The versatility of fire safety glass

Innovation in fire safety glass has significantly advanced its capabilities and performance. Today’s fire safety glass doesn’t just meet strict fire performance standards, it delivers additional benefits including enhanced acoustic control, better thermal efficiency and improved light transmission.

The development of fire safety glass

Historically, Georgian wired glass was the standard choice for fire-rated applications. Wired glass achieves an E level classification, preventing flames and smoke from passing through to the non-fire side. While it provides a basic level of fire protection, it lacks the design appeal compared to glazing solutions available today.

Over time, the introduction of more stringent building regulations combined with advancements in glass manufacturing, has transformed the performance and versatility of fire safety glass. Modern glazing solutions now deliver higher levels of fire resistance and design flexibility. Unlike traditional wired glass, todays fire-rated glazing can achieve EW classifications by the use of a reactive interlayer, not only preventing the passage of flames and smoke but also significantly reducing the transmission of radiant heat. This enhanced thermal barrier performance helps to maintain safer evacuation routes and limits heat damage to nearby materials. These modern glazing solutions also provide greater impact resistance and high light transmission allowing for safer, brighter and more visually appealing spaces.

Manufacturers can tailor fire safety glass by combining layers of glass with intumescent interlayers to meet specific fire performance criteria. Depending on the application, glass systems can be designed to achieve E (integrity), EW (integrity and radiation) or EI (integrity and insulation) fire ratings. These classifications ensure varying levels of protection from prevent flame and smoke penetration (E), to reducing heat radiation (EW) to maintaining full thermal insulation (E).

Creating light-filled rooms

In modern architecture, maximising natural light has become a key design priority, and for good reason. Studies show that daylight can increase energy levels, improve mood and support overall wellbeing. As a result, many contemporary designs are replacing solid partitions with glass in schools, offices and healthcare settings where light can flow freely, creating brighter and more open environments.

Reducing noise transmission

Fire safety glass solutions on the market today can achieve high sound abatement (Rw) ratings, delivering excellent acoustic control through the use of multiple interlayers. Research shows that repeated exposure to noise levels exceeding 70 dB can increase stress levels and negatively impact on the overall health and wellbeing. Studies also show that one nearby conversation in an office environment can reduce an employee’s productivity by up to 66%. Installing a 30 Rw glass partition in a space with noise levels of 70 dB will reduce perceived sound to 40 dB, creating a significantly quieter and more comfortable environment. This makes fire-rated glass an ideal solution for hospitals, care homes, offices and libraries, where quieter spaces are needed.

Enhancing energy efficiency

Energy efficiency can be achieved through fire safety glass which incorporate solar control, thermal insulation and low-emissivity coatings, helping to regulate temperature and reduce energy consumption.

By specifying a double glazing unit (DGU) with a solar or thermal control coating glazed system, the sun’s UV rays can be reflected away from the building exterior. This can also work the other way, helping to keep heat in during the winter months for a consistently warm temperature. This not only contributes to a more comfortable indoor climate but also lowers energy costs associated with heating and cooling.

Case study: Fire-rated façade glazing system

Fire safety glass is not limited to just buildings, a recent project shows how it can be used within ships to maximise the use of natural light, fire protection and reduce noise transmission.

During the construction of Royal Caribbean’s ‘Wonder of the Seas’ cruise ship, Pyroguard partnered with Novum Structures, an international specialty contractor, to design a clear-view façade system that achieved A30 and A60 fire resistance standards, making it suitable for cruise liner applications.

The façade featured a distinctive curved design with minimal steel framing, maximising natural light and providing passengers with uninterrupted views. Unlike conventional curtain wall systems, which are reliant on heavy steel supports, Pyroguard and Novum designed a butt-jointed glazing system that would be lightweight and reduce structural load.

In total, the installation features 280 m² of 32 mm-thick fire-rated glass, comprising three layers of toughened safety glass with intumescent gel interlayers. Combined with non-combustible insulation materials, the installed system offers up to 60 minutes of fire protection; preventing the spread of flames, smoke and heat in the event of an outbreak.

Versatility in application

One of the key strengths of modern fire safety glass is its exceptional adaptability. Whether used in windows, doors, façades, atriums, partitions, spandrel panels, balustrades or smoke control systems, this specialist glazing can be integrated into every part of a building’s design. It not only delivers vital fire protection but also contributes to the architectural appeal of a space, allowing light and transparency without compromising safety.

Today, fire safety glazing manufacturers are working more closely than ever with glazing contractors, installers and system designers to ensure their products meet an increasingly broad set of performance demands, from fire resistance and thermal insulation to smoke control and acoustic performance. This collaboration spirit is driving innovation across the sector, helping create safer, more resilient, and visually stunning buildings.

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