaining the latest design options. Neoceram can withstand continuous temperatures up to 1, 292° F—nearly three times the heat resistance of tempered glass. It is ideal for use in high-efficiency heating appliances and cannot be broken by heat during typical usage.

Neoceram – PYROCERAM CERAMIC GLASS – STOVE GLASS available in 3/16″ thickness only. Only genuine pyroceram ceramic glass is used High temperature Pyroceram ceramic glass is suitable for use in wood, pellet and coal burning stoves. It’s thermal shock rating of 1380° F makes it ideal for any application where high temperature tolerance is required. Rarely used for fireplace doors. It often is used in industrial high temperature applications.

We currently stock Pyroceram, there is no visual or performance difference between pyroceram, neoceram, or robax, The difference is just trademarks, all 3 are transparent high temperature ceramic glass with a 1380° F thermal shock tolerance with a slight amber tint, slight texture, and available in 5mm (3/16) thickness.

We ship  Woodstove Glass world wide.

For more information, please contact us at:

FACTORY/OFFICE

Address:

Bear Glass Inc.

399 20th Street

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Phone: 718-832-3604

Fax: 718-832-0786

Email: bearglass@yahoo.com

The post Wood Stove Glass appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

When you think of fire protection in a building, what comes to mind? Fire extinguishers? Smoke alarms? Sprinkler systems? Chances are that window glass wasn’t at the top of the list. While fire-rated glass has been an important component in building safety for decades, most professionals in the industry know relatively little about it. As a result, it isn’t difficult for the incorrect product to be specified, installed and approved – potentially putting lives and property at unnecessary risk.

We’ll begin with some basic definitions. Just what is fire-rated glass? As the name implies, it is glass that has proven to offer a certain degree of 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 occupants that there’s any danger. But fire-rated glass can help keep flames and smoke from spreading from one room to another. The official term for this is compartmentation, and it means that glass can play a vital role in restricting fire damage to a limited area.

To the casual observer, it would seem that any glass could do that. After all, 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. That’s a marked difference in performance. With structural fires capable of reaching extremely high temperatures very quickly, the need for this specialty glass is easy to recognize.

To earn its stripes, fire-rated glass must pass a battery of tests established by national test standards. Independent laboratories (such as U.L.) run the tests, then assign an appropriate rating based on the results. The ratings are time increments, reflecting the duration of testing the product endured. That duration is intended to correspond to the length of time the glass should be expected to perform reliably in a fire. So if a product has a 45 minute rating, theoretically you could count on it containing flames and smoke for the first 45 minutes of a fire.

The testing is conducted in two parts. First, several pieces of the glass are installed in the wall of a large furnace. The wall might contain doors, sidelites, transoms, windows, etc. Following a strict time/temperature curve, the heat in the furnace is raised to an intense level, simulating conditions in a burning building. In order to successfully pass the test, the glass must remain in the frame. Cracking is allowed, provided the glass can still act as a barrier to flames and smoke.

Assuming the glass survived that portion of the test, there is a second phase required in the U.S. for a rating of 45 minutes or more. This is called the hose stream test, and it demonstrates the ability of the glass to withstand what is know as thermal shock. A fire hose with a high pressure nozzle is brought in to douse the hot glass with water at a pressure of at least 30 psi. Most glass cannot tolerate the stress of having one area hot and the other cool at the same time, and so it will shatter. If sprinklers come on during a fire, or if fire fighters arrive with extinguishers and hoses, it is quite possible for hot glass to be exposed to water. The last thing anyone would want at that point would be for the glass to vacate an opening, leaving room for the flames and smoke to spread. The hose stream test thus tests the integrity of the glass, framing system, and surrounding materials.

Once a product has completed the rigorous test process, it is assigned a fire rating. Ratings generally run anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Building codes then dictate where those differently rated products would be allowed in a building. In general, the codes are designed to take into account how long it will take people to exit a building in the event of a fire.

As you might suspect, many of the locations (such as doors and sidelites) requiring fire-rated glass are also locations where impact safety is a concern. This used to pose a real dilemma, because product options were very limited. None of the glass that had high impact ratings could pass the fire tests, and the fire-rated glass (typically wired glass) wasn’t strong enough for more than the minimum impact testing. So there often had to be a compromise. Today, however, there are several wireless glass products available that offer high levels of both fire and impact safety.

Impact ratings indicate what can be expected if someone (or something) runs into the glass. To test for impact, a 100 lb. bag of lead shot is dropped against a vertical piece of glass. The bag is raised to various heights for the different ratings to approximate the impact of individuals coming in contact with the glass. Afterwards, the breakage pattern of the glass is closely examined to determine whether or not it would be considered a hazard.

