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Building regulations determine the fire ratings required for glass based on building type, use, and
evacuation needs. High-risk areas like busy public spaces often require EI-rated glass for maximum
protection, while E- and EW-rated glass are used where flame and smoke containment suffice.
Fire-rated glass is essential for safety and compliance, helping to provide escape routes, prevent
fire spread, and maintain structural integrity. Regulations specify where fire-resistant doors and
windows are needed and define the required Integrity and Insulation Periods.
For more details, see the government's guidance on fire safety, or contact us for advice on choosing
the right fire-rated glass.
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By understanding the different fire ratings-E, EW, and EI-you can select the most appropriate
fire-rated glass for your specific safety and comliance. Fire Glass UK offers all these options to meet
your project-s specific requirements.
E-Rated Fire Glass (Integrity Only): Contains flames and smoke for a specified time, ensuring
these dangers are confined. The time period, such as E30 or E60, indicates how long the glass can
maintain its integrity in a fire. However, it does not limit heat transfer, making it suitable for areas
where flame and smoke containment is the primary goal, like fire doors and partitions.
EW-Rated Fire Glass (Integrity with Limited Heat Reduction): Offers the same flame and smoke
containment as E-rated glass, with added resistance to radiated heat. It reduces the intensity of
heat on the non-fire side, making it ideal for escape routes or areas where some heat protection is
needed, though it doesn't provide full insulation.
EI-Rated Fire Glass (Integrity and Full Insulation): Provides the highest protection by containing
flames and smoke while also limiting heat transfer. It ensures the non-fire side remains safe, with
temperatures kept below critical thresholds. This makes it ideal for high-risk areas like stairwells and
building facades where extended evacuation times are necessary.
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Fire resistance tests, conducted by independent companies, ensure compliance with all relevant
standards. Fire-rated glass must be installed exactly as tested, including the specified glazing
system, frame, and materials, to maintain its certified fire protection rating. Any deviation, such
as using a different frame or seal, can invalidate the rating. Access to the correct test evidence is
essential when purchasing fire-rated glass. For more details, refer to our Certificates Page.
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Fire-rated glass is versatile, available in various forms such as polished, wired, or laminated/
toughened options. It can meet both fire resistance and impact safety requirements, and is offered
as single glazed or part of an insulated glass unit. Applications include vision panels, privacy panels,
side panels, glazed partitions, and more.
Certain fire-rated glass also offers acoustic ratings, making it ideal for projects requiring sound
control. We stock a comprehensive range of fire-rated glass products.
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Fire-rated glass, also referred to as fire-resistant glass, is a specialised type of glazing designed
to provide critical protection during a fire. It undergoes rigorous fire resistance testing to ensure
it meets specific safety standards. This glass acts as a robust barrier against the spread of flames
and smoke, helping to contain fires within designated areas and limit their destructive impact.
Depending on the type of fire-rated glass, some variants also offer insulation, providing an added
layer of protection against the intense heat generated during a fire. Fire-rated glass plays a vital role
in enhancing building safety, and its use is often mandated by building regulations in high-risk or
essential areas.
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For over 15 years, Fire Glass UK have become the most specified fire-rated glass company in the UK. Our mission is to provide an outstanding experience through Safety, Quality and Service - The Fire Glass Promise, our commitment to you.
