Fire rated glass doors have been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until relatively recently that their safety features became widely known. Fire rated glass doors provide an effective way to protect people and property in the event of a fire, as they are able to resist high temperatures and contain the spread of fire and smoke. Here, let’s explore the elegance of fire rated glass doors and how they have improved safety over time.

Understanding Fire Rated Glass Doors

In the past, building regulations often stipulated that heavy metal doors should be used in order to provide a certain level of fire resistance. However, these doors are bulky and unattractive, making them less than ideal for modern buildings. 

Fire rated glass doors provide an elegant alternative that is both aesthetically pleasing and provides superior protection from fire. The use of laminated glass ensures that the door can withstand high temperatures without shattering or cracking, allowing it to effectively contain fires while still remaining lightweight and easy to open in case of emergency evacuations.

Fire rating classifications are determined by the amount of time that it takes for a fire to break through the door. A 20-minute fire rating means that it will take a fire at least 20 minutes to breach the door, while a 90-minute rating will take at least 90 minutes. Fire rated glass doors can typically reach ratings of up to 90 minutes, though this is not always necessary depending on the building’s requirements. For example, a healthcare facility or other critical infrastructure requiring extra protection may need at least a 60-minute rating in order to comply with regulations.

What Are The Advantages Of Fire Rated Glass Doors?

Fire rated glass doors have several advantages over traditional metal or wooden doors. Here are just a few of them:

Enhanced Safety And Security

Fire rated glass doors offer an additional level of protection from fire, smoke, and heat. They also help to keep out burglars and other intruders since they are more difficult to break through than most other types of doors.

Aesthetic Appeal And Design Versatility

These glass doors can be designed with a variety of finishes and styles, letting you customize the look of your building or office space. Additionally, these doors are less bulky than traditional metal or wooden doors, making them a great option for areas where you need to maximize available space.

Natural Light And Visibility

Glass doors let natural light pass through, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The fire rated glass also allows you to keep an eye on the activities within a room, without having to open the door. This is especially useful for security or monitoring purposes.

Energy Efficiency And Sustainability

Glass doors are a great option for making your space more energy efficient by reducing the need for additional lighting. With the increased levels of insulation that come with quality glass, you can cut down on heating and cooling costs while still achieving your desired comfort level. Additionally, they are an eco-friendly choice due to their longevity and low maintenance requirements throughout their lifespan.

Compliance With Building Codes

When it comes to making sure you are compliant with building codes and regulations, glass doors provide an added level of safety. Fire-rated glass is code compliant for most commercial buildings, providing a buffer between occupants and the potential danger of fire. It also acts as a barrier that restricts the amount of smoke and toxins circulating within your facility.

Types Of Fire Rated Glass Doors Offered At Liberty Shielding

At Liberty Shielding, we specialize in providing fire rated glass door solutions to meet your specific needs. We offer a variety of doors ranging from 20-minute ratings all the way up to 180-minute ratings for extreme protection.

Firelite-NT (Fire Rated Safety Glass)

Firelite-NT (Fire Rated Safety Glass) is a ceramic fire-rated safety glass commonly used in doors and within 24″ of doors. Its fire rating can reach up to 180 minutes according to size and application, and its thickness is 3/16″. It offers an impressive 88% light transmission, making it ideal for applications where aesthetics are important. Firelite-NT has been designed and tested to meet stringent fire safety requirements, providing maximum protection without compromising visibility.

Firelite Plus – Laminated Fire Rated Safety Glass

Firelite Plus is a laminated fire-rated safety glass used in doors and within 24″ of doors. Its fire rating can reach up to 180 minutes according to size and application, and its thickness is 5/16″. This product offers an impressive 85% light transmission, making it ideal for applications where aesthetics are important. It also provides excellent temperature resistance, which allows it to maintain its physical integrity during a fire.

WireLite-NT (Fire Rated Diamond Pattern Wire Glass)

Wirelite-NT is a diamond pattern wired fire-rated safety glass used within 24 inches of a door. Its fire rating can reach up to 90 minutes, depending on size, glazing tape, and application. It is 1/4″ thick and provides 77% light transmission, making it suitable for applications where aesthetics are important. In addition to its high fire resistance and temperature stability, Wirelite-NT also offers superior sound insulation capabilities compared to other safety glasses.

Liberty Shielding’s Commitment To Safety

At Liberty Shielding, we strive to ensure that safety and protection are not compromised in the pursuit of design aesthetics. Our commitment to fire protection is demonstrated by our premium products. We also offer additional customizable options, such as glazing tape and size variations so that our clients can get the best combination for their needs. 

We provide high-quality, customizable fire resistance glass door solutions that seamlessly integrate safety and protection into architectural designs. We are dedicated to exceeding customer expectations and delivering innovative products that meet stringent safety standards. Our commitment to providing the highest level of safety drives us every day, making sure that any application involving fire resistance or temperature stability can be met with confidence and peace of mind. 

Building Codes And Regulations

Our fire resistance glass doors and solutions are certified to comply with all relevant building codes and regulations.

