Fire Rating: 30 minutes of integrity (E) Glass Thickness: 7.2mm. Applications: Suitable for doors, partitions, and other fire-rated internal glazing installations. Light Transmission: High levels of light transmission ensure visibility without compromising safety.
FireLite is a 3/16" (5 mm) thick fire-rated glazing material. It is listed for use in non-impact safety-rated locations such as transoms and borrowed lites. “Art is science made clear.”
FD30 (30 minutes) fire doors are usually 44/45mm thick, as opposed to the standard door thickness of 35/40 mm, FD60 (60 minute) fire doors most commonly used in commercial settings are normally 54mm thick. Specially constructed fire doors can have a rating of 4 hours or more.
Achieving and maintaining the ideal fire glass depth, typically between 2 to 4 inches, is crucial not only for aesthetics but also for optimal performance. This depth ensures even heat distribution and a mesmerizing flame appearance, enhancing the overall experience.
A small, single-pane window only needs a 3/16” thickness, but as the size of the window increases, the thickness increases. Glass walls and partitions are often 3/8” or ½” in thickness, in order to prevent damage from the weather and other impacts that the window will endure.
Additionally, avoid overloading your fire feature, as excessive fire glass can obstruct the burner, leading to flame issues and potential safety hazards.
In other words, a 30-minute fire-resistant rating refers to the amount of time a building component can withstand exposure to fire without compromising its structural integrity.
1-3/4" Thickness Up to 90-Minutes
Other manufacturers force you to make the jump to 2-1/4" thick doors for higher fire ratings. Not TruStile. We have specially engineered and tested our fire doors to maintain a standard 1-3/4" thickness up to a 90-minute fire rating.
FD60 Fire Doors are more commonly used in commercial settings. As a guide, 30 minute fire doors in domestic properties should be fitted off any room where a fire may start – for example, rooms with electrical items, or open fires.
With the additional weight, fire-resistant glass may require more robust, fire-rated frames. When specified in key areas of the built environment, this material can provide performance and fire and life safety benefits to justify its cost.
Standard window glass will shatter at about 250 degrees Fahrenheit (F), and tempered glass can last to about 500 degrees F. Fire-rated glass, on the other hand, can typically survive heat over 1600 degrees F. Fire-rated glass can withstand such high heat because it is engineered differently than non-rated glass.
Most fires start slow and build, which is fine for tempered. For Tempered glass, available thicknesses are 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 inch, and comes in either Clear, Bronze-tinted, or Light-Gray Smoked tinted.
In a natural gas fire pit or fireplace, we recommend using 2″-3″ of glass to cover the burner. In a propane fire pit or fireplace, we recommend using no more than 1″ of glass to cover the burner (see propane question).
PyroCeram® and NeoCeram® Heat Resistant Glass
Ceramic glass is best for higher temperature applications. It can withstand constant temperatures up to either 1256 degrees F (PyroCeram®, 1/8″ or 3mm thick) or 1470 degrees F (NeoCeram®, 3/16″ or 5mm thick).
20 & 45 minute doors still require fire-protection-rated glass up to the “Maximum size tested”. To increase the amount of glass in 60 and 90 minute doors requires fire-resistance -rated glass which is tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263 which also limits the transfer of heat.
At Fire Seals Direct, we are often asked if non fire-rated doors can be adapted to become fire doors, and the short answer is no. When it comes to fire protection, it is essential to follow regulations to ensure buildings and lives are kept safe, therefore cutting corners is never advised.
Fire Doors Specifications
Size: Single – 2040mm high x 820mm wide x 36mm thick (internal 1-hour). 2040mm high x 920mm wide x 45mm thick (external 2-hour). Double – 2040mm high x 920/920mm wide x 45mm thick (external 2-hour).
FD30 doors are tested against 30 minutes of fire and smoke, giving extra protection when you need it most. Available in a range of colours, tones and finishes, these reliable internal fire doors help you protect yourselves, others and your property while maintaining your personal style.
Consequently, most experts recommend a 20-30-minute fire safe for the majority of domestic situations.
Laminated fire rated glass uses multiple layers of toughened glass sheets with an intumescent gel layer in between. (Non-laminated versions use just a single sheet, which is toughened after the process.) When a fire breaks out, the first glass sheet will shatter, activating the first intumescent layer.
Fire Glass Sizes
Standard fire glass comes in a variety of sizes for any gas fire feature, though our experts recommend half-inch diameter for most outdoor fire pits—it's easier and more economic. Smaller sizes, like quarter-inch or half-inch, offer better heat distribution and a consistent flame.
If your glass fireplace doors have turned black, it's because excess soot is being produced when you burn a fire. In the majority of cases, this over-production of soot is due to a problem with either the oxygen or the fuel part of the fire triangle.
Heat retention: Fire glass does not retain heat as well as lava rocks, which could be a consideration for those seeking maximum warmth from their fire table. Safety concerns: Fire glass can become hot to the touch, posing a burn risk if not handled carefully.