If you see a piece of wired glass with a label that says ANSI Z97.1, that means the glass has been tested to withstand 100 ft./lb., similar to impact of a small child. On the other hand, glass labeled as meeting CPSC 16CFR1201 (Category II) withstands 400 ft./lb. That is similar to the impact of a fast moving, full-grown adult.

When you multiply the number of fire ratings with the different safety ratings, you can see that the possible combinations are impressive. But ratings alone do not distinguish the various types of fire-rated glass on the market today. Each product has its own unique characteristics, making the decision process even more complex.

Despite all the variety, the field can be organized in a fairly simple and logical way. All fire-rated glazing falls into the following four primary categories:

Bear Glass Polished Wired Glass is far and away the most well known product in the industry. Used for more than a century, it has a solid track record. Most codes were originally written around wired glass, because for many years it was the only glass that could pass the fire testing. Wired glass is able to pass the hose stream test, and has earned a 45 minute rating (even higher in very small door sizes). Code and fire officials have been able to instantly recognize the wire mesh as a sign that glass was fire-rated.

In some instances, however, that same wire mesh has presented an undesirable “institutional” image. And occasionally, people have mistakenly assumed that the wire mesh makes the glass more impact resistant. Truth be told, wired glass is a relatively weak glass that only meets minimal 100 ft./lb. impact standards. With that in mind, even though wired glass is readily available and easily affordable, great care should be taken if it is installed in areas where impact safety is a concern, such as schools and other high traffic areas. Some schools, with liability issues in mind, use high impact fire-rated glass – even if initial costs are higher.

Bear Glass Ceramic Glass is a category of fire-rated glazing that has entered the market during the past 12 years. Ceramic has long been known for its amazing ability to withstand heat and thermal shock. That’s why today you can find ceramic in everything from cooktops to car engines. Once the technology was developed to form a clear product out of ceramic, it didn’t take long to see the potential for its use as a fire-rated glass.

Bear Glass Transparent and Wireless, Ceramic Glass offers a distinct aesthetic advantage. It comes in a range of make-ups that can provide many different characteristics: fire ratings up to 3 hours, high impact safety ratings, sound reduction, etc. It can also be beveled, etched or sandblasted without affecting the fire rating. It is even available in insulated glass unit (IGU) make-ups that comply with energy codes for use in exterior applications.

Bear Glass Specialty Tempered Glass has become a popular alternative for low level fire safety. It is clear, wireless and has a fairly moderate initial investment. High impact ratings make it suitable for some door applications. However, it does have some serious drawbacks that are important to note.

Unlike other fire-rated glazing products, specially tempered glass doesn’t pass the hose stream test. In an actual fire, if sprinklers activate nearby and even a small amount of water hits the hot glass, it will likely fall out of its frame – quite possibly within just a few minutes. That’s why it has only been able to comply with standards for a 20 minute rating. Many times this type of material has been inappropriately substituted for wired glass or other higher performance fire-rated glass, when in fact it does not carry the same fire rating. If sprinklers are anywhere near the opening, this product should not be considered.

Bear Glass 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. A fire could be raging on one side and you could literally still place your hand on the other side of the glass. For areas such as stairwells where people could be trapped for long periods of time, or in sensitive computer areas, or where large expanses of glass are used, transparent wall panels serve a genuine need.

There are different kinds of these products on the market. Some are insulated units filled with a clear gel that turns to an opaque foam during a fire. Others are made of multiple layers of glass (similar to bullet resistant glass) with intumescent interlayers that turn opaque during a fire. Both styles of products have ratings of up to 2 hours, withstand the fire hose stream test and offer high impact safety ratings. Thanks to new framing that is now available, architects can incorporate these transparent wall and door units from floor to ceiling in their designs, and still offer 2 hour fire protection.

Fire Rated Glass is a Bear Glass specialty. We look forward to working with you on your next project! Call us with your special needs and your unusual requirements. Competitive prices, outstanding delivery dates, and close interactive customer service make Bear Glass a perfect choice for your next job. We are committed to delivering a premium level service – providing speed, quality and simplicity throughout the entire process. Bear Glass is the preferred supplier to many of America’s best Architects, Designers, Builders and more.

We ship Fire Rated Glass worldwide.

Representatives from Bear Glass will be available  to answer questions about our line of Fire Rated Glass. To learn more, or to order  Bear Glass Fire Rated Glass:

FACTORY/OFFICE

The post Bear Glass Fire Rated Glass appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.