46 DOORS, WINDOWS & GLAZING SYSTEMS
Installing fire safety glass Tips to save lives
STEVE GOODBURN, SALES DIRECTOR OF FIRE SAFETY GLASS MANUFACTURER CGI, EXPLAINS HOW TO ENSURE THAT THE FIRE SAFETY GLASS USED IN DOORS, WINDOWS AND PANELS REALLY DOES AFFORD THE VERY BEST PROTECTION.
T
here is a misconception that using fire safety glass is ‘job done’. However, it’s of the utmost importance that all components in a fire-resistance glazing system are fire rated, compatible and approved. So, to ensure that the fire safety glass offers the highest protection there are four key pieces of advice:
• RIGHT GLASS FOR THE JOB Fire glass products can be grouped into three main categories. The first is integrity only (E) which prevents flames and hot gasses from spreading for a specified time – typically from 30 to 60 minutes. The second is integrity and insulating glass (EI) which offers integrity protection and also restricts the temperature transfer to the unexposed face in the fire. The third is integrity and radiation control glass (EW) which provides radiant heat control and significantly reduces the amount of heat transmitted through the glass. It’s often assumed that fire safety glass per se will provide adequate protection – however it’s the degree of protection which is the all important issue. When temperatures reach 500-600°C most common materials will ignite spontaneously, including carpets,
wall coverings and furniture. Basic integrity products don’t stop the transfer of radiant heat and so even if a fire is contained in an adjoining room, catastrophic damage and further spread of fire could occur without additional protection. Take the time to consider the best level of fire safety glazing for the job and specify accordingly.
• CHECK THE GLAZING MATERIAL Standard glazing material products won’t withstand the high temperatures experienced during a fire and will combust, melt or work loose within a very short period of time. Eventually the glass will twist or fall out, allowing the fire to spread. Specialist glazing materials should be specified along with the glass itself, as a fire resistant system. Ceramic tape is an ideal and economical medium for glazing most types of fire resisting glasses including, both insulated and non- insulated panels. If in doubt installers should check with the glass manufacturer.
• CHOOSE A FIRE RESISTANT FRAME The combination of a fire glass with a poorly designed frame, or a frame manufactured from a sub-standard material, will almost always render the system non fire-rated and at risk of immediate failure in a fire. CGI has a wealth of evidence to cover hardwood timber frames as well as fire rated steel systems. There is a trend to move towards softwood frames because of cost and test evidence is available in this area too. CGI is also working to develop fire tested wooden framing systems of slimmer thicknesses to suit the demands of the architectural world. Steel and hardwood frames are the most suitable simple because of the non-combustibility of steel framing systems and the slow char rates of hard wood - a selection of various frame cross sections are available in CGI’s certifire documentation.
• KNOW THE CERTIFIED SIZES The orientation and area of the glass is all important. A piece of glass that’s been cut to portrait sizing should be installed that way. Install it horizontally and you may well be exceeding the test parameters of that product and reducing its effectiveness. Installers have an obligation to pay close attention to test evidence, as this will always specify the allowed widths and heights. Failure to comply will render the fire safety glass out of certification. Glass is undoubtedly a key component in achieving a fire safety glazed system however the importance of the frame, glazing material and orientation of the glass shouldn’t be overlooked. If they are, the integrity of the glazed system is immediately compromised and both buildings and lives put at risk.
CGI provides data sheets and product updates to its distribution network and runs CPD sessions for architects and specifiers to promote correct installation techniques. For more information please contact CGI on 01942 710720.
CGI Click here to request literature
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76