sponsored by technical glass products · project & product spotlight ... glass floor systems,...

I N S I D E

Fire-Rated Glass Basics

Must-Know Specification Tips

Project & Product Spotlight

Fire-Rated Curtain Walls Simplified

A SU

PPLE

MEN

T O

F TH

E CO

NST

RU

CTIO

N S

PECI

FIER

Spon

sore

d by

Tec

hnic

al G

lass

Pro

duct

s

1UNDERSTANDING FIRE-RATED GLASS & FRAMING

2What You Need to Know About Fire-Rated Glass and FramingThere’s more to fire-rated glazing than meets the eye. Learn the basics of this unique product offering, and how it has evolved into a multifaceted design solution.

5Tips for Specifying Fire-Rated GlazingGet a clearer view of product selection with these fire-rated glazing specification tips.

8Project Spotlight: Grant Thornton & 929 Office TowerSee how design professionals are using fire-rated glass and framing to break down design barriers.

10Fire-Rated Curtain Walls SimplifiedThis Q&A will keep you up-to-date on how to use fire-rated glass curtain walls to balance life safety with aesthetics.

12Fire-Rated Steel Curtain Walls for Exterior SeparationsLearn how fire-rated steel curtain wall systems can help bring lasting style to the building envelope.

13Product FocusTake a look at some of the hottest fire-rated glazing products on the market today.

C O N T E N T S N E W E X P E C TA T I O N S

Fire-Rated Glass Rises to the ChallengeBY DEVIN BOWMAN GENERAL MANAGER, TECHNICAL GLASS PRODUCTS & AD SYSTEMS

P eople occupy buildings under the

assumption they provide adequate fire

and life safety. They do not consult

commercial building codes or verify proper

material use before spending a day in the

office or sending their kids to school. Instead,

they rely on building design and construction

experts to conduct due diligence and create

safe, code-compliant spaces. This is no easy task for those involved in

the design and specification of fire-rated construction.

Fire-rated codes are constantly evolving to keep fire and life safety at

the forefront of building design. To further complicate the matter,

codes are regularly updated, but rarely adopted on a uniform schedule

across jurisdictions. The specification team must stay on top of

these changes, meeting stringent fire and life safety code criteria in

increasingly complex buildings. Far too often, material limitations

temper project goals, forcing design professionals to sacrifice on

aesthetics in code-driven areas.

The good news is fire-rated glazing now makes it easier to solve this

challenge. Over the past decade, increased standards have led to

increased innovation. For example, when the International Building

Code (IBC) placed limitations on traditional wired glass, fire-rated

glass manufacturers worked on creating new, clearer, larger, oversized

fire-rated glazing that could match the aesthetic of non-rated glazing

and provide critical impact safety. As these products took root in the

design community and the demand for increased transparency grew,

so too did the need for innovative fire-resistive glazing assemblies that

could meet temperature-rise criteria and cover more than 25 percent

of the wall area. This led to advances like silicone- and butt-glazed

fire-rated glazing systems, and fire-rated glass floor systems, that

can bring fire and life safety in line with the design intent in

groundbreaking ways.

With proper specification, today’s multifaceted fire-rated glazing

products can help ensure the safety of the people who use our country’s

buildings in a visually compelling manner. Let’s do our part to ensure

they deliver on their potential.

MOST SPECIFIEDNORTH AMERICA'S

FIRE-RATED GLASS MANUFACTURER

Create with confidence using the industry’s most specified fire-rated glazing from Technical Glass Products. Check out our Fireframes ClearView™ System, featuring butt-glazed Pilkington Pyrostop® low-iron fire-rated and impact safety-rated glass in a Fireframes® perimeter frame. Experience the beauty of seamless glass transitions and the trusted support of TGP – North America’s most specified fire-rated glass manufacturer.

fireglass.com | 800.426.0279

© 2018 Technical Glass Products. Pilkington Pyrostop is a registered trademark of Pilkington plc. Fireframes ClearView is a trademark and Technical Glass Products, Fireglass and Fireframes are registered trademarks of Technical Glass Products.

#1 specified fire-rated glass manufacturer in North America among architectural specifiers as reported by a national research firm, 2014-2017.

