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:
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.
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.
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