When it comes to safety in buildings, especially during a fire, the type of glass you use can make a critical difference. Fire-rated glass and standard glass may look similar, but they perform very differently under high heat.
What Is Fire-Rated Glass?
Fire-rated glass is specially designed to withstand extreme heat and prevent the spread of flames, smoke, and radiant heat for a specific amount of time—typically 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. It’s fully tested and certified to meet building codes and fire safety regulations, which is why you’ll often find it in fire doors, fire-rated walls, stairwells, and other critical areas.
⚠️ Important: The type of fire glass you can use depends on what the door manufacturer has tested and certified. Fire-rated doors and frames are part of a tested system, meaning only the specific type of fire-rated glass used during the fire testing can be used. Substituting another type of glass—even if it carries its own fire rating—can invalidate the certification, cause failed inspections, and create serious safety risks.
There are several common types of fire-rated glass:
-
Georgian Wired Glass: Recognizable by its embedded wire mesh, which holds the glass together during a fire.
-
Tempered Fire Glass: Heat-treated to resist thermal stress and maintain integrity.
-
Laminated Fire Glass: Made of multiple layers with an intumescent interlayer that expands under heat, blocking flame and heat transfer.
These products not only help contain fires but also protect the non-fire side of a room, corridor, or stairwell—providing both life safety and code compliance.
What About Standard Glass?
Standard glass, like the kind used in windows or general fitouts, offers no fire protection. It typically cracks or shatters within minutes of fire exposure, making it unsuitable for areas where fire resistance is required.
While standard glass is perfectly fine for regular applications—such as interior partitions or external facades—it should never be used in fire-rated doors, walls, or any area requiring code compliance.
Why Fire-Rated Glass Is More Expensive—but Worth It
Because of its specialist construction, rigorous testing, and certification, fire-rated glass is more expensive than standard glass. However, it’s a necessary investment where life safety, compliance, and insurance approval are at stake. Choosing the wrong type of glass can result in:
-
Failed building inspections
-
Costly retrofits
-
Increased liability
-
Serious safety hazards
Fire-Rated Glass: When and Where to Specify It
If your project includes fire-rated doors, partitions, or stairwells, it’s essential to specify the correct fire-rated glass. Always refer to the manufacturer’s test data and certification to ensure the glass being used is approved for that specific fire-rated system. Consult your architect, building inspector, or fire safety engineer to ensure full compliance with local building codes and safety standards.
Conclusion
When comparing fire-rated glass vs standard glass, the key takeaway is clear: Only fire-rated glass provides protection in the event of a fire. Don’t take chances—use the right product for the right application to keep your building safe and compliant.
Browse related articles:
What is our maximum sized vision panel for each fire rating?