A SEAMLESS BLEND OF CLARITY & TRUST.

http://fireglass.com/


2What You Need to Know About Fire-Rated Glass and FramingThere’s more to fire-rated glazing than meets the eye. Learn the basics of this unique product offering, and how it has evolved into a multifaceted design solution.

5Tips for Specifying Fire-Rated GlazingGet a clearer view of product selection with these fire-rated glazing specification tips.

8Project Spotlight: Grant Thornton & 929 Office TowerSee how design professionals are using fire-rated glass and framing to break down design barriers.

10Fire-Rated Curtain Walls SimplifiedThis Q&A will keep you up-to-date on how to use fire-rated glass curtain walls to balance life safety with aesthetics.

12Fire-Rated Steel Curtain Walls for Exterior SeparationsLearn how fire-rated steel curtain wall systems can help bring lasting style to the building envelope.

13Product FocusTake a look at some of the hottest fire-rated glazing products on the market today.

C O N T E N T S N E W E X P E C TA T I O N S

Fire-Rated Glass Rises to the ChallengeBY JEFF RAZWICK, GENERAL MANAGER OF TECHNICAL GLASS PRODUCTS

P eople occupy buildings under the

assumption they provide adequate

fire and life safety. They do not

consult commercial building codes or

verify proper material use before spending

a day in the office or sending their kids

to school. Instead, they rely on building

design and construction experts to conduct

due diligence and create safe, code-compliant spaces. This is no easy

task for those involved in the design and specification of fire-rated

construction.

Fire-rated codes are constantly evolving to keep fire and life safety

at the forefront of building design. To further complicate the

matter, codes are regularly updated, but rarely adopted on a uniform

schedule across jurisdictions. The specification team must stay on

top of these changes, meeting stringent fire and life safety code

criteria in increasingly complex buildings. Far too often, material

limitations temper project goals, forcing design professionals to

sacrifice on aesthetics in code-driven areas.

The good news is fire-rated glazing now makes it easier to solve this

challenge. Over the past decade, increased standards have led to

increased innovation. For example, when the International Building

Code (IBC) placed limitations on traditional wired glass, fire-

rated glass manufacturers worked on creating new, clearer, larger,

oversized fire-rated glazing that could match the aesthetic of non-

rated glazing and provide critical impact safety. As these products

took root in the design community and the demand for increased

transparency grew, so too did the need for innovative fire-resistive

glazing assemblies that could meet temperature-rise criteria and

cover more than 25 percent of the wall area. This led to advances like

silicone- and butt-glazed fire-rated glazing systems, and fire-rated

glass floor systems, that can bring fire and life safety in line with the

design intent in groundbreaking ways.

With proper specification, today’s multifaceted fire-rated glazing

products can help ensure the safety of the people who use our country’s

buildings in a visually compelling manner. Let’s do our part to

ensure they deliver on their potential.



Create with confidence using the industry’s most specified fire-rated glazing from Technical Glass Products. Check out our Fireframes ClearView™ System, featuring butt-glazed Pilkington Pyrostop® low-iron fire-rated and impact safety-rated glass in a Fireframes® perimeter frame. Experience the beauty of seamless glass transitions and the trusted support of TGP – North America’s most specified fire-rated glass manufacturer.

fireglass.com | 800.426.0279

© 2018 Technical Glass Products. Pilkington Pyrostop is a registered trademark of Pilkington plc. Fireframes ClearView is a trademark and Technical Glass Products, Fireglass and Fireframes are registered trademarks of Technical Glass Products.


A SEAMLESS BLEND OF CLARITY & TRUST.



interlayers that turn to foam when exposed

to heat, allowing it to block the transfer

of radiant and conductive heat for up to

120 minutes. It is tested in accordance

with fire-rated wall standards, passes the

fire and hose stream tests, and can offer

up to Category II impact-safety ratings

and Level III bullet-resistance ratings.

The material’s exceptional defense makes

it suitable for use in wall-to-ceiling and

wall-to-wall applications, or in full-lite

glass doors. In appearance, it provides

nearly the same level of clarity as ordinary

float glass.

INNOVATIONS IN FIRE-RATED FRAMING While modern fire-rated glazing proved a

significant improvement over their wired

predecessors, design professionals quickly

realized they were only as attractive

and functional as the framing members

holding them in place. Far too often,

the thick profiles common in traditional

fire-rated frames caused aesthetic

discrepancies, impeded sightlines and

limited transparency.