Overview Of Fire Safety Regulations

We understand the importance of complying with all relevant fire safety regulations. Our glass products and solutions are designed to meet stringent safety requirements while providing maximum protection for occupants. We take into account local building codes and regulations as well as international fire resistance standards when designing our products, so you can be sure that your product meets safety requirements wherever it is installed.

Compliance Standards For Fire Rated Glass Doors

Our FireLite Standard (3/16″ thick) product is compliant with NFPA 252, ANSI Z97.1, and CPSC 16 CFR 1201 CAT I and II standards for fire rated glass doors. This ensures that the product meets safety requirements and provides maximum protection for occupants without compromising on aesthetics or performance. We also take into account international fire resistance standards when designing our products, so you can be sure that your product meets safety requirements wherever it is installed.

Certification And Testing

Our fire-rated glass door products must undergo a series of rigorous tests and inspections in order to satisfy the necessary certification requirements. This includes testing for air leakage, positive and negative pressure, sound transmission, water infiltration, wind load resistance, impact resistance, fire endurance, and heat transmission. During these tests, the product is subjected to high temperatures and simulated natural forces to ensure that it can withstand high amounts of wear and tear over its lifetime.

Installation And Maintenance Of Fire Rated Glass Doors

Installing fire-rated glass doors is a complex process that requires specialized tools and expertise. Experienced technicians have extensive knowledge and experience installing fire-rated glass doors.

Proper Installation Procedures

During the installation of fire-rated glass doors, professional technicians ensure that all necessary steps are taken to provide proper security and safety. These include:

• Proper Anchoring – For correct operation, fire-rated glass doors must be securely installed in order to remain sealed against smoke and fire. Installers use specialized anchors designed specifically for this purpose.
• Sealing the Frame – Proper seals are essential to keep smoke and fire from entering through any gaps in the frame. Technicians use high-quality pure silicone, closed cell PVC tape, and fire-resistant sealants to ensure a tight fit.
• Installing Door Components Correctly – Fire-rated glass doors require specific hardware such as hinges, closers, locks, and strike plates for proper operation. Installers make sure these components are properly installed and aligned.
• Testing for Air Leakage – Once the door is installed, expert technicians use a specialized instrument to test for any air leakage around the frame. By doing so, we can make sure that the fire-rated door is providing maximum protection from smoke and flames. 

Maintenance Tips And Best Practices

To keep your fire-rated door functioning properly, it’s important to follow these simple tips and best practices: 

• Regularly inspect the door for any damage or loose components.
• Ensure that gaps around the frame are sealed tightly with high-quality products, such as pure silicone sealants. 
• Clean the door regularly to prevent dirt from accumulating and causing problems with the functionality of the door.
• Pay attention to any signs of corrosion or rusting on metal components, as this is a sure sign that something needs to be addressed. 
• Have your fire-rated door inspected by a qualified technician at least once per year.

The Best Customer Support

At Liberty Shielding, we offer exceptional customer service. Our team is on standby to help with any questions, concerns, or issues regarding your fire-rated door. Contact us via telephone, email, or our website’s live chat system with any inquiries you may have, and our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you. We provide a prompt response time and always aim to ensure that your query is answered quickly and efficiently.

Customization Options

At Liberty Shielding, we offer a wide selection of customization options for our fire-rated glass doors. Customers can choose from various materials, including high quality steel, and many different finishes to match their desired look and feel. We also have a vast array of sizes available in standard or custom dimensions to fit any opening.

Our products are designed with flexibility in mind so that you can tailor your fire-rated door to best meet your needs and aesthetic preferences. With the broad array of customization features we provide, customers are sure to find the perfect solution to their unique doorway requirements with us at Liberty Shielding.

Get The Best Fire Rated Glass Doors!

We offer the best fire rated glass doors with various glass options to fit your needs. Choose from different materials and finishes, as well as standard or custom sizes for any opening. Our products are designed for flexibility so that you can find the door that is perfect for your home or business. Let us help you achieve the look and feel you desire with our fire-rated glass doors. Request a quote on your custom size or lead equivalency!

FAQs

• How Do Fire-Rated Glass Doors Work?

Fire-rated glass doors work by using specialized glass and framing materials that can resist the transmission of heat and flames. They are tested to ensure they maintain their integrity and prevent the spread of fire for a specific time, typically ranging from 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the rating.

• Can Fire-Rated Glass Doors Be Customized To Fit Specific Design Requirements?

Yes, many manufacturers, including Liberty Shielding, offer customization options for fire-rated glass doors. You can often choose from different glass types, framing materials, finishes, and sizes to match your project’s aesthetic and functional needs.

• Can Fire-Rated Glass Doors Be Used In Exterior Applications?

Yes, fire-rated glass doors are suitable for both interior and exterior applications. However, the specific requirements and ratings may vary depending on whether the doors are installed indoors or outdoors.

• Are Fire-Rated Glass Doors Energy-Efficient?

Fire-rated glass doors can be energy-efficient when equipped with thermal breaks and insulated glass. These features help improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer through the door, making them suitable for sustainable building designs.