Fire-resistant window technology

Glass

Fire resistant glass, also known as fire rated glass, typically refers to specialist glazing and fittings that are designed to provide protection if a fire occurs. Any fire proof windows or similar solutions that are able to resist temperatures in excess of 870°C will secure the correct rating and provide optimum safety to buildings.

When it comes to manufacturing fire resistant windows, it’s important to understand that when toughened glass hits a certain temperature, it is likely to break. Intumescent layers are added as they swell in extreme heat, and not only will this hold broken pieces in place, but it will also provide insulation to stop both heat and smoke from filtering into other rooms and causing further issues.

Classifications will typically be made for fire resistant glass based on the glazing’s integrity period and how long it acts as an effective barrier (which is known as the insulation period). These will be shown as an ‘E’ rating. It’s important to know that E denotes integrity only, EI covers both integrity and insulation, while EW has integrity and some level of heat resistance.

Aluminium frames and fixtures

When it comes to aluminium frames and fixtures, no other material is quite as fireproof. This is because the metal has a natural oxide layer that stops oxygen reactions, providing a non-flammable solution that won’t produce sparks or release smoke when faced with fire. It does have a melting point when temperatures hit around 750-800°C.

Advantages of selecting fire rated windows with fire protection systems

Of course, safety is the key advantage when selecting fire rated windows and fire protection systems for buildings. The fact that the right solutions will be able to contain both fire and its by-products is extremely attractive, but aluminium solutions also have the added benefit of being simple to manufacture, they are sustainable and more environmentally friendly than other materials, the options are diverse and aesthetically pleasing and the metal is easy to maintain while being cost-effective.