To overcome the fire-rated frame challenge, manufacturers developed slender alternatives like modern steel fire-rated frames. The frames are available in a wide range of narrow-mullion profiles that feature well-defined corners and crisp edges to ensure smooth visual integration with non-rated assemblies. They can incorporate custom cover caps and surface finishes to match surrounding curtain wall and door applications. Some advanced systems even feature the smooth frame-free exterior surface of structural silicone-glazed curtain wall systems.

THE MOVE TOWARDS SYSTEM SOLUTIONS Fire-rated glass and frames are increasingly available as part of a comprehensive system, instead of only as individual components. In these systems, the manufacturer ensures all components meet the same code requirements and work in conjunction to achieve a specific level of fire safety. From fire-rated glass floors to fire-rated glass curtain walls, these simple, elegant solutions can simplify specification and allow building teams to achieve a higher level of performance.

To learn more about fire-rated glazing products

and applications, visit fireglass.com.

KMK PLACEFireframes® Aluminum Series with Pilkington Pyrostop® fire-rated glass

2

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FIRE-RATED GLASS & FRAMING

A t their most basic level, fire-rated glazing materials divide buildings into compartments to help slow or stop the spread of fire. They are not just a means of providing fire safety—they are

also a contributor to interior aesthetics. Unlike concrete, corrugated steel or other opaque fire-rated materials, fire-rated glazing can create open, luminous interiors and provide visibility for people entering and exiting spaces. This transparency can help project teams align fire and life safety plans with stylistic goals. It necessitates a good working knowledge of the performance and design characteristics of today’s offerings, as the material class has evolved significantly in recent years. This article will explain what you need to know about modern fire-rated glass and framing, laying the foundational building blocks to help you choose the right products for your next project.

THE CRITICAL DISTINCTION There are two types of fire-rated glazing—fire-protective glazing and fire-resistive glazing. It is crucial to understand the differences between the two material classes since numerous products fall within each category, and incorrect specification can jeopardize the safety of building occupants.

Fire-protective glazing is specially designed to help compartmentalize buildings by defending against the spread of flames and smoke for its designated fire rating. It is typically suitable where building codes allow an assembly designated as ‘opening protective’ to enclose a space.

Fire-resistive glazing adds further protection by blocking the transfer of radiant and conductive heat. It is tested to the stringent fire-resistance test standards for walls (including ASTM E119 and UL 263), and can therefore exceed 25 percent of the total wall area. It is typically suitable where building codes require an assembly designated ‘fire resistant’ to enclose a space.

UNDERSTANDING THE OPTIONS Traditional wired fire-rated glass was once one of the most commonly used fire-protective glazing materials. However, its institutional appearance and risk of injury from breakage spurred manufacturers to develop wireless alternatives, such as specially tempered glass and fire-rated glass ceramic.

Today, a mainstay of the fire-protective market is fire-rated glass ceramic. It is clear and strong, with a crystalline structure that holds the material together under high heat. Once installed, this wireless product looks similar to ordinary window glass, providing great design flexibility. It is available with fire ratings from 20 minutes to 3 hours, comes in sizes up to 24 square feet per lite, and is available with up to Category II (CPSC 16CFR 1201) impact-safety ratings. Fire-rated glass ceramic can also be incorporated into insulated glass units (IGUs) to comply with energy codes.

One of today’s primary fire-resistive glazing materials is transparent wall panels. This high-performing product incorporates intumescent

ONE SOURCE.MANY SOLUTIONS.TGP offers a variety of fire-rated glass & framing products.

FAMILY OF PRODUCTS

FAMILY OF PRODUCTS

Take a closer look at fireglass.com.

© PILKINGTONAUDI DEALERSHIP OF BIRMINGHAM Fireframes® Curtainwall Series with Pilkington Pyrostop® fire-rated glass



5UNDERSTANDING FIRE-RATED GLASS & FRAMING4 UNDERSTANDING FIRE-RATED GLASS & FRAMING fireglass.com

B uilding design and construction experts have a special responsibility to create safe, code-compliant living and working spaces for

their clients. Specifying proper fire-rated glazing products is an important part of this process. While there is no single formula for narrowing the product lens given the many life safety and other demands present in today’s buildings, the following fire-rated glass and framing tips can help guide proper selection. The information is meant to be a starting point; manufacturers or suppliers can answer specific questions regarding a given product’s make-up and performance.

