Fire Rated Windows and Doors: Why the Complete Glazing System Matters

When people think about fire rated windows and doors, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the glass.

Fire rated glass is obviously an essential part of the system, but the glass alone does not make a window or door fire resistant.

A fire rated glazing installation is made up of a number of components that need to work together. The glass, frame, glazing materials, seals, setting blocks and sealants can all play an important role in achieving the required level of fire performance.

Understanding how these components work together is essential when specifying, purchasing or installing fire rated glazing.

What makes a window or door fire rated?

A fire rated window or door is a complete system designed and tested to provide a specified level of protection against fire.

Depending on the product and application, this can involve resisting the passage of flames and hot gases and, in some systems, limiting the transfer of heat.

The performance of the complete assembly is therefore important.

It isn't simply a case of taking a piece of fire rated glass and putting it into any frame.

The frame, glass and materials used to install and seal the glass all need to be appropriate for the system.

The importance of the frame

The frame is a fundamental part of a fire rated window or door.

Fire rated glazing can be installed into different types of framing systems, including steel, aluminium and timber systems, depending on the design and the tested application.

The frame needs to maintain its integrity when exposed to fire and must be capable of supporting the glazing throughout the required period.

The way the glass is retained within the frame is also important.

This is where products such as glazing tapes, setting blocks and sealants can become particularly important.

Why is fire rated glazing tape used?

Glazing tape can be used between the glass and the frame as part of the glazing system.

Different applications may require different types of tape, including ceramic, non-ceramic or intumescent materials.

The correct product depends on the particular system and its specification.

For example, ceramic tape is designed to provide high-temperature resistance, while intumescent materials react to heat and expand.

Non-ceramic fire rated tapes provide another option for specified fire rated window and door applications.

The important point is that the tape should not simply be selected because it is described as "fire rated". It needs to be suitable for the particular glazing system.

What role does sealant play?

Sealants can also be an important part of a fire rated glazing installation.

They can be used to seal joints and gaps within the system and help maintain the required fire performance.

Again, the correct sealant depends on the application.

A general-purpose sealant should not automatically be substituted for a fire rated sealant simply because the two products look similar.

The performance of the sealant and its compatibility with the other components need to be considered.

Don't overlook the smaller components

Some of the components used in fire rated glazing are relatively small, but that doesn't mean they are unimportant.

Setting blocks, for example, support the glazing within the frame and help maintain its correct position.

Glazing tapes help separate and protect the glass and frame, while sealants can provide important sealing functions.

These components may not be as visually obvious as the glass or frame, but they form part of the overall installation.

Why you shouldn't mix and match components

One of the biggest mistakes when sourcing fire rated glazing materials is to treat each component as an independent product.

A tape may have excellent fire resistance.

A sealant may have excellent fire resistance.

A setting block may also be designed for high-temperature applications.

But that does not automatically mean that putting those three products together will create a tested fire rated glazing system.

Fire performance depends on the complete construction and the way the components interact.

This is why manufacturers' specifications, installation instructions and relevant test evidence should always be considered when selecting components.

What should installers and purchasers check?

When purchasing materials for a fire rated window or door project, it is worth checking:

• What fire performance is required?

• Which glass is being specified?

• What frame system is being used?

• Which glazing materials are specified?

• Is ceramic, non-ceramic or intumescent tape required?

• What type of setting blocks are specified?

• Which sealant should be used?

• Are there specific installation requirements?

• Are the products being used in accordance with the relevant tested or approved system?

  
  

Taking the time to establish these requirements before ordering materials can help avoid costly mistakes further down the line.

One supplier for multiple fire rated components

Finding all the necessary components for a fire rated glazing project can sometimes involve dealing with several different suppliers.

At Fireprotect, we aim to make that process easier by supplying a range of products used in fire rated glazing and fire protection applications.

Our range includes:

Ceramic glazing tapes – available in a range of thicknesses and widths.

Non-ceramic tapes – including black non-ceramic tape for fire rated windows and doors.

Intumescent tapes – including Tecnofire products for specified applications.

Setting blocks – for appropriate fire rated glazing systems.

Fire rated sealants – to complement fire protection and glazing requirements.

We can supply tapes from 1mm to 6mm thick and in a range of widths to suit different requirements.

We also hold good stock levels on many products, with same-day despatch available on many orders, and free carriage available on larger orders.

The complete system matters

Fire rated glazing is about much more than the glass.

The performance of a fire rated window or door depends on the complete system and the correct combination of components.

