Fire-rated glass system, various ratings (6mm-25mm monolithic; 23mm-52mm laminated/IGU)
Fire-rated glass systems encompass two primary technologies: monolithic borosilicate glass-ceramics (6mm-25mm) offering integrity-only protection, and laminated/IGU systems (23mm-52mm) providing both integrity and insulation ratings. Glass-ceramic products like SCHOTT Pyran utilise low thermal expansion borosilicate compositions, while laminated systems such as Pilkington Pyrostop incorporate intumescent interlayers that foam when exposed to heat, creating an opaque barrier against fire, smoke, and radiant heat transfer.
- Fire-rated doors and windows in commercial buildings
- Fire stairs and egress pathways requiring FRL -/120/120
- Smoke lobbies and fire control rooms
- Boundary walls and external facades
- Bushfire-prone area construction (BAL-40 to BAL-FZ)
- Hospital and healthcare facility compartmentation
- Educational facility fire separation
- High-rise residential fire safety systems
- Industrial facility hazard separation
- Heritage building fire upgrades
Fire-rated glass technology evolved from wired glass in the 1960s to modern borosilicate glass-ceramics developed by SCHOTT in the 1980s. The introduction of clear, wireless glass-ceramics revolutionised fire-rated glazing by eliminating the visual obstruction and corrosion issues of traditional wired glass. Australian adoption accelerated after the 2009 Victorian bushfires led to stricter BAL requirements in AS 3959. The NCC 2022 update further strengthened requirements, mandating FRL -/120/120 for many applications previously accepting lower ratings. Current developments focus on larger panel sizes, improved optical clarity, and integrated systems combining fire, security, and acoustic performance.
DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.