The Importance of Fire Rated Wall

In building construction, an effective fire protection strategy encompasses three key elements: detection, suppression, and compartmentation. Detection tools like smoke and fire alarms play a critical role in providing early alerts, which are vital for warning individuals of potential dangers. Suppression includes methods and systems that extinguish or control fires rapidly, preventing their spread and minimizing damage. These methods may include water-based systems like sprinklers, chemical agents, or inert gasses that displace oxygen to smother fires.

Of these three elements, the significance of compartmentation is frequently underestimated. Compartmentation involves passive forms of fire safeguarding. Building materials themselves play a pivotal role in confining fires to specific areas, preventing an uncontrolled spread within structures. Fire rated walls, ceiling tiles, sealants, and even windows can act as fire barriers, limiting the fire's progression and safeguarding against extensive damage.

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

CONTACT A FIRE RESISTANT GLASS EXPERT

What is a Fire Rated Wall?

A fire rated wall, or fire wall is a specially designed barrier built to prevent the spread of fire between separate sections of a building, thus helping to ensure a safe passage of escape for occupants. Typically made of fire-resistant materials such as concrete, brick, or gypsum board, fire walls are strategically placed to compartmentalize a structure, limiting the damage caused by fires and providing occupants with more time to evacuate without the threat of flames and smoke.

These barriers are specified and constructed according to strict building codes and regulations to ensure their effectiveness in containing fires. Fire rated walls extend from the foundation to the roof and are equipped with fire-rated doors, windows, and other penetrations to maintain their integrity. They are often used in multi-unit residential buildings, commercial complexes, and industrial facilities to protect occupants and property from the devastating effects of fires. Fire walls play a crucial role in enhancing the overall safety and resilience of buildings, minimizing the risk of fire-related disasters and offering peace of mind to occupants.

Can Glass be Used in Fire Walls?

GBA Offers Fire Protection You Can Count On

Fire protection is paramount in any building. Fire rated glass block can be part of this plan. GBA Architectural Products + Services’ fire rated glass block products allow light penetration and a visibility while safeguarding lives and assets through fire-resistant materials and construction. By integrating these glass blocks into a window system, GBA creates window assemblies that remain fire-resistant for up to two hours.

Our 45, 60, 90, and now 120 Minute Fire Rated Glass Blocks are certified and tested by Underwriters Laboratory (UL®) Standards and/or NFPA 257.

Fire-rated windows can withstand heat levels from fires and prevent the spread of flames for a specified duration, meeting essential fire safety codes. GBA's glass block technology allows us to offer a range of fire-rated products approved and rated according to UL standards. UL, a global leader in safety science, conducts rigorous tests, exposing glass blocks to propane gas-fired furnaces for various durations to determine their fire rating. Meeting UL standards ensures our products meet strict requirements based on scientific research, demonstrating their strength, durability, and energy efficiency.

Fire Rated Glass Block: 45 Minutes

4" Premiere™ Series glass block offers a 45-minute fire rating and several design options. All Premiere™ Series and Thinline® Series, with the exception of 12” x 12” sizes, finishing block, corner block, Alpha pattern and Opal glass block, patterns are classified by UL for 45-minute rated window assemblies. Size options include 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
Argus

One-Hour Fire Rated Wall

Thickset® 60 and Thickset® 90 offer three patterns with thicker faces for added security and respective 60-minute or 90-minute fire ratings. VISTABRIK® is a 3" solid glass block classified by UL® for 45-, 60-, and 90-minute fire ratings up to 100 square feet.

Two-Hour Fire-Rated Wall

2 Hour Fire Rated Wall Thickness

Our 2 hour fire rated glass blocks have a thickness of 13 cm (5.1 in).

2 Hour Fire Rated Wall Details

Our two-hour, fire-rated glass block is a European and American-tested product that comes in a 7½" size. This 120-minute, fire-rated glass block is suitable for vertical wall panels and meets the ASTM E119 Wall Rating of 120 minutes. To increase privacy, a Sahara Finish can be added to one or both sides of the glass, and the wave pattern itself distorts figures on the other side.

2 Hour Fire Rated Wall Construction

Our construction process goes beyond assembly - it's about engineering a life-saving barrier with precision. Each 2-hour fire-rated wall is built using a meticulously designed, certified system where every component, from the specialized glass blocks to the reinforcing steel and unique mortar, is carefully integrated.

We don't just build walls; we construct a complete, tested solution that you can trust to protect occupants and assets in the event of a fire.

Architects value glass block for its blend of security and aesthetics. Despite its fire resistance, glass block from GBA maintains excellent light transmission and can be customized to be as translucent or transparent as desired. These products are ideal for zero lot lines or areas requiring fire-resistant window assemblies, where it not only enhances safety but also reduces noise levels. Glass block can be further customized with patterns or sandblasting for added privacy without sacrificing natural light transmission.

FIRE RATED WALL