From the frame and glass through to the glazing tape, setting blocks and sealant, each component needs to be appropriate for the specified application.

Choosing the right products and following the manufacturer's installation requirements is essential when working with fire rated glazing.

If you need ceramic tape, non-ceramic tape, intumescent tape, setting blocks or fire rated sealants, Fireprotect can help you source the products you need from one supplier.

Fireprotect

Your one-stop shop for fire rated tapes, setting blocks and sealants.

Ceramic vs Non-Ceramic Fire Rated Glazing Tape - Which One Do You Need?

When specifying or replacing glazing materials in a fire-rated window, door or screen, one question comes up regularly:

Should I use ceramic glazing tape or a non-ceramic alternative such as Superwool?

Both types of tape are used in fire-resistant glazing applications, but they have different characteristics. Choosing the correct material depends on the glazing system, the frame, the glass, the required performance and, importantly, the specification or tested system being followed.

At Fireprotect, we manufacture and supply both ceramic and non-ceramic glazing tapes, along with setting blocks, gaskets, seals, intumescent products and fire-rated sealants.

What is fire-rated glazing tape?

Fire-rated glazing tape is used as part of a glazing system to help provide the required separation and protection between the glass and its surrounding frame.

In a fire-resistant window or door, every component matters. The glass, frame, glazing tape or gasket, setting blocks, sealant and method of installation can all form part of the tested or assessed system.

This means that simply choosing a tape because it has a high temperature rating does not automatically mean that the finished window or door will achieve a particular fire rating.

The complete glazing system needs to be appropriate for the intended application.

What is ceramic glazing tape?

Ceramic glazing tape is manufactured from ceramic fibre and is designed to withstand extremely high temperatures.

Fireprotect's ceramic glazing tape is made from ceramic fibre paper with a self-adhesive coating and removable backing paper, making it straightforward to handle, cut and install. The ceramic fibre itself has high-temperature stability of up to 1260°C, while the adhesive backing has a much lower temperature limit.

Ceramic tape is commonly used as a bedding material in fire-resistant glazing applications, including commercial glazing and fire doors.

Advantages of ceramic glazing tape include:

• Excellent high-temperature stability

• Flexible and easy to handle

• Easy to cut and shape

• Available in different widths and thicknesses

• Self-adhesive options make installation easier

• Suitable for a wide range of fire-resistant glazing applications

What is non-ceramic glazing tape?

Non-ceramic glazing tape is designed as an alternative to traditional ceramic fibre products.

At Fireprotect, our Superwool glazing tape is manufactured using body-soluble fibres and specially selected binders. It provides a flexible material with low thermal conductivity, low heat storage and good mechanical strength. The material has thermal stability of up to 1200°C, while the self-adhesive backing has a lower temperature limit.

One of the reasons customers choose non-ceramic tape is that it can provide a practical alternative where ceramic fibre products are not preferred or where workplace handling requirements make a ceramic-free solution more suitable.

Ceramic vs non-ceramic glazing tape

So, what is the difference?

If you're replacing an existing ceramic tape with a non-ceramic alternative, it's important to check the relevant system documentation and installation requirements first.

If you're unsure which product you need, it's much better to ask before ordering.

Why are setting blocks important?

Glazing tape isn't the only material that matters.

Setting blocks support the glass and help position it correctly within the frame. In a fire-resistant glazing system, the correct type, size and position of setting blocks can be important to the performance of the complete assembly.

Fireprotect supplies fire-rated setting blocks alongside glazing tapes, gaskets and other passive fire protection products.

This means customers can source several of the materials they need from one specialist supplier.

What about intumescent tape?

Intumescent products work differently from ceramic and Superwool glazing tapes.

An intumescent material expands when exposed to heat, helping to close gaps and maintain protection as temperatures rise.

Intumescent tapes and other fire-resistant seals are used in a variety of passive fire protection applications, but once again, the correct product depends on the particular system and application.

Fireprotect supplies both intumescent tapes and glazing tapes, allowing customers to choose from a range of passive fire protection materials.

Choosing the right fire-rated glazing tape

If you're buying fire-rated glazing tape, don't just search for the highest temperature rating.

Instead, establish:

• The type of glass

• The frame material

• Glass thickness

• Required fire performance

• Rebate dimensions

• Required tape thickness and width

• Whether the tape needs to be ceramic or ceramic-free and in White or Black

• The requirements of the tested or assessed glazing system

• Whether setting blocks, gaskets or sealants are also required

Getting these details right at the beginning can save time, prevent incorrect orders and help ensure that the glazing system is installed as specified.