1. CONFIRM THE PRODUCT PROVIDES SUFFICIENT DEFENSE

One of the first steps when specifying fire-rated glazing is to ensure it provides sufficient defense against fire. Locations will either require fire-protective or fire-resistive glazing products, as described in the previous article, “What You Need to Know About Fire-Rated Glass & Framing.”

Correct specification is crucial since fire-rated glazing that provides protection other than intended could jeopardize the safety of building occupants. Consider doors in egress areas such as stair enclosures, which occupants must pass by or through to exit a building. If the assembly does not provide the necessary defense against heat transfer, and temperatures reach high levels on the non-fire

side of the door, the exit stair may be impassable

when needed for use.

2. CHECK THE REQUIRED FIRE RATING

It is essential to check the required fire rating since code standards vary by occupancy and location in the building. Fire ratings for glass and frames range from 20 minutes to three hours, and are shown on the product’s label. The given number corresponds with testing in accordance with fire test standards. To ensure a product’s fire rating matches building codes, reference requirements for fire-rated glass in Chapter 7 of the International Building Code (IBC). The 2012 code edition also includes updated language to clarify confusion around the required performance levels for fire-protective and fire-resistive glazing.

3. ENSURE THE GLASS HAS PASSED ALL TESTS

To receive a fire rating and listing for use, glass must pass the fire test. Products with greater than a 20-minute fire rating must also pass the hose stream test. Depending on the specific application in which the product will be used, additional tests for fire-rated glass are available (e.g., impact resistance, bullet resistance, hurricane resistance, etc.). Fire-rated glazing in compliance with the IBC carries marks that indicate its conformance with these tests, and whether it is suitable for use in doors, openings or walls.

TIPS FOR SPECIFYING FIRE-RATED GLAZING

FULTON CENTER Fireframes® Curtainwall Series with Pilkington Pyrostop® fire-rated glass



safety codes. However, multifunctional systems like fire-rated glass curtain walls and fire-rated glass floor systems (see sidebar, “Understanding Fire-Rated Glass Floor Systems”) can now do significantly more, from supporting daylighting goals to visually integrating with non-rated glazing. While there may be a desire to overlook these products due to unfamiliarity, they are a value-added offering that can simplify specification by meeting a range of building criteria.

For example, if a floor separation calls for a two hour, fire-resistant barrier to heat, a fire-rated glass floor system has the one-of-a-kind ability to let in daylight and create a sense of openness while

providing critical compartmentation. It can also help reduce lighting loads and improve occupant comfort, making it an investment that pays off in the long term.

MOVING FORWARD

The rapid growth in the fire-rated glazing industry often leads to questions about use. Don’t be afraid to communicate early and often with manufacturers and suppliers. They can provide insight and recommendations about the product. There is no need to rush through the process. Taking time upfront to understand the ins and outs of today’s fire-rated glazing products will ultimately lead to correct specification.

4. VERIFY FIRE-RATED GLASS PROVIDES IMPACT

RESISTANCE IN HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

As of the 2006 IBC, fire-rated glazing in hazardous locations must also pass an impact safety test. This includes all fire-rated glass in doors. It also typically

applies to fire-rated glazing adjacent to

or near the door, including sidelites or

glass located near the floor. Since not all

products provide both fire and impact

safety protection, it is important to verify

the selected offering meets either CPSC

16CFR (Category I) or CPSC 16CFR 1201

(Category II) impact classifications, as

determined by the application. Today,

numerous products meet this criteria

and also have the capability to provide

supplemental security protection, such

as bullet and hurricane resistance.

5. ENSURE ALL COMPONENTS HAVE CONSISTENT

FIRE RATINGS

Today’s sophisticated fire-rated glass

and framing products have made it

possible for design teams to tailor fire-

rated glazing assemblies to specific

project goals. In order for these custom

solutions to maintain compliance with

the IBC, it is important to ensure all

assembly components have the same

or greater ratings than the required

code minimums for the opening. This

includes the frame, glass, seals and

other components.

6. MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY WITH OTHER BUILDING

ELEMENTS

Modern fire-rated framing systems

make it possible to ensure smooth visual

integration with surrounding non-

rated window, door and curtain wall

systems. For example, new generation

steel frames are much narrower than

the wraparound form of traditional

hollow metal steel frames. Their slender

aesthetic is advantageous if fire-rated

glazing is in a highly visible location

where it can be readily compared to

other building elements, such as an

expansive curtain wall in an entryway,

lobby or atrium. Fire-rated frames can

also be custom wet painted, anodized

or powder coated to match virtually

any color scheme. Some manufacturers also offer cover caps in various shapes and sizes, from H- and I- shapes to custom configurations.

7. CONSIDER MULTIFUNCTIONAL FIRE-RATED GLAZING

PRODUCTS

Fire-rated glass’ primary purpose will always be to satisfy fire and life

UNDERSTANDING FIRE-RATED GLASS FLOOR SYSTEMS Fire-rated glass floor systems provide a dramatic way to expand glazing in a host of building types. They can facilitate views and increase admissible daylight while supporting structural loads and blocking flames, smoke and heat. For those new to the innovative system, advanced products are available with the following key features:

• up to 120 minute fire ratings• up to Category II

impact-safety ratings• durable, non-slip walking surface• approved for loads up

to 150 psf• decorative color frits

and sandblasting Today, there are numerous ways design teams can employ these high-performance systems to improve light transfer, visibility, and aesthetics in horizontal separations with strict fire and life safety requirements, including:

• reclaiming unusable daylighting space in areas requiring a fire barrier between floors

• compartmentalizing a very large volume of space without blocking visibility

• using a circular or geometrical glass floor system to make a design statement in a fire-rated area

• incorporating an atrium or lightwell in public egress areas at risk for fire progression

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY ENGINEERING LIFE SCIENCESFireframes ClearFloor® fire-rated glass floor system with Pilkington Pyrostop® fire-rated glass

Continued from page 5



When Grant Thornton, LLP, the world’s sixth largest accounting firm relocated its U.S. headquarters to the former Chicago Title & Trust Center in 2015, a pressing need was to update the space to improve its work environment. The second floor of the now-named Grant Thornton Tower in Chicago’s Loop would be the “town square” for the company. The firm’s hopes were to use this space as a gathering place for clients and employees; but with little access to daylight, it was not very welcoming. The firm brought in Stantec Architecture to transform this long, dark, corridor into the open, collaborative space they imagined.

THE FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CHALLENGEAccording to Ken Novak, NCIDQ, Associate, Stantec Architecture, Grant Thornton’s “lease was saddled with a very dark, almost unusable area on their most important floor.” To overcome this design challenge, Stantec’s vision was to open up a gypsum covered, fire-resistive wall to allow copious light into the space, as well as provide visibility to the lobby below and out to the Thompson Center and City Hall across the street. Introducing

daylight, though, was “problematic due to the codes regarding

separation of the lobby from the tenant space,” explained Novak.

THE SOLUTION

The architects had “given up on the idea of daylight flooding

the space,” until they found their solution with Fireframes®

Curtainwall Series frames and Pilkington Pyrostop® fire-resistive

glass from Technical Glass Products (TGP). The fire-rated steel

framing system features narrow profiles to reduce sightlines.

It enables large expanses of fire-rated glass and blocks the

transfer of radiant and conductive heat, as was necessary in

Grant Thornton Tower.

In application, the project team replaced an 84-foot long drywall

partition with approximately 821 square feet of the two-hour fire-

resistive curtain wall frames and glass. By changing the opaque

fire-rated wall into a clear one, the result is a welcoming, light-

filled space that is “very popular and one of the showstoppers in

the building,” notes Novak. “The TGP system allows design ideas

such as ours to become reality.”

LMN Architect’s 929 Office Tower in Bellevue, Washington, is one

of the latest buildings to occupy a corner spot along one of the

city’s 600 foot by 600 foot downtown “superblocks.” The 19-story

mixed-use tower, which is designed to LEED Gold standards,

delivers an upscale aesthetic while providing critical protection

against the spread of fire between adjacent buildings.

THE FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CHALLENGE

To meet fire and life safety codes, the curtain wall on the

southeastern ground floor corner and side of the building

needed to serve as a one-hour barrier to the spread of

flames, smoke and heat. This capability would help prevent a

fire from traveling to or from neighboring buildings, providing

critical lot line protection. Since only select portions of the

929 Office Tower ground-floor exterior were required to

provide fire resistance by code, the challenge was to find

a high-performance, fire-rated curtain wall with a frame-

free exterior aesthetic to visually integrate with neighboring

non-rated assemblies.

