Fire-resistant glass: the principle of protection
Multilayer heat-resistant glass is interleaved with a fire-resistant gel. When exposed to fire, this interlayer melts, expands, and becomes a barrier that maintains the integrity of the glass even under the influence of high temperatures. The more layers of glass, the longer the window or door retains its integrity.
To ensure that the thermoactive gel “works” without damaging the glass with a metal profile, elastic gaskets are installed between the glass and the frame.
Properties of fire-resistant glass
The main advantage of fire-resistant glass is to contain flames, high temperatures, and pressure. It prevents the spread of fire to neighboring buildings or other parts of the room. The glass has several additional functions:
- Temperature resistance – maintains its properties at temperatures from +80 to -40 degrees Celsius.
- Thermal interlayer protects against ultraviolet rays.
- Retains heat in the room and prevents cold from the external environment.
- Sealability – does not allow smoke to pass through.
- Under high temperatures, it does not shatter, only cracks.
Glass with a gel interlayer also protects against excessive noise.
Where is fire-resistant glass used?
Fire-resistant glass systems are used for windows, doors, partitions, inserts in metal doors, and are installed in:
- Laboratories and production workshops.
- Warehouses.
- Military equipment and submarines.
- Airport buildings.
Glass structures also protect private homes, apartments, or offices.
Fire-resistant glass: strength classes
Depending on the properties of the glass, there are two classes of fire resistance:
- Class E – single-layer glass with a special chemical composition that maintains integrity for a certain period, allowing only the passage of thermal flow.
- Class EI – multilayer glass that does not allow the passage of flames, smoke, and thermal radiation.
The fire resistance limit is determined in minutes: the marking EI 60 means that during a fire, the glass panel will remain intact for 60 minutes, fully isolating the room from fire and smoke.
The price of fire-resistant glass depends on the strength class: EI 15, 30, 45, 60, 90.