45, 60, 90, and now 120 Minute Fire Rated Glass Block

Fire safety and resistance is essential in any building structure. Fire rated glass block windows can be an integral part of this plan by safeguarding lives and protecting assets through the glass blocks fire resistance.  By incorporating the glass block as part of a system, GBA can make these window assemblies fire resistant for as long as two hours depending on the block.  Our fire resistant glass block is certified and tested by Underwriters Laboratory Standards and/or NFPA 257.  Fire rated windows can resist heat levels from a fire and prevent flames from spreading for a specific duration of time.  Fire safety codes are not something any building contractor or designer will take lightly.  That's why GBA offers fire rated glass block window assemblies that meet the required fire safety code.  

We constantly are being asked "is glass block fire rated?". One of the most important features of glass block is the product’s inherent fire-resistance property.  Modern glass block is able to meet fire codes differently than traditional glass, which needed a wired glass in a steel frame to be fire resistant. By varying the face thickness of the product and conforming to installation specifications, GBA is able to offer a family of fire rated glass block products approved and rated according to Underwriters Laboratory (UL®) standards.  UL is the global leader in safety science and delivers business solutions by sharing their knowledge.  To test the block, according to lumenlearning.com, glass block is exposed to a propane gas-fired furnace for various periods of time.  The survival period determines the fire rating of that glass block.  Meeting UL standards shows that this product meets strict requirements founded in scientific research. This also demonstrates that our fire rated glass block window and wall assemblies are strong enough to resist natural occurring elements and are energy efficient.  

Fire Rated Glass Block Windows and Walls with 45-, 60-, 90-, and 120-Minute Rating

Learn more about the inherent protection of glass block for fire-rated glass applications
Fire Rated Glass

Fire rated glass block is available in 45-, 60-, or 90-minute ratings for window or wall assemblies.  Glass block offers a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes to customize your window in any application.  The Premiere­­™ Series line of fire rated glass block allows for a 45-minute fire rating and offers the most options of glass block patterns and sizes.  The Thickset® 60 and Thickset® 90 offer three different glass block patterns: Clarity, Nubio, and Spray.  Thickset® glass block has a thicker face when compared to any of the Premiere™ series providing added security and provides a 60 minute fire rating or 90 minute fire rating.  VISTABRIK® is a 3" solid glass block that has been classified by UL® for 45-, 60-, and 90-minute fire ratings. 

Architects realize that glass block offers both security and beauty.  The fire resistance of our glass block does not hinder the amount of light that comes through.  Fire rated glass block still maximizes the amount of light pouring through a window, and can be altered to be as translucent or transparent as you'd like.  Glass block is perfect for zero lot lines or where building codes call for fire-resistant window assemblies.  Zero-lot line houses can have loud noise levels due to the proximity of your neighbors.  Not only will glass block provide fire resistance, but it can also reduce noise levels.  Glass block can be customized by patterns or by sandblasting the glass surface for an added privacy feature without losing the amount of natural light transmitted.  

Design Features+Options
Fire Rated Glass Block: 45 Minutes

4" Premiere™ Series glass block offers a 45-minute fire rating and the most design options.  All Premiere™ Series patterns are classified by UL for 45-minute rated window assemblies.  Size options available range from 8" x 8", 6" x 8", 6" x 6" and 4" x 8".  S.T.C. levels range from 35-41 depending on the block best suited to meet the design goal.
Patterns for Premiere™ Series include:

  • Arctic
  • Clarity
  • Cortina
  • Cross Ribbed
  • Light Diffusing
  • Nubio
  • Regent
Fire Rated Glass Block: 60 Minutes

This 60-minute fire rated glass block option has a thicker face than Premiere with a face thickness of 0.375".  Thickset 60 glass block offers an S.T.C. rating of up to 48.  

Available patterns/styles for this block:

  • Clarity
  • Nubio
  • Spray
Fire Rated Glass Block: 90 Minutes

Thickset® 90 is a 90 minute fire rated glass block tested to meet UL® standards.  This product is available in a variety of patterns to stance, this product is also available in a range of patterns and offers a higher level of S.T.C. up to 50
Styles available at a face thickness of .75":

  • Nubio
  • Endura
  • Clarity
Fire Rated Glass Block: 120 Minutes

European and American tested 2 hour fire rated glass block is available in 7-1/2" square/metric size.  This 120 minute fire rated glass block achieves the 2 hour fire rating in vertical wall panels.  Including a fire rated glass block wall into a project can transform any dark space, to one that is safe and naturally lit.  The glass block can be customized for privacy with the addition of a Sahara Finish on either one side or both sides of the glass.  This unique fire rated glass block was tested to meet European Standards and American Standards.  Architects and designers have already been used in the US, and are being incorporated in many designs.  The wave pattern of this glass block adds privacy with the distortion of figures on either side of the glass.  

  • Meets ASTM E119 Wall Rating of 120 minutes
  • Available in Wave pattern
Fire Rated Glass Block: Vistabrik

VISTABRIK® is a solid glass block rated by UL at 90 minutes for fire resistance.  A full 3-inches thick, VISTABRIK® provides the ultimate security and safety for a clear or obscure view.  VistaBrik® offers the highest S.T.C. of up to 53 and is the ultimate glass block solution.  This solid glass block is used to resist bullets, fire, noise, graffiti, and forcible entry.  VISTABRIK® has been approved by UL-9 and NFPA 257 standards to be used in window assemblies at a 45-, 60-, or 90-minute fire rating.   Available in a variety of sizes in clear, sandblast, or stippled finish.  Available sizes may vary on the finish selected, contact a GBA sales representative to learn more about these options. 

Fire Rated Glass Brick: Vetropieno

Glass bricks are able to achieve a fire rating of 45-, 60-, and 90-minutes in both the full and half size bricks.  Glass bricks can be incorporated into a building as a window system or wall system.  Utilizing glass bricks combines the strength of traditional bricks with the light penetrating properties glass has to offer.  Glass bricks can be installed in a traditional running bond, stacked on top of each other, or placed in a steel frame.  

Rettangolare glass brick sizes are available in 4 color options: Blue, Clear, Nordica, and Siena.  The Americano style has one color option available which is Clear.  Americano glass bricks were made to match the size of traditional bricks used in building.  Glass bricks are a beautiful addition to any building not only for the amount of the light transmitted is incredible but also the security and protection they bring.  

Fire Rated Glass Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 2 types of fire rated glass? Fire rated glass

The two types of fire-rated glass are “fire-protective” glass and “fire-resistive” (or “fire-resistant”) glass. 

"Fire-protective" glass serves as a defense against the spread of flames and smoke, encompassing materials like traditional wired glass, glass ceramics, and specially tempered glass. It is typically suitable for "opening protective" assemblies as allowed by building codes. These glazing options come with fire ratings ranging from 20 to 180 minutes, but their use is subject to area and size limitations set by the relevant building code or authority having jurisdiction.

On the other hand, "fire-resistive" glass offers the same defense against flames and smoke as fire-protective glazing but provides additional protection by blocking the transfer of radiant and conductive heat. Typically composed of multi-laminates with fire-resistive interlayers, these products are suitable for areas where building codes mandate a "fire-resistant" assembly to enclose a space. Examples include wall applications requiring a 60-minute or greater fire rating, such as stairwells or fire barriers. 

What is fire resistant glass? Fire rated glass

How thick is 60 minute fire rated glass? Fire rated glass

Can any glass be used as fire glass? Fire rated glass

Do windows need to be fire rated? Fire rated glass

Can fire rated walls have windows? Fire rated glass

Are fire rated windows more expensive? Fire rated glass