Fire-Rated Glazing Basics
What Do I Need to Know About Fire-Rated Glass Codes?
Understand IBC code updates and key issues to be aware of when specifying fire-rated glass and frames.
WHAT FIRE-RATED GLASS & FRAMING TESTS DO I NEED TO KNOW?
See the fire, hose stream and impact safety test in action and learn about additional performance tests for fire-rated glass.
WHAT IS FIRE-RATED GLASS AND FRAMING?
Learn the difference between fire-protective and fire-resistive-rated glass, their fire-ratings, applications and more.
Product Spotlights
Fireframes ClearFloor® System
This advanced glass floor system brings daylight deep into building interiors, is impact resistant and fire rated for two hours.
Fireframes ClearView® System
Fireframes ClearView System features nearly colorless transitions between adjoining pieces of Pilkington Pyrostop low-iron fire-rated glass.
Fireframes® Aluminum Series
Fireframes Aluminum Series fire-resistive frames feature narrow profiles and crisp sightlines for an attractive alternative to traditional hollow metal frames.
Fireframes TimberLine® Series
Fireframes TimberLine Series fire-resistive frames pair a high-strength steel sub-frame with a real-wood veneered cover cap.
FireLite® Fire-Rated Glass Ceramic
Clear & Wireless Glass Ceramic. Fire-Ratings up to 3 Hours. UL Classified & Labeled.
Fireframes SG Curtainwall® Series
Fire-rated glazed walls with the smooth, monolithic appearance of a structural silicone glazed system.
Product Testing
Fire Test
To earn a fire rating, glass must pass rigorous tests conducted by an independent laboratory. Glass, framing and door components are heated in a furnace to simulate the high temperatures of a building fire. The lab assigns the products a fire rating of 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how long they resist breakage. Technical Glass Product's FireLite® glass ceramic, Pilkington Pyrostop® transparent wall panels and other fire-rated products are UL-listed and are suitable for blocking the spread of flames and smoke.
Hose Stream Test
The hose stream test is the second part of the testing requirements for fire-rated glass. It is required in the U.S. for all fire ratings over 20 minutes, and in Canada for all fire ratings. Immediately following heating in a furnace, hot glass is sprayed with water from a fire hose at specified pressures. The cooling, impact and erosion created by the hose stream tests the integrity of the glass and eliminates inadequate materials. Products from Technical Glass Products with fire ratings greater than 20 minutes such as FireLite® and Pilkington Pyrostop® have all passed the hose stream test.
Impact Test
Where intended for use in doors, sidelites, walls or other areas where people or objects may run into it, fire-rated glazing is subjected to an impact test. The test determines the amount of force it can resist by dropping a bag of lead shot against a vertical piece of glass from various heights. Technical Glass Products offers several fire-rated and impact safety-rated products, including FireLite Plus® and FireLite® NT glass ceramic and Pilkington Pyrostop® transparent wall panels.
TGP TV
IBC Code Changes
Challenge: Confused by IBC code changes?
Solution: Contact Technical Glass Products for code and design support.
Pilkington Profilit™
Challenge: Design options for natural light
Solution: Pilkington Profilit Channel Glass System.
Pilkington Profilit™ with Lumira® Aerogel
Challenge: Designing energy efficient exterior glass walls
Solution: Pilkington Profilit with Lumira aerogel.
Fire-Rated Videos
Form, Function & Fire Safety: A Clearer View of Fire-Rated Glass and Framing
Learn new trends in fire-rated glazing and what to look for when specifying fire-rated glass. Fire-rated glazing system testing and how to meet codes without compromising aesthetics are also addressed.
Project Portfolio Video
View images of our dynamic fire-rated projects featuring the FireLite® family of products, Pilkington Pyrostop® fire-resistive-rated glass and our Fireframes® series of fire-rated frames.
These videos are the property of Technical Glass Products and are protected by the copyright and trademark laws of the United States and other countries. Although you are permitted to access the videos through our web site, you must obtain authorization of Technical Glass Products before using them for any purpose other than viewing on the web.