THE SOLUTION

To bring fire and life safety in line with the building’s design intent, LMN Architects selected the Fireframes SG Curtainwall® Series, an innovative, exterior fire-rated separation system from Technical Glass Products.

Unlike other fire-rated curtain wall systems, the Fireframes SG Curtainwall Series is able to achieve the clean sightlines and seamless aesthetic of silicone glazed (SG) curtain wall systems. The assembly consists of Pilkington Pyrostop® fire-resistive glass attached to narrow, steel, fire-rated frames with a toggle retention system. The assembly is silicone sealed and requires no pressure plates or caps. Once installed, the toggle retention system becomes completely hidden, allowing for a smooth, frame-free exterior surface. This was a critical design benefit for the firm, as its monolithic aesthetic helped ensure smooth visual transitions between rated and non-rated assemblies.

For more project information, visit fireglass.com/case-studies.

GRANT THORNTON TOWERFIRE-RATED GLAZING TRANSFORMS AN ‘ALMOST UNUSABLE’ SPACE INTO A ‘SHOWSTOPPER’

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT929 OFFICE TOWERUPSCALE AESTHETIC, UNWAVERING FIRE DEFENSE

Photography: Chris Barrett / Architect: Stantec Architecture


http://fireglass.com/case-studies.


F ire-rated glass curtain walls have grown increasingly popular in North America over the past decade.

Tested to ASTM E119 and UL 263, the high-performance systems can create visually open, light-filled interior spaces while standing guard against fire. Their multifunctionality makes it easier to balance life safety with aesthetics, enabling design teams to meet a complex set of performance criteria with one system.

For design professionals interested in using the tough-yet-transparent form of fire-rated glass curtain walls to do more with less in areas subject to strict building codes, this article provides answers to seven frequently asked questions.

WHAT MAKES UP A FIRE-RATED GLASS CURTAIN WALL?

Fire-rated glass curtain walls are carefully engineered and manufactured systems that defend against the transfer of flames, smoke and radiant and conductive heat. They include fire-resistive glass and framing, as well as component parts, all of which are designed and confirmed via testing to work together.

The fire-resistive glass used in fire-rated curtain wall systems is typically made

of layers of low-iron float glass with an intumescent interlayer. The multi-laminate products are available with fire ratings of up to 120 minutes and pass mandatory fire and hose stream tests. Their configuration and performance capabilities allow them to remain relatively cool on the non-fire side of the glass for their designated fire rating.

The frames in fire-rated glass curtain walls also provide fire resistance and are available with fire ratings up to 120 minutes. Many fire-rated framing systems employ fire-resistive insulating materials to achieve the necessary defense. However, those using inherently heat-resistant framing materials like carbon steel do not typically require thermal barriers within their core. Depending on the selected product, fire-rated glass curtain wall systems have the option for either outside pressure plates or frame-free silicone glazed exterior finishes.

WHERE ARE FIRE-RATED GLASS CURTAIN WALLS SUITABLE FOR USE?

Fire-rated glass curtain walls are typically suitable wherever building codes require an assembly designated “fire resistant” to enclose a space. Examples include wall applications requiring a 60-minute or greater fire rating that must meet temperature-rise criteria, such as

stairwells, walls in exit corridors, or other fire barriers dividing interior construction exceeding 25 percent of the total wall area. Popular installations include:

• Interior storefronts; • Atriums;• Visually open, light-filled stairwells; and• Glazed separations between public and

private spaces in office buildings.

Fire-rated glass curtain walls are also suitable for use in the building envelope if they are air and water pressure tested and approved for the rigors of exterior use. They can help prevent a fire from traveling to or from neighboring buildings without restricting visibility.

DO FIRE-RATED GLASS CURTAIN WALLS PROVIDE IMPACT SAFETY PROTECTION?

Fire-rated glass curtain walls are available with glazing that provides up to Category II (Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC] 16 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 1201, Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing) impact-safety ratings. This is the highest rating. It indicates the glass can safely withstand an impact similar to that of a fast-moving adult. Systems incorporating such glass are well suited for use in high-traffic areas, including schools, gymnasiums and hospitals.

