Fire Rated Glass

Fire-rated glass, also known as fire-resistant or fire-protective glass, is a specialized type of glass designed to resist the spread of fire and prevent it from passing through. It is commonly used in buildings where fire safety is a primary concern, such as schools, hospitals, offices, and residential buildings. Fire-rated glass works by providing a barrier that slows down the spread of fire and smoke, allowing occupants more time to evacuate the building safely and firefighters to gain control of the situation.

How Fire-Rated Glass Works:

Fire-rated glass is manufactured using various materials and techniques to achieve its fire-resistant properties. There are two primary categories of fire-rated glass: fire-protective and fire-resistive. Both types are designed to withstand high temperatures, but they differ in their ability to prevent the transfer of heat and their specific applications.

1. Fire-Protective Glass: This type of glass is designed to prevent the spread of flames and smoke. It is typically made from tempered, laminated, or wired glass. Although it can withstand high temperatures, it does not provide significant insulation against heat transfer, meaning that objects near the glass can still become heated due to radiated heat.
2. Fire-Resistive Glass: This type of glass not only prevents the spread of flames and smoke but also provides insulation against heat transfer. It is typically manufactured using multiple layers of glass with special intumescent interlayers. In the event of a fire, these interlayers expand and transform into a dense, fire-resistant foam that prevents heat from passing through the glass.

Fire-rated glass is tested and rated according to its ability to withstand fire for a specified period, usually in increments of 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. These ratings determine the glass’s suitability for various applications and building regulations.

Manufacturers in the UK:

Several manufacturers in the UK produce fire-rated glass, including but not limited to:

1. Pilkington: Pilkington is a well-established UK-based glass manufacturer that offers a range of fire-rated glass products, such as Pilkington Pyrostop and Pilkington Pyrodur. They provide both fire-protective and fire-resistive glass solutions for various applications.
2. Saint-Gobain Glass: Saint-Gobain Glass, a part of the Saint-Gobain Group, is another prominent manufacturer of fire-rated glass in the UK. They offer a range of fire-resistant glass products, including the Vetrotech Contraflam series, which provides fire resistance and insulation against heat transfer.
3. Schott UK: Schott is a global manufacturer of specialty glass products, including fire-rated glass. Their PYRAN S and PYRANOVA lines offer fire-resistive glass solutions for various applications, including doors, partitions, and facades.
4. Wrightstyle Ltd: Wrightstyle is a UK-based company specializing in the design and supply of advanced glazing systems, including fire-rated glass. They provide various fire-resistant glass solutions, such as the WSL SR60, which offers up to 120 minutes of fire resistance.

These manufacturers offer a range of fire-rated glass products suitable for different applications, each adhering to the relevant British and European standards for fire safety. When selecting fire-rated glass, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements of the project, including the desired level of fire resistance, the location of the glass within the building, and the relevant building regulations.