Conventional glass isn't designed to withstand the intense heat that a fire produces. Fire-resistant glass, on the other hand, is made to resist breaking for a longer amount of time. You must ascertain the following in order to decide what is best for your house:
What Temperatures lead to Glass Breaking
How do fire shutters protect windows
How Fire-Rated Glass Differs From Regular Glass
What Kinds of Glass Are Fire-Resistant
When Fire-Resistant Glass Is Necessary
What Other Prevention Methods Are Needed
What Temperature Does Glass Break?
It's important to know what temperature your home's glass windows and doors will start to break because traditional glass isn't resistant to fire damage. The temperature of a structural fire can rise to over 600°C. At 150–200°C, ordinary glass can break. A house fire can reach that temperature in a matter of minutes.
The absence of broken glass from the frames does not always indicate structural damage. But when you go back to your house, exercise caution. Before you return, have a qualified engineer inspect your home if you have any concerns about its structural soundness.
Fire Shutters vs. Fire Rated Windows
Fire safety measures in buildings are crucial for protecting lives and property. These measures help prevent fires from starting, control their spread, and ensure safe evacuation if a fire occurs.
Fire shutters and fire-rated windows are critical elements in fire protection for buildings, helping to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, and providing a safe environment for occupants.
What is a fire shutter?
Fire shutters are fire rated closures made from fire-resistant materials, designed to automatically close off openings such as doors, windows, or passageways when a fire triggers them.
The primary purpose of fire shutters is to contain the spread of fire and smoke within a building, limiting damage and protecting occupants. By closing off specific areas, fire shutters create fire compartments that slow the fire’s progression, allowing more time for evacuation and reducing the risk of fire spreading to other parts of the building.
What is a fire rated window?
Fire-rated windows are another type of fire rated closures made from specially designed materials and special glass that is built to withstand high temperatures and prevent the passage of flames for a specified period. These windows are often integrated into fire-resistant walls or partitions.
The primary purpose of fire-rated windows is to contain fire and smoke within specific sections of a building, slowing the fire's spread and providing occupants with more time to evacuate. They help maintain the integrity of fire-resistant barriers, preserving the safety and structural stability of the building during a fire.
Materials:
These windows are often made with tempered glass that is treated to resist heat and flames. It can typically endure high temperatures for a specific period, such as 60, 90, or 120 minutes, depending on the fire rating required.
Thermal Georgian wire mesh is also a specialised type of glazing in a fire-rated window that incorporates a metal wire mesh embedded within the glass. This type of glass offers both fire resistance and thermal insulation, making it a valuable option for maintaining fire safety in buildings.
Comparison of Fire Shutters vs. Fire-Rated Windows
Cost:
Residential Fire Shutters: Lowest cost
Residential Fire shutters tend to be more cost-effective for typical window openings due to the nature of installation and materials required.
Commercial Fire Shutters: Middle ground
Roller Fire Shutters being more expensive than residential fire shutters, still end up being mostly less costly than Fire Rated Windows. However, the cost can vary depending on the material, size, and fire rating. Roller fire shutters with advanced systems may increase the price.
Fixed Fire-Rated Windows: Middle ground
Fixed fire-rated windows are generally less expensive than their openable counterparts due to the specialized materials and the complexity of the closure system.
Openable Fire Rated Windows: Highest cost
Openable fire-rated windows are the most expensive options, due to the materials used and the closure systems required to close the window when there is a fire.
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