CAN FIRE-RATED CURTAIN WALLS MATCH THE AESTHETIC OF NON-RATED CURTAIN WALL SYSTEMS?

Recent manufacturing advances have made it possible for fire-rated glass curtain walls to create a close visual match with neighboring non-rated curtain wall, window and door systems. For example, modern steel fire-rated frames have a slender profile and sleek aesthetic. Compared to the wraparound form of traditional hollow metal steel frames, they can be much narrower, have well-defined edges (rather than rounded profiles), and have vertical-to-horizontal framing joints without visible weld beads or fasteners.

Taking visual integration one step further, it is now possible to specify fire-rated glass curtain walls with the smooth, monolithic appearance of a structural silicone glazed system. One available assembly is silicone-sealed and requires no pressure plates or caps. Its toggle retention system becomes completely hidden once installed, creating a seamless, uninterrupted surface appearance.

WHAT FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE FOR FIRE-RATED GLASS CURTAIN WALL SYSTEMS?

Design professionals can select from a wide array of fire-rated frame finishes to achieve their desired look. For example, carbon steel frames can be wet painted or powder coated to match virtually any color scheme. This includes the more traditional matches like the silver color of aluminum to bold colors like purples and greens.

ARE THE FRAMES IN FIRE-RATED GLASS CURTAIN WALLS AVAILABLE WITH CUSTOM COVER CAPS?

Fire-rated frames are available with finished stainless steel, aluminum and real-wood veneered metal cover caps. The face caps are available in numerous shapes and sizes, from H- and I-shapes to custom configurations to no cap at all, as is popular in industrial settings. Stainless steel caps are typically brushed finish. Aluminum caps can be wet painted, anodized, or powder coated to match the framing.

ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS TO BE AWARE OF?

Fire-rated glass curtain walls are tested as a complete system, from the glass and frames to hardware and all component parts. As a result, the fire rating encompasses the profiles, the maximum glass size and how the glass is captured. This helps ensure the entire assembly provides the same category of fire resistance and carries the minimum fire rating, as required in the International Building Code (IBC).

In application, this safeguard also means it is generally not possible to select different profile widths or depths except those previously tested and certified for the fire-rated glass curtain wall’s exposure duration. Where a custom solution is desirable, contact the manufacturer or supplier. Some can aid in the testing and development of a new system.


12 UNDERSTANDING FIRE-RATED GLASS & FRAMING fireglass.com 13UNDERSTANDING FIRE-RATED GLASS & FRAMING

FIRE-RATED STEEL CURTAIN WALLS FOR EXTERIOR SEPARATIONS

F ire-rated curtain walls can provide transparent lot line protection, meeting stringent fire and life safety criteria for exterior separations given their classification as fire-resistance-rated wall construction. While functional at defending

against fire, concerns can arise over their ability to support demanding loads and withstand the elements. To the surprise of many, fire-rated steel curtain walls are one solution that can perform at the same level, if not better, than their non-rated cousins.

THE STRENGTH ADVANTAGEIndustry standards for exterior curtain wall frames typically limit deflection due to wind load to L/175 or 3/4 in.—whichever is less—for spans under 13 ft. 6 in., and L/240 + 1/4 in. for greater spans (where L equals the length of the span between anchor points). These standards were originally developed to prevent sealant failure of insulating glass units due to mullion deflection.

In fire-rated curtain walls, the rated glass may impose stricter limits on the framing, such as L/300. Since steel has a Modulus of Elasticity three times that of aluminum, it can more easily meet deflection limits without increasing the system profile size. In fact, a thin steel profile made by roll forming coil steel and laser welding it into rectangular profiles can do the same work structurally as a comparable aluminum profile, with the advantage of being two thirds the size. Even with the added weight of heavier fire-rated glazing, which can be as much as 16-26 lbs./sq. ft., steel systems can carry the dead load weight of the wall system (glass and steel framing) without a significant increase in profile size. This strength allows for beautiful, design-forward fire-rated curtain walls in highly visible exterior locations.

IMPROVED PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTSThe air and water penetration resistance of fire-rated steel curtain wall systems is also typically better than comparable, non-rated aluminum systems. The steel profiles are protected by a continuous, full-width silicone gasket mounted to the face of the profiles in the glazing pocket. This mechanism isolates any water that gets into the glazing pocket, ensuring it has absolutely no contact with any steel materials in the system.

