Fire Rated Glazing, Explained

firesafedoors on June 9, 2022

Fire Rated Glazing is an ideal option for environments that need visibility as well as fire protection.

When we think of a fire door, we probably don’t think of a wide glass door. That’s because the majority of fire doors are built with steel and timber, not to mention the vermiculate core board, responsible for keeping the whole design insulant.

However, sometimes, for aesthetic or functional reasons, a solid material just won’t cut it. That’s where fire-rated glazing comes in. Let’s talk about how it works, its uses, and when to opt for the protective glaze.

How it works

The most important function to examine when discussing fire-rated glazing is its two different specifications; fire-protective, and fire-resistive.

Fire-protective glazing will prevent smoke and fire from spreading, however, it will not combat heat transfer. This means that the glass on the other side will still be dangerous to touch, and objects on the other side of the fire will still heat up – people included. If you’ve ever stood close to a campfire you’ll know just how fierce that heat can be.

On the other hand, fire-resistive glazing will prevent smoke and fire from spreading as well as conducting heat. This means the high temperature will be less easily transferred to the opposing room. This radiant heat is contained via a ‘fire-resistive assembly’, which means the multiple layers of glass are separated with interlayers, designed to resist heat.

Which type of glazing does my building need?

Obviously, fire-resistive glazing is the most optimum glaze to achieve the ultimate, longest-lasting fire protection. That being said, your building may already have enough fire-safety exits or measurements in place for it to pass the legal requirements without the premium glaze. Of course, you can still opt for the fire-resistive glazing if you’d like, but it may not be necessary depending on your building’s situation.

It’s crucial that you double-check with your installer about which type of glaze is required for your building to stay up to the relevant fire building codes, of which there are many. Whatever glaze your building requires must be based on these codes. We’ll be happy to inform you further through an inspection or installation

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs. 

5 Reasons To Install A Fire Door

firesafedoors on February 7, 2022

The reasons to install a fire door go well beyond legal and safety requirements. Here’s why fire doors are worth introducing to your building.

To keep occupants safe

Beginning with the obvious, fire doors save lives. The thought of being trapped inside a burning building is frightful, and anything that can be done to prevent such an occurrence should be undertaken.

The most effective measure that can be taken to prevent this occurrence is a fire door. Fire doors prevent fires and smoke from spreading rapidly, giving occupants ample time to escape the hazard. All functioning fire protection models require at least one fire door to be effective.

To comply with legal standards

Fire Doors aren’t only a moral exercise. They’re a legal one, too.

The components and measurements of all our fire doors are tested to meet relevant building codes to ensure building inspections don’t result in any hefty penalties. Framing, thickness, configuration, size, material and more all come together to make your door a legally sound aspect of your fire protection plan. For example, appropriate fire door signage is just one of the Building Codes met to ensure an installation is ready for use.

You can read the complete Building Codes of Australia here.

Image: Nascon Burwood

To soundproof

Did you know that fire doors can be designed to be soundproof? If you let us know, we can install a fire door tailored to your acoustic requirements. So, instead of spending all your money on acoustic panelling and soundproofing materials, why not install a fire door and kill two birds with one stone?

Acoustic seals installed on fire doors won’t just prevent noise spread and fires. They also limit air draft, so you could end up saving money on your air conditioning bill too!

To preserve your building

A fire door doesn’t just protect people. It protects the building itself. A fire spread throughout your building will cause significantly less damage if fire doors are installed in the right places, saving you from costly building repairs. For example, if you install a fire door in between two hallways, you may only have to rebuild one section of your building instead of all of it.

Preserving your building is well worth the investment, particularly if your building has heritage and has been designed to last a long time. Many older design materials cannot be easily replaced, so protecting these features should be a clear priority.

To improve your fire protection plan

A fire protection plan involves a set of instructions for building occupants to follow in the case of a fire. A solid plan should include smoke and fire alarms, fire extinguishers or hoses on all floors, a clear map outlining evacuation routes, and regular practices of the planned procedure. Still, even if your occupants understand how to operate said equipment and escape the premises efficiently, your chances of survival are significantly limited without installing a fire door.

Think of installing a fire door as the keystone to your fire protection plan. Without it, fire will spread throughout the building much quicker, making the event of an evacuation less than optimal.

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs.