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EXTERNAL ENVELOPE
references to the British Standard ‘reaction to fi re’ test. The target is to remove any confusion caused by operating a dual BS and EN system.
Implications for the industry These regulatory changes have posed signifi cant challenges for manufacturers, architects and developers. In particular, the need to balance safety with aesthetic considerations has made the specifi cation of materials for high-rise balconies increasingly diffi cult.
This was exacerbated when laminated glass with PVB interlayer was no longer allowed to be used above 11 metres – because it may present a danger of spreading fi re through a building. As glass is an extremely popular choice of material for high rise balustrading, due to its contemporary appearance and aesthetics, the regulations have meant a need for building designers to carefully consider the options.
Glass is an extremely popular choice of material for high rise balustrading
Monolithic glass vs laminated glass Despite the guidance on changes to the regulations, there are still misunderstandings about the use of monolithic versus laminated glass for high- rise balconies.
Monolithic glass, also known as single- pane glass, has traditionally been used in many glazing applications including high-rise balconies. However, this type of glass can present safety risks, particularly in high-rise settings. One of the main concerns is the risk of it spontaneously breaking, which can lead to signifi cant hazards for both occupants and pedestrians on the street, as fragments have been known to fall from height.
Another disadvantage is that once broken, monolithic glass does not provide a failsafe barrier, increasing the risk of falls from a balcony.
Polymer bonded laminated glass In contrast to monolithic, polymer bonded laminated glass consists of multiple layers. This construction provides enhanced safety features, including the fact that in the event of breakage, the interlayer holds the glass together, preventing shards from falling and maintaining a barrier, therefore providing a higher level of safety. As laminated glass is designed to withstand high mechanical stresses, this makes it less likely to break under pressure. This type of laminate is
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unlikely to meet the European A2 reaction to fi re classifi cation required by Approved Document B.
In response to the evolving regulatory landscape, we introduced a laminated glass solution that utilises non-fl ammable gel interlayers, with the aim being to replace the polymer bonded laminate glass. The product is a patented safety glass for balustrade and balcony applications, designed to re-establish laminated glass as an exterior design solution for these applications. This balustrade glass utilises an intumescent gel interlayer that makes it inherently non-combustible and therefore compliant with the changes to the Building Regulations and Document B. It has been developed to offer the durability and safety features of traditional laminated glass, while complying with latest Regulations. After coming up with a proposed design solution, this then led to physical tests being performed for each component of the framing system and our fi re safety glass at a third-party UKAS accredited testing facility in the UK. This new type of laminated glass has been tested and approved with several market leading balustrade frame systems receiving a test classifi cation of A2 from the notifi ed laboratories Applus and Warringtonfi re.
New developments in glass technology
Integrating the non-combustible engineered gel interlayer makes the system an appropriate choice for high- rise developments. This balustrade system has been successfully used in various high-profi le projects, including residential developments like Deanston Wharf in London and Quantock House in Somerset. These projects showcase the potential for integrating glass into high-rise designs without compromising safety.
The future of high-rise balconies The evolution of fi re safety regulations has brought about signifi cant changes in the way glass is specifi ed for high-rise balconies. While the debate about monolithic versus laminated glass continues, the introduction of non-combustible laminated glass solutions is compelling to ensure safety and aesthetic excellence in high-rise balcony construction.
Andy Lake is UK & Ireland sales director at Pyroguard
ADF JUNE 2025
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