Fire Rated Glass Partitions

Fire safety is important in all buildings, whether commercial or residential. At Glass Partitioning UK, we provide a variety of fire rated glass partitioning systems and fire screens to meet the highest safety standards. With our experienced team, you always have someone on hand to guide you in choosing the most sustainable system to safeguard your space and your staff.

While many glass partitions may not require structural fire rating as per UK Building Regulations, you must verify this.

Can Glass Partitioning Be Fire Rated?

lass partitioning can indeed be fire rated. The specific requirements for your space will depend on the Building Control Office (BCO) and the regulations of your unique building.

Our fire rated glass partitioning systems can provide spaces with the necessary protection. Certain areas, such as frequently used corridors and evacuation routes, may require higher levels of fire protection, often up to 60/60 in the event of a fire. Our experienced team can offer guidance and help point you in the right direction if needed.

🔥 For more advice on whether you need fire glass partitions, read our latest article.

How Does Fire Glass Work?

Fire glass partitions create a heat-resistant barrier between different rooms to prevent the spread of fire. They are made with glass panes that can withstand high temperatures without breaking, working to effectively compartmentalise spaces to contain the fire within a specific area.

Whether used in a partition wall or glass door, fire glass slows down the spread of flames and smoke, giving occupants more time to evacuate and emergency services more time to respond.

Fire Glass Ratings Explained

The classification of fire and protection against the spread of a fire is split into two categories, as per BS EN 13501-2:

• Fire Integrity – This refers to the ability of the glazed glass walls to act as a barrier to stop the progress of fire. It also helps to minimise the amount of smoke and other toxic gases it emits passing from one side of your glazed wall to the other.
• Fire Insulation – This refers to the restriction of smoke and heat from a fire from passing through your pane of glass. Fire insulated partitions can tolerate higher temperatures without damage.

These classifications are denoted in terms of minutes of integrity/insulation. For example, 30/30 glass partitions (also referred to as a 30 minute fire rated glass partition) suggest that the wall provides 30 minutes of integrity and 30 minutes of insulation. This rating is our standard recommendation.

Don’t Forget the Glass Fire Door

A standard glazed glass door simply won’t cut it when it comes to fire safety. It’s important to choose a fire rated glass door tested in accordance with your fire glass partitions. Without it, they may be ineffective.

At Glass Partitioning UK, we offer a variety of fire rated door options that have been rigorously tested to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards. These doors are designed for a seamless installation with the rest of your partitioning system, providing you with peace of mind that your building is properly protected.

Fire Rated Glass Wall Installation

The installation of your fire glass is key to providing essential protection. It’s imperative that the entire system is fitted exactly as it was tested in order for the fire rating to be valid – any deviation can compromise the integrity of the partitioning, making it ineffective.

Our team of fitters are dedicated to ensuring that every installation is done correctly and up to code, taking precision and care with each project.

Protecting Your Space

To protect your people, property and possessions, fire rated internal glass partitions are instrumental. We advise that you get in touch with our team where we can discuss your options further to ensure you’re providing the best fire safety within your building. You can also find more information in our Complete Guide.

Once you’ve contacted our team, we’ll go through the following steps:

• We advise you to get in touch with your building’s control officer to establish the level of fire protection required in your building. If you prefer, we can handle this for you.
• From this, a decision can then be made on the level of fire protection needed in your glass partition walls. This will also be based on the design and purpose of your room.
• We’ll specify a suitable fire rated glass partition and send our dedicated fitters out to your site to install the system. We use the best practices and follow manufacturer guidelines so that you can rest assured your space is protected.

To discuss your options further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does fire glass differ from regular glass?

  Fire glass used in partitioning is specially designed to withstand high temperatures and is more heat-resistant than regular glass.

• Are fire rated glass partitions suitable for both residential and commercial buildings?

  Yes, fired rated glass walls are suitable for both residential and commercial buildings – though the level of protection they provide will vary depending on your building regulations and requirements.

• What’s the cost difference between fire rated glass and regular glass partitions?

  Your fire rated glass partition price range will vary depending on the size of your project. In general, fire rated glass walls are more expensive due to the additional safety features and specialised manufacturing process – something we feel is a worthwhile investment.

• How can you tell if glass is fire rated?

  Unfortunately, there’s no visual way to tell if glass is fire rated. We recommend consulting with a professional to ensure your glass meets the needed fire safety standards.