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
Affordable Housing | Mar 12, 2024
An all-electric affordable housing project in Southern California offers 48 apartments plus community spaces
In Santa Monica, Calif., Brunson Terrace is an all-electric, 100% affordable housing project that’s over eight times more energy efficient than similar buildings, according to architect Brooks + Scarpa. Located across the street from Santa Monica College, the net zero building has been certified LEED Platinum.
Contractors | Mar 12, 2024
The average U.S. contractor has 8.1 months worth of construction work in the pipeline, as of February 2024
Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 8.1 months in February, according to an ABC member survey conducted Feb. 20 to March 5. The reading is down 1.1 months from February 2023.
Museums | Mar 11, 2024
Nebraska’s Joslyn Art Museum to reopen this summer with new Snøhetta-designed pavilion
In Omaha, Neb., the Joslyn Art Museum, which displays art from ancient times to the present, has announced it will reopen on September 10, following the completion of its new 42,000-sf Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion. Designed in collaboration with Snøhetta and Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, the Hawks Pavilion is part of a museum overhaul that will expand the gallery space by more than 40%.
Affordable Housing | Mar 11, 2024
Los Angeles’s streamlined approval policies leading to boom in affordable housing plans
Since December 2022, Los Angeles’s planning department has received plans for more than 13,770 affordable units. The number of units put in the approval pipeline in roughly one year is just below the total number of affordable units approved in Los Angeles in 2020, 2021, and 2022 combined.
BIM and Information Technology | Mar 11, 2024
BIM at LOD400: Why Level of Development 400 matters for design and virtual construction
As construction projects grow more complex, producing a building information model at Level of Development 400 (LOD400) can accelerate schedules, increase savings, and reduce risk, writes Stephen E. Blumenbaum, PE, SE, Walter P Moore's Director of Construction Engineering.
AEC Tech | Mar 9, 2024
9 steps for implementing digital transformation in your AEC business
Regardless of a businesses size and type, digital solutions like workflow automation software, AI-based analytics, and integrations can significantly enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 7, 2024
Bjarke Ingels’ design for the Oakland A’s new Las Vegas ballpark resembles ‘a spherical armadillo’
Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in collaboration with HNTB, the new ballpark for the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball team will be located on the Las Vegas Strip and offer panoramic views of the city skyline. The 33,000-capacity covered, climate-controlled stadium will sit on nine acres on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 7, 2024
3 key considerations when converting a warehouse to a laboratory
Does your warehouse facility fit the profile for a successful laboratory conversion that can demand higher rents and lower vacancy rates? Here are three important considerations to factor before proceeding.
Shopping Centers | Mar 7, 2024
How shopping centers can foster strong community connections
In today's retail landscape, shopping centers are evolving beyond mere shopping destinations to become vibrant hubs of community life. Here are three strategies from Nadel Architecture + Planning for creating strong local connections.
Market Data | Mar 6, 2024
Nonresidential construction spending slips 0.4% in January
National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.4% in January, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.190 trillion.
