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.