Fireprotect – ceramic and non-ceramic glazing tape

Fireprotect manufactures and supplies a range of products for fire-resistant glazing and passive fire protection.

Our range includes:

• Ceramic glazing tape

• Superwool non-ceramic glazing tape

• Black non-ceramic glazing tape

• Setting blocks

• Fire-rated gaskets and seals

• Intumescent tapes

Feature	Ceramic glazing tape	Non-ceramic / Superwool tape
Material	Ceramic fibre	Body-soluble fibre
High-temperature stability	Up to 1260°C for the ceramic paper	Up to 1200°C for the tape material
Flexibility	Flexible	Highly flexible
Cutting and shaping	Easy	Easy
Typical use	Fire-resistant glazing	Fire-resistant glazing
Ceramic-free option	No	Yes
Available in different sizes	Yes	Yes

The important point is that temperature resistance alone should not be used to select a glazing tape.

The correct product needs to match the particular glazing construction and the evidence supporting that system.

Which glazing tape should I use?

There isn't a single tape that is right for every fire-rated window or door.

When selecting a glazing tape, consider:

1. What type of glass are you using?

Different fire-resistant glass products and constructions can have different installation requirements.

The glazing system should be installed in accordance with the glass manufacturer's and system designer's requirements.

2. What type of frame is being used?

Aluminium, steel, timber and other framing systems can have different glazing arrangements.

The rebate dimensions, glass thickness, bead arrangement and fixing method can all affect the required materials.

3. What fire performance is required?

Fire-resistant glazing can be classified for different performance characteristics, including integrity (E) and insulation (I).

BS EN 13501-2 is used for the classification of fire resistance performance, including fire-resistant doorsets, openable windows and other non-loadbearing elements with or without glazing.

The required performance should therefore be established before selecting individual components.

4. Is the system tested or assessed?

This is one of the most important considerations.

A glazing tape should not be selected simply because its material can withstand a particular temperature.

The performance of fire-resistant glazing is dependent on the complete construction, including the glass, frame, glazing materials and installation details. Always refer to the test certificate relevant to the system you’re fitting.

The definition of a glazing system can include glazing strips, beads, bead fixings, setting blocks, gaskets and sealants as well as the glass and framing system.

Can non-ceramic tape replace ceramic tape?

Sometimes, but it should not be assumed.

Fireprotect's Superwool glazing tape can, in many applications, be used as an alternative to ceramic tape. However, the suitability of a particular tape depends on the application and the specification of the glazing system.

• Fire-rated sealants

• Firestop 700

• Other passive fire protection products

Our ceramic glazing tape is available in a range of sizes, while our Superwool products provide a flexible ceramic-free alternative for suitable applications.

We're happy to discuss your requirements and help you identify the appropriate product for your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ceramic glazing tape fireproof?

Ceramic fibre glazing tape is designed for high-temperature applications and the ceramic fibre itself has very high temperature stability. However, the performance of a fire-rated glazing assembly depends on the complete tested or assessed system rather than the tape in isolation.

Is Superwool the same as ceramic tape?

No. Superwool is a ceramic-free, body-soluble fibre product designed for high-temperature applications. It can be used in many applications where ceramic tape might otherwise be considered, subject to the requirements of the particular glazing system.

Can I replace ceramic tape with Superwool?

It may be possible in some applications, but you should check the relevant system specification before making a substitution.

What size fire-rated glazing tape do I need?

This depends on the particular glazing system, including the frame, glass and rebate dimensions. The tape should be selected according to the specified installation requirements rather than simply choosing a size that looks suitable.

Do you supply setting blocks as well as glazing tape?

Yes. Fireprotect supplies setting blocks alongside ceramic and non-ceramic glazing tapes, gaskets, seals, intumescent tapes and fire-rated sealants.

Can Fireprotect help me choose the right tape?

Yes. If you're unsure whether you need ceramic, Superwool or another fire-rated glazing product, contact Fireprotect with as much information as possible about the glass, frame and application.

Call us on 01244 536595 or email enquiries@fireprotect.co.uk.

Need help choosing?

If you're working on a fire-rated window, door or glazing project and aren't sure which tape or seal you need, speak to Fireprotect before ordering.

With over 40 years of experience in passive fire protection, we manufacture and supply ceramic, non-ceramic and intumescent tapes, together with setting blocks, gaskets, seals and fire-rated sealants.

Fireprotect – specialist manufacturers and suppliers of passive fire protection products.

