Glass flooring systems have become increasingly popular over the past few decades. Utilizing glass into the floor provides a unique walking surface while allowing light to penetrate below to surrounding areas. Glass floors can be one of the most cost effective ways to add more natural light between floors as opposed to traditional artificial lighting. Looking to create an advanced glass flooring system, SAFTI FIRST developed a fire resistive glass floor. Fire resistive glass floors still allow for natural light to penetrate areas below while providing a fire rating of up to 120 minutes depending on application.
Glass floors requiring a fire rating are intended to stop the spread of fire by acting as a barrier. Traditional non-fire rated glass floors will break under the pressure of fire, similar to any non-fire rated window assembly. This advanced fire rated glass floor system meets ASTM E-119/UL 263/ ULC-S101 up to 2 hours. Additionally, the GPX Fire Floor System has the largest tested and listed fire rated glass floor panels for fire rated assemblies that are fully captured and butt-glazed.
Fire Rating | Application | Max. Area | Max. Width | Max. Length |
60 Minutes | Fully Supported | 7,0173.3 sq. in. | 82-3/8 in. | 85-3/16 in. |
60 Minutes | Butt-glazed | 4,763.9 sq. in. | 67-7/8 in. |
70-3/16 in. |
120 Minutes | Fully Supported | 7,179.9 sq. in. | 96-3/8 in. | 74-1/2 in. |
120 Minutes | Butt-glazed | 7,179.9 sq. in. | 96-3/8 in. | 74-1/2 in. |
GPX FireFloor System is a fire resistive glass floor assembly. What does it mean for glass to be fire resistive? Fire resistive glass contains smoke, flames, and block the passage of radiant heat. It limits the temperature rise on the non-fire side to 250°F above ambient even when the other side reaches temperatures over 1800°F. Fire resistive floors are used in the same way designers utilize glass walls - to enhance the amount of natural light passing into a building.
Fire resistive glass floor systems should be installed by a licensed contractor and following all approved shop drawings.
21c Museum Hotel in Nashville, TN features a glass floor on the 2nd level acting as a light well. The transparent floor was required to meet a 1-hour fire resistive rating. SAFTI First was able to work with the architect and glaziers to design a single glass unit comprised of non-slip rated Starphire tempered laminated glass. The GPX FireFloor system was easy to install, which reduced the labor costs, giving this system even more appeal to the design and construction team. The code-compliant fire rated glass floor certainly made a dramatic impact on the space.
Whether you are a contractor looking for an easily installed product, a designer looking to create that "wow" feature, or a home owner looking to live luxuriously, we are ready to work with you. GBA is an authorized distributor of SAFTI First Fire Rated Glass products. With over 40 years of experience in testing, innovating, and providing technologically advanced fire rated glass and framing systems, SAFTI First continues to be the leading manufacturer of fire resistive glass in the USA.
GBA is also an installer of glass block applications ranging from glass block pavers to historic glass block renovation projects. We have been installing glass block and walkable glass floor systems for over 35 years all across America. In addition, we have supplied glass block and glass block floor panels across the world to create dramatic design elements at Coach stores worldwide.
To discuss the possibility and advantages of incorporating fire rated glass floors, walls, or windows into your new construction or a remodel, contact one of the three numbers listed below or contact us to fill out our contact form.
Midwest: 877-280-7700
East Coast: 212-255-5787
West Coast:213-634-7050
Midwest (877) 280-7700
East Coast (212) 255-5787
West Coast (213) 634-7050
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