flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Free download: Fire-rated glazing 101 technical guide from the National Glass Association

Fire-Rated Products

Free download: Fire-rated glazing 101 technical guide from the National Glass Association

The five-page document addresses how to incorporate fire-rated glazing systems in a manner that not only provides protection to building occupants from fire, but also considers other design goals, such as daylight, privacy and security.


By Technical Services Division, National Glass Association | August 14, 2023
Image by Q K from Pixabay
Image by Q K from Pixabay

The National Glass Association (NGA) is pleased to announce the publication of a new technical resource, Fire-Rated Glazing 101. This five-page document addresses how to incorporate fire-rated glazing systems in a manner that not only provides protection to building occupants from fire, but also considers other design goals, such as daylight, privacy and security.

“As chair of the task group, I am excited to share this technical paper with the industry,” shares Diana San Diego, SAFTIFIRST. “It is the result of true collaboration between fire-rated manufacturers and suppliers, other glass fabricators, test lab managers, NGA code consultants and NGA staff. By providing an understanding of what fire-rated glass is, we hope that building teams can leverage the daylighting, views, security, aesthetics and other performance benefits that this versatile product provides – all while meeting fire and life safety requirements.”

The technical paper also outlines what products are considered fire resistive and fire protective, including a summary of tests the product must undergo to achieve different safety ratings. Further, it discusses the challenges of visual integration, door hardware, and the incorporation of more complex glass assemblies.

“Fire-rated glazing can achieve nearly any design requirement or request with proper collaboration and specification,” explains Karen Wegert, NGA Associate Director of Advocacy and Technical Services. “Fire-rated glazing is considered a protective glazing product and can also be combined with other protective products, including those for forced entry, blast and windstorm, to create a safe and secure space for building occupants while retaining view.”

Download Fire-Rated Glazing 101 for free in the NGA Store (free registration required)

This technical resource guide was developed by task group members:
Diana San Diego, SAFTIFIRST - Chair
Devin Bowman, Technical Glass Products
Rob Carlson, Tristar Glass
Dan Cosentino, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
Jim Gulnick, McGrory Glass
Emily MacNeil, Agnora
Tim Nass, SAFTIFIRST
Kayla Natividad, Pilkington|NSG
Kevin Norcross, Vetrotech
Kremena Doytcheva, Vetrotech
Dan Poling, SCHOTT North America
Nick Resetar, Roetzel & Andress
Jose Rodriguez, Technical Glass Products
Melissa Szotkowski, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
David Vermeulen, Technical Glass Products
Rick Wright, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
Thomas Zaremba, Roetzel & Andress

Related Stories

Sponsored | Fire-Rated Products | Aug 25, 2016

FAQ on fire rated glazing applications

Choosing the correct and code approved fire rated glazing product can be confusing, this FAQ can help.

Fire-Rated Products | Jul 21, 2016

D-Blaze® Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW) Earns GREENGUARD Gold Certification

Fire Retardant Wood Treatment is first of its kind to earn GREENGUARD Gold Certification

Sponsored | | Jun 30, 2016

Don’t Get Caught in the 60-minute Trap

Sponsored | | Jun 27, 2016

Fire-Rated Curtain Wall System Provides Stylish Fire Protection from the Outside In

Creating a sleek and aesthetically pleasing space, while also providing protection against the spread of fire between neighboring buildings, were key points in the development of LMN Architect’s 929 Office Tower in Bellevue, Washington.

Sponsored | Fire-Rated Products | May 6, 2016

On New York City’s bulletin on lot line requirements – and how it applies everywhere else

Determining when fire rated requirements apply, the type of fire rated glazing allowed, how much fire rated glazing can be used, and what happens when sprinklers are installed are just some of the issues that designers have to wrestle with.

Sponsored | Fire-Rated Products | Mar 7, 2016

Fire Resistive Curtain Wall Helps Hospital Meet Fire and Seismic Requirements

SaftiFirst’s custom curtain wall complied with all the seismic requirements while still blending in seamlessly with building’s design

Sponsored | | Nov 24, 2015

Fire rated doors: standards, testing and glazing requirements

There are several safe and economical alternatives to traditional wired glass for 20-45 minute vision lites

Sponsored | Fire-Rated Products | Oct 22, 2015

Made in the USA - America's Still the Place

We’ve found that sourcing products as local as possible maximizes the potential benefits to the American economy, which in turn benefits us.

Sponsored | Fire and Life Safety | Oct 13, 2015

Fire rated glass brings whimsical and reliable protection at children’s hospital

Highlights of the addition included 50 private patient rooms, family sleep and dining as well as playrooms, and a family resource center.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021