Fire-Rated Glass
in Government
Buildings

Explore how ballistic and fire-rated glass for government buildings can support forward-focused design.

Federal Buildings Are Aging and Costly to Maintain

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports federal
buildings are, on average, 49 years old and need over

$20 million per building
in repairs and alterations

50 Years

of Evolving Federal Building Code Evolution

Building codes for federal facilities have become increasingly rigorous, integrating advanced fire- and life-safety measures, accessibility standards, and security-rated designs to meet today’s demands.

MEET CURRENT FIRE- AND LIFE- SAFETY REQUIREMENTS TRANSPARENTLY

As state and federal buildings are renovated to meet current standards, fire-rated glass can support code compliant designs that also improve building function. Learn more about how and where to use fire-rated glass in state and federal buildings.

1 Fire-rated doors for government building stairwells maintain egress routes while improving wayfinding.

2 Able to replace wired glass with an impact-resistant alternative, modern fire-rated glazing can solve challenges in retrofits.

3 Fire-rated curtain wall façades support code-requirements while increasing access to daylight—mitigating the need to rely on gypsum and other opaque materials.

4 Fire-rated glass partitions compartmentalize without inhibiting visual connection and daylighting strategies.

5 Fire-rated glass for government buildings provides 24/7 passive defense against fire, smoke and radiant heat.

6 Multifunctional, fire-rated glazing systems can fulfill fire-rated design requirements and meet security goals as well.

PROTECT CIVIL SERVANTS
AND OCCUPANTS WITHOUT
SOUNDING AN ALARM

In addition to meeting code requirements for fire and life safety, many state and federal buildings also require security-rated materials, including the use of bullet-resistant glass. Find out where security-rated glass may be required and where it might benefit a government building design.

With fire ratings up to 120 minutes and Level 8 ratings according to UL 752 standards, fire-rated, ballistic glass from Technical Glass Products can meet several building code requirements simultaneously. These multifunctional, fire-rated glazing systems can feature narrow-profile frames to minimize framing and maximize the glazing area.

Ballistic glass might be required for exterior windows and doors as well as security guard booths and clerk stations.

Security vestibules can benefit from forced-entry and bullet-resistant glass in terms of hardening entrance points and allowing occupants to monitor parking lots.

When used to fortify interior chambers, bullet-resistant glass may also need to provide a fire rating to meet code requirements.

Connect with a TGP expert in your area about integrating fire-rated glazing into your next government building project.

The Basics: FIRE-RATED,
SECURITY-RATED GLASS AND FRAMING

Fire-rated and bullet-resistant glass support code-compliant government buildings without compromising design aesthetics and occupant wellbeing. To ensure government projects meet the codes for its location and use, it is important to understand the materials and systems used within them.

Products
And Solutions

State and federal projects often require fire-rated, forced-entry, or ballistic glass—sometimes all in one system. TGP’s multifunctional fire-rated glass for government buildings combine multiple performance needs into a single, narrow-profile assembly, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic between rated and non-rated areas. Build with confidence using our fire-rated, bullet-resistant, and forced-entry-resistant glazing, designed to meet strict security and code requirements.