Fire safety is an essential aspect of architectural design, significantly influencing materials selection, especially when it comes to glass. Fire rated glass offers a blend of functionality and safety, allowing for the creation of bright, open spaces without compromising on fire protection. In this blog, we’ll dive into various fire-rated glass products, highlighting their features, characteristics.
Technical Glass Products: Fire Rated
For over two decades, TG has been a premier fabricating distributor of the FireLite brand, a cornerstone in the realm of fire-rated glass solutions. Our partnership with Technical Glass Products allows us to offer an extensive portfolio of UL-listed fire-rated products, each designed to meet the rigorous standards of fire-protective glazing applications. These products boast fire ratings that span from 20 minutes to 3 hours, ensuring a wide range of options to meet the specific safety requirements of various architectural designs. Through our dedication to providing high-quality, reliable fire-rated glass, we are proud to contribute to safer, more resilient buildings across a multitude of environments.
Fireglass20: Essential Protection with Clarity
- Features: Fire-rated up to 20 minutes, impact safety-rated to meet ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR1201 (Cat. I and II).
- Characteristics: 1/4” thick, 3 lb/sq. ft., approximately 89% visible transmission.
Fireglass20 offers the essential level of protection for doors requiring a 20-minute fire rating. Despite its fundamental safety feature, it maintains a high level of clarity and light transmission. It can be lightly sandblasted or etched, allowing for design flexibility without compromising the fire rating, and is available as an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU).
View the full fact sheet here.
WireLite NT: Enhanced Safety with Aesthetic Versatility
- Features: Fire-rated for up to 90 minutes, impact safety-rated as per ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR1201 (Cat. I and II).
- Characteristics: 17/64” (6.8 mm) thick, 3.79 lb/sq. ft., approximately 77% visible transmission.
WireLite NT combines the traditional aesthetic of wired glass with modern safety standards. It fits into standard fire-rated hollow metal frames and doors, providing protection against fire and impact. Suitable for large sizes, especially when used with Pemko FG3000 glazing tape, this material offers a unique look while ensuring safety and is covered by a 3-year limited warranty.
View the full fact sheet here.
FireLite NT: Superior Clarity and Durability
- Features: Fire-rated up to 180 minutes, meets ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR1201 (Cat. I and II) for impact safety.
- Characteristics: 3/16” (5 mm) thick, 2.56 lb/sq. ft., about 88% visible transmission, STC Rating – 35 dB.
FireLite NT is a standout product for its combination of fire protection, impact safety, and ultraHD® Technology for enhanced surface quality. It fits in standard fire-rated hollow metal frames and doors, offering flexibility in application across doors, sidelites, transoms, and borrowed lites. Available in both standard and premium grades for surface quality, FireLite NT also supports thermal shock resistance and large size options, further extending its application range with a 3-year limited warranty.
View the full fact sheet here.
FireLite Plus: Advanced Protection with Premium Quality
- Features: Shares the same fire-rating and impact safety features as FireLite NT.
- Characteristics: 5/16” (8mm) Laminated without exposed film, and visible transmission of 85%. STC Rating – 38 dB.
FireLite Plus elevates the standard set by FireLite NT with the same sophisticated balance of safety and visual appeal, making it an ideal choice for spaces where both aspects are non-negotiable. Like FireLite NT, it is available in large sizes, withstands thermal shock, and can be lightly sandblasted or etched on. FireLite Plus comes with a 5-year limited warranty, ensuring reliability and satisfaction.
View the full fact sheet here.
Neoceram: High Heat Resistance with Transparency
- Features: Withstands continuous temperatures up to 1292°F. Can be cut with regular glass cutters or to requested size at TG.
- Characteristics: Transparent low-expansion glass-ceramic, 3/16” thick, sheet size up to 44” x 78”.
Neoceram is not your typical fire-rated glass but rather a specialty glass-ceramic designed for high-efficiency heating appliances. Its almost zero thermal expansion coefficient and high resistance to thermal shock make it an exceptional choice for applications requiring clear visibility under high temperature conditions. It’s the ideal solution for viewing windows in high-temperature environments, offering both safety and durability without compromising on the aesthetic aspect.
View the full fact sheet here.
FireLite IGU: Versatile Protection with Enhanced Aesthetics
- Features: Fire-rated up to 180 minutes, ultraHD® Technology for superior clarity, impact safety-rated meeting ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR1201 (Cat. I and II).
- Characteristics: Typically 1” thickness, clear and wireless glass ceramic, available in standard and premium surface grades.
FireLite IGU stands as a testament to the adaptability of fire-rated glass, combining FireLite glass ceramic with tempered or annealed float glass to achieve up to a 3-hour fire rating. This product is a game-changer for designers looking to incorporate fire-rated solutions without sacrificing design flexibility or aesthetic appeal. Available in various make-ups, it supports a broad spectrum of applications, from enhancing architectural beauty to meeting stringent safety requirements, all while offering a 10-year limited warranty.
View the full fact sheet here.
Pyrostop: Ultimate Barrier Against Fire and Heat
- Features: Fire-rated for up to 120 minutes, meets ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR1201 (Cat. I and II) for impact safety, offers a barrier to radiant heat.
- Characteristics: Varies in thickness based on fire-rating requirements.
Pyrostop is designed to offer not just protection against fire but also acts as an effective barrier against radiant heat transfer. It’s suitable for a wide range of applications including doors, sidelites, transoms, borrowed lites, and wall applications. The product’s performance is enhanced by Optiwhite low iron glass and intumescent layers, offering clarity alongside safety. It’s also available with Bullet Resistance ratings, showcasing
Conclusion
Torstenson Glass (TG) epitomizes a legacy of resilience and innovation in Chicago’s heart, boasting over 130 years in the glass industry. Our exploration of fire-rated glass solutions underscores our commitment to safety and aesthetic excellence, from the fundamental protection of Fireglass20 to the advanced Pyrostop barrier. TG merges tradition with innovation, ensuring our offerings meet diverse architectural needs while honoring our rich heritage. As we continue to lead in the glass industry, our dedication to quality, safety, and innovation remains unwavering, echoing our legacy into the future.