58
SAFETY & SECURITY
is known as integrity and insulation or EI. This is one of three classifi cations used, with the others being E, integrity-only, and EW, integrity with radiation protection, which is not widely used in the UK. It is crucial to specify the appropriate level of protection for the application given how destructive and dangerous high levels of heat can be. Glazing which offers integrity-only protection (E) may be perfectly adequate for applications where the risk from heat has been properly assessed, but in many cases integrity and insulation (EI) glazing offers the most effective solution.
EI protection can be provided by fi re resistant glazing systems for a minimum of 30 minutes across several different types of frame material. These ratings increase in 30-minute increments, enabling EI30 and EI60 specifi cations to be achieved routinely, as well as EI90 and EI120 in certain frame types, sizes and confi gurations.
In offi ce buildings, fi re resistant glazing plays a crucial role in providing safe working environments which also benefi t from plenty of natural light transmission
Unlocking the potential for fi re glass to be multi-functional Fire resistance is rarely the only design objective when creating internal glazing elements. Unfortunately, that can add
complexity to the design and specifi cation unless the proposed system has the fl exibility to enable other performance, light transmission or aesthetic goals to be achieved.
The latter is extremely important in the majority of projects, particularly commercial buildings such as offi ces, hotels, bars, restaurants and retail stores, but also for high-end residential. Choosing a fi re resistant glazing, window or door system, therefore, that can provide assured passive fi re protection ‘almost unnoticed’ ticks all the boxes where visual appeal is a priority. With the advanced systems available
today, that can mean design characteristics such as butt-jointing of the glass panes, slim framing to replicate Crittall-style windows or ‘through the glass’ door handles can be accommodated without compromising the target fi re performance. In addition, depending on the system, enhanced acoustic performance will often be achievable with increased thickness of the glass or in one of the panes where a double glazed unit is used.
Stephen Malkin is sales manager for glass at Promat UK
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF MAY 2025
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