The continuous gasketing at the face of the wall is what allows fire-rated steel systems to offer air resistance that, when tested to ASTM E283, measures as low as 0.01 cfm/sq. ft. at 6.24 psf. Water resistance ratings range from 15 psf differential pressure, up to 30 psf per ASTM E331, allowing no water penetration through the wall systems.

To ensure greater protection from corrosion once the building is completed, advanced fire-rated steel curtain walls are available with stainless steel pressure plates to hold the glass to the framing. They are a critical component to the fire rating of the wall: substituting them for other materials is not permitted. Conventional aluminum or stainless steel cover caps are applied over the pressure plates, and some customization of aluminum cover caps is permitted, providing enhanced design flexibility. Self-sealing fasteners penetrate the gasketing, but do not provide access for water penetration. One innovative system uses a toggle retention system that becomes hidden once installed, thus eliminating the exterior pressure plate and cover cap of a conventionally captured system.

A LASTING SOLUTION With exceptional fire resistance and protection from the elements, fire-rated steel curtain wall systems can help bring lasting style to areas where building codes deem the threat of fire significant from adjacent construction. As with any specialty fire-rated glass and framing system, product nuances vary by manufacturer. It is therefore important to consult the supplier’s documentation for specific instructions, ensuring life safety and design goals align.

A Clearer View FIREFRAMES CLEARVIEW™ SYSTEM

T he Fireframes ClearView™ System is a butt-glazed, fire-rated framing system that eliminates the need for colored

internal spacers or vertical mullions between adjoining pieces of glass. Available in nearly 10-foot heights with a narrow 3/16 in. vertical butt joint, this system makes it possible for design professionals to create extensive fire-rated glazed walls with nearly colorless transitions between glass panels.

The system is comprised of butt-glazed Pilkington Pyrostop®, a low-iron, fire-rated and impact safety-rated glass, with a heat-resistive perimeter frame. UL-classified and labeled, it is fire-rated for up to 60 minutes, passes the required hose stream test, and protects against radiant and conductive heat transfer per ASTM E119.

A Modern Frame of Mind FIREFRAMES® ALUMINUM SERIES

The Fireframes® Aluminum Series provides an attractive, modern alternative to traditional aluminum hollow metal frames for fire-rated applications. The finely crafted frames incorporate precision engineering to create narrow profiles and crisp sightlines. They are available with custom aluminum face caps to meet project needs, and can be finish painted at the factory to match nearly any color scheme. The patented system is combined with Pilkington Pyrostop® fire-rated glass to provide a barrier to radiant and conductive heat transfer, allowing for unlimited areas of glazing in fire separations. The UL-classified and labeled framing system carries a 120-minute fire rating as a wall assembly.

A Smooth AlternativeFIREFRAMES SG CURTAINWALL® SERIES

With the Fireframes SG Curtainwall® Series, designers can now create large, fire-rated glazed walls with the smooth, frame-free surface appearance of a structural silicone glazed system. The assembly features a patented toggle retention system that allows for rapid installation of Pilkington Pyrostop® fire-rated glass. Upon installation, the toggle retention system becomes completely hidden, leaving the exterior surface sleek and uninterrupted. The Fireframes SG Curtainwall Series is UL-classified and labeled, and provides up to 120 minutes of fire resistance in interior and exterior applications.

PRODUCTFOCUS3 Must-Know ProductsFor more information on any of these TGP products, as well as the company’s other fire-rated glass and framing products, visit fireglass.com or call 800.426.0279.





Inspiration is built on a foundation of trust. Create with confidence using the industry’s preferred fire-rated glazing from Technical Glass Products. TGP’s innovative fire-rated glass is a clear favorite, and our fire-rated framing opens up new design possibilities. Choose the trusted service and support of TGP.

fireglass.com | 800.426.0279© 2018 Technical Glass Products. Pilkington Pyrostop is a registered trademark of Pilkington plc. Technical Glass Products, Fireglass and Fireframes are registered trademarks of Technical Glass Products. Photography © Carter & Fitzgerald.



sponsored by technical glass products · project & product spotlight ... glass floor systems,...

Documents