Horizontal Fire Rated Glass Roof Test

Posted July 17, 2023

Find out how our horizontal fire rated glass was tested and what the results were. Fire rated glass roof

At IQ Projects we specify a multitude of different types of glazing solutions for commercial projects, and one of the most prominent glass adoptions is a fire rated glass roof.

Fire-rated glazing is a specialised type of glass that provides fire resistance. It plays a vital role in non-residential projects, such as commercial buildings, hospitals, and educational institutions, where fire protection is crucial. The adoption of fire-rated glazing allows for transparent barriers, enabling natural light transmission and visibility while containing the spread of fire, smoke, and heat. This glazing specification has seen increasing prominence over time because of the growing concerns for the overall safety of buildings.

Horizontal Fire Rated Glass Roof

Fire-rated glazing specification is typically vertical, being used for glass corridors and protection of escape routes within buildings. However, due to recent advancements, we are now also able to specify horizontal fire-rated glazing. This in turn opens far greater flexibility and possibilities in terms of the deliverance of bespoke fire-rated glazing solutions for commercial projects.

The implementation of fire rated glazing like any specialised product requires meticulous consideration and is something – thanks to the highly trained team at IQ – we can seamlessly deliver.

The main logistical concerns for the use of fire rated glazing are the transportation and installation considerations for this highly technical material. Key measures to consider during this process include;

Handling: Fire-rated glazing, commonly composed of tempered or laminated glass, maintains its structural integrity under normal handling conditions. However, it is crucial to provide personnel with comprehensive training in proper handling techniques and equip them with essential tools like suction cups, gloves, and lifting straps. These measures ensure the safe movement and positioning of the glazing without compromising its durability.

Temperature and Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures or rapid temperature changes can affect the integrity of fire-rated glazing. It is important to consider the weather conditions during transportation and take measures to protect the glazing from exposure to excessive heat, cold, or humidity, to avoid deterioration of the fire protection of the material. A measure taken by IQ to mitigate the effect of this, we always store fire rated glazing inside before installation

Seal and securing the glazing system: Ensuring that all joints, gaps, and connections are properly sealed to maintain the fire resistance of the glazing system and avoid the intumescent gel interlayer being affected, something that can drastically hamper the effectiveness of fire rated glazing.

Horizontal Fire Rated Glass Roof Testing

Claywood by Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt. Copyright Jim Stephenson 2021

Similar to other fire rated glass, horizontal fire rated glazing must pass a stringent set of tests to ensure its required level of performance. The testing process typically involves subjecting the glass to various fire conditions to assess its ability to resist the passage of flames, smoke, and heat.

There are several recognized standards for fire testing, such as those established by organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ASTM International, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The specific testing standards may vary depending on the country and regulatory requirements, and something that at IQ we are well versed in to ensure to correct set of standards are adhered to.

During the testing process, a specimen of the horizontal fire rated glass is installed in a test apparatus that simulates real-world fire conditions. The glass is typically exposed to controlled fire conditions, including specific heat levels and durations, as well as the application of a water hose stream after the fire exposure.

The performance criteria for fire rated glass may include factors such as integrity (the ability to prevent the passage of flames and hot gases) and insulation (the ability to limit heat transfer to the non-fire side of the glass). The glass is evaluated based on these criteria, and it is assigned a fire rating based on its performance.

Fire ratings for glass are typically expressed in terms of time, such as 20 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, or 120 minutes. These ratings indicate the duration for which the glass can maintain its integrity and insulation properties during a fire.

After rigorous testing and receiving a fire rating, these glass solutions are now ready to be implemented into numerous commercial buildings.

Jansen Glass

Jansen, a leading manufacturer in the industry, provides detailed technical information regarding their fire-rated glazing products, including specifications, performance ratings;

Uf values to 1,49 W/m 2Kl
50 mm face width
Infill panel thickness of 21 to 71mm
Standard profiles from stock
All standard roof types such as pyramids, pitched roods, mono-pitch roof glazing
Sloped glazing with an angle of inclination of 0° to 75° (0° to 75°
for inside area)

Jansen have engineered their popular VISS system to provide a horizontal fire rated glass system that can be used on any number of projects.

One of the most common adoptions of fire rated glazing is in office spaces, as ensuring the highest level of safety is a non-negotiable for building regulations. A project which IQ Projects were a part of that implemented this specialist solution was Ropemaker Street. This redevelopment saw the utilisation several different glazing solutions, aiming to create a light-filled workspace that capitalises on the outstanding views of canary wharf and the city of London. Subsequently, thanks to the work delivered at IQ Ropemaker Street was able to do so without compromising on the safety performance thanks to fire-rated systems delivered by IQ Projects.

Applications For Horizontal Fire Rated Glazing

As a result of the advancement in the specification of fire-rated glazing, it opens large possibilities for the commercial applications of horizontal fire-rated glazing. A perfect example of this is the ability to specify fire-rated glass roofs in fire-rated glass extensions Something that holds copious benefits for commercial buildings. Due to allowing for copious amounts of natural light to flow into a space without having to sacrifice the levels of fire safety with its construction. Enabling a much greater number of opportunities to specify a fire-rated glass roof, into commercial buildings such as office spaces and educational buildings, to receive the copious number of benefits present without compromising on an integral part of all commercial buildings’ fire safety.

Another example of the effective implementation of fire rated glazing solutions was at Pennybank. This mixed-use commercial building underwent a significant refurbishment to include premium office spaces as well as a number of retail units. This project implemented a variety of glazing solutions including a fixed glass screen as well as fire-rated steel windows and doors. All of which were specified as fire rated to adhere to building regulations such as approved document B, as well as to create a safe environment in the event of a fire.

If you have a commercial project that requires fire rated glazing systems, then getting in contact with IQ Projects is the logical choice. As we are able to adhere to stringent standards and regulations to ensure that these high-performance glazing systems meet the highest level of fire safety.

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Taylor Hall-Jones

After completing his A-Levels in Business, Graphic Design and History, Taylor took his interest in both the world of business and graphic design into marketing. He gained his first full-time working role as a Digital Marketing Assistant at IQ Glass and is continuing to develop his skills.