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

High-rise Construction | Jul 9, 2013

5 innovations in high-rise building design

KONE's carbon-fiber hoisting technology and the Broad Group's prefab construction process are among the breakthroughs named 2013 Innovation Award winners by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

| Jun 4, 2013

Notification reinvented: SimplexGrinnell introduces revolutionary family of intelligent notification appliances

Simplex TrueAlert ES uses addressable technology to improve protection, simplify installation and reduce operating costs.

| May 6, 2013

SAFTI FIRST announces 3D Autodesk Revit models for fire rated wall, window, and door systems

SAFTI FIRST, leading USA-manufacturer of fire rated glass and faming systems, is proud to announce that Autodesk Revit models are now available for its fire rated walls, window and door systems via www.safti.com and Autodesk Seek.

| Apr 30, 2013

Tips for designing with fire rated glass - AIA/CES course

Kate Steel of Steel Consulting Services offers tips and advice for choosing the correct code-compliant glazing product for every fire-rated application. This BD+C University class is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.

| Mar 23, 2013

Fire resistive curtain wall helps mixed-use residential building meet property line requirements

The majority of fire rated glazing applications occur inside the building in order to allow occupants to exit the building safely or provide an area of refuge during a fire. But what happens when the threat of fire comes from the outside? This was the case for The Kensington, a mixed-use residential building in Boston.

| Nov 6, 2012

Uponor files patent infringement suit against Sioux Chief Manufacturing

Uponor is seeking damages and an injunction to prevent Sioux Chief from selling the PowerPEX F1960 Ring with Stop, which it believes violates Uponor’s patent.

| Oct 30, 2012

Two-hour fire rated curtain wall passes CDC tests

CDC (Curtain Wall Design and Consulting) is an independent firm providing a wide range of building envelope design, engineering, and consulting services to design professionals nationwide.

| Jul 16, 2012

Business school goes for maximum vision, transparency, and safety with fire rated glass

Architects were able to create a 2-hour exit enclosure/stairwell that provided vision and maximum fire safety using fire rated glazing that seamlessly matched the look of other non-rated glazing systems.

| Jun 1, 2012

New BD+C University Course on Insulated Metal Panels available

By completing this course, you earn 1.0 HSW/SD AIA Learning Units.

| May 29, 2012

Reconstruction Awards Entry Information

Download a PDF of the Entry Information at the bottom of this page.

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