Passive Fire Protection In Industrial Properties

🔥 Passive Fire Protection in Industrial Properties: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Let’s be honest — fire safety isn’t exactly the most exciting topic in the world. You don’t often hear people chatting about fire-rated walls over a coffee. But if you own, manage, or even just work in an industrial property — a warehouse, factory, or big commercial unit — it really pays to know a bit about passive fire protection (PFP). It’s one of those behind-the-scenes heroes that could literally save lives, protect your building, and keep your business running.

So let’s break it down — no jargon, no lectures, just the basics.

🧯 First off: What is passive fire protection?

Passive fire protection (or PFP if you want to sound fancy) is all about building in fire safety— literally. It’s made up of the materials and systems that are already part of the structure of your building. Unlike fire extinguishers or sprinklers (which are called “active” systems because someone or something has to activate them), passive fire protection is just... there. All the time. Working quietly in the background.

Think of things like:

• 🔸 Fire-rated walls and ceilings

• 🔸 Fire doors that actually stay shut

• 🔸 Intumescent seals that swell up in heat

• 🔸 Fire-resistant glazing (yep, even windows can be fire-smart)

• 🔸 Fire-stopping materials around pipes, ducts, and cables

🧱 Why’s it such a big deal in industrial buildings?

Industrial properties tend to be big, busy, and full of… well… stuff. Machinery, stock, packaging, electrical systems — and in some cases, flammable materials. If a fire does break out, it can spread fast and do a lot of damage before anyone even notices.

Passive fire protection slows that down.

It buys precious time — time for people to get out safely, time for fire crews to get in, and time to stop the whole place going up like a bonfire. In short: it can be the difference between a small incident and a total disaster.

Here’s why it’s especially important in industrial settings:

• 🏭 Large open spaces mean fire can move quickly if not compartmentalised.

• 📦 High fire loads (lots of materials or goods stored) can feed a blaze.

• 👷 Shift work and night operations mean people may be inside at all hours.

• 💰 Business continuity — even a small fire can shut operations down for weeks.

🔍 What does passive fire protection actually look like?

Here’s the thing — you probably don’t notice it. And that’s the point. It’s not big red alarms or dramatic flashing lights. It’s usually tucked away in walls, floors, ceilings, and doors. Some examples:

• ✅ Fire-rated partition walls keep a fire in one area instead of letting it spread across the building.

• ✅ Intumescent mastic (that’s a special kind of sealant) used around pipes or cables. It swells up in heat to seal gaps.

• ✅ Fire doors that close automatically and have heat-resistant seals.

• ✅ Fire-resistant glass in windows and screens, so visibility doesn’t mean vulnerability.

It’s all about compartmentation — splitting a building into “zones” so fire can’t just race through the whole space unchecked.

💡 So, who’s responsible for it?

Good question. In the UK (and most other places), it’s the duty of the building owner or responsible person to make sure fire safety measures — including passive ones — are properly installed, maintained, and documented. That includes:

• 🔧 Regular inspections

• 📋 Fire risk assessments

• 🧰 Using certified fire-rated products and installers

• 🛠️ Not cutting corners during refurbishments (yes, that includes sealing that awkward hole behind the ductwork!)

If you’re renting an industrial unit, it’s still worth knowing what passive systems are in place. Ask questions. Look for labels on fire doors. Make sure nothing’s been drilled through a fire barrier “just to run a cable through”.

🚫 Common mistakes to avoid

Sadly, even the best fire protection can be ruined by simple mistakes. Here are a few things that make fire safety nerds cry:

• ❌ Wedges holding fire doors open (please don’t!)

• ❌ Tradespeople drilling holes in fire-rated walls and not sealing them

• ❌ Painted-over or missing intumescent strips

• ❌ Using non-fire-rated materials during refurb works

• ❌ Not having the work certified or recorded

Remember: if you break a fire barrier, you break the protection.

🧭 Final thoughts

Passive fire protection isn’t glamorous. It doesn’t beep or spray or make headlines. But in the world of industrial properties, it’s an absolute must. It’s about protecting your people, your premises, and your peace of mind.

So next time you walk past a chunky fire door or spot some weird grey sealant around a pipe — give it a little nod of respect. It’s working harder than you think.

🛠️ Want to learn more?

If you’re managing or refurbishing an industrial site, it’s worth getting a proper fire safety survey done. It’ll highlight what’s in place, what’s missing, and what might need upgrading. And trust us — doing it now is way cheaper than dealing with the consequences later.