Where can fire-protective materials be used in building design?

All fire-rated components undergo vigorous testing protocols. Materials, including glazing, that pass these tests achieve either a fire-protective or fire-resistive rating (in minutes). A fire-protective rating denotes a material can guard against fire and smoke. A fire-resistive rating goes a step beyond, indicating the material can defend against fire, smoke and radiant or conductive heat.

National model codes, like the International Building Code (IBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), indicate where fire-protective materials can be used, as well as their limits. While these codes provide baseline criteria, ultimately each jurisdiction chooses to adopt or amend them as it sees fit. Given this variability, it is encouraged that building professionals consult with an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure code compliance when specifying fire-rated glazing materials.

In general, fire-protective materials can be a viable option when an application meets the following criteria, as outlined in the 2021 edition of the IBC:

• For door assemblies with 20- and 45-minute ratings, fire-protective glazing can be used to the maximum size tested.
• Fire-protective glazing is permitted in 45- to 60-minute fire-rated windows in a 1-hour exit corridor if the opening is less than 25 percent of the wall area or when the total area of a single opening is 156 square feet or less.

The IBC also has special-use applications for fire-rated glazing such as:

• In a 1-hour exit corridor, fire-protective glazing can be used as vision panels that are 100 square inches or less in some fire-rated doors.
• Sidelites and transoms around fire-rated doors in a 1-hour exit corridor can have a 45- to 60-minute fire-protective rating with the hose stream test.