How Glass Can Offer Fire Protection for Commercial Buildings
Fire protection is a critical consideration when it comes to replacing, updating, or installing new glass in your commercial building. Certain glass products offer essential fire protection to safeguard your property and the sensitive information it houses. Let’s explore the two most common types of glass that provide fire protection for commercial buildings:
- Fire-Protective Glass: Fire-protective glass is the initial defense against fire damage. While not as robust as fire-resistive glass, it is designed to contain the spread of flames and smoke within a structure. This type of glass can effectively prevent fire propagation for up to 180 minutes. However, it’s important to note that fire-protective glass does not shield against radiant heat transfer, which can cause damage to unaffected areas. Building codes typically dictate the permissible use of fire-protective glass regarding square footage and specific applications.
- Fire-Resistive Glass: Fire-resistive glass is the optimal choice for enhanced fire protection in commercial buildings. Engineered to meet the ASTM E119 standard, akin to fire-rated walls, fire-resistive glass is recognized by the International Building Code as a transparent wall. Beyond mitigating smoke and flame damage, this type of glass effectively blocks heat transfer. Unlike fire-protective glass, there are fewer limitations on using fire-resistive glass in terms of square footage and applications, provided it is installed with heat-resistant framing.
Choosing the appropriate fire protection for your commercial building depends on your requirements and end applications. Fire-protective glass may suffice if you’re dealing with a relatively small area that won’t house critical equipment. However, for buildings featuring expansive glass walls and housing-sensitive items, fire-resistive glass is the preferred option.
Our experts at Silver State Glass & Mirror can guide you through various glass options to ensure your building is adequately protected against fire damage. With a track record of serving over 800 businesses across Las Vegas, Nevada, we’re well-equipped to handle any project, whether replacing a broken storefront window or integrating glass into a new build-out. Please contact our professional team today for a quote for your project.
