What are the types of fire-resistant glass?
Below are some common types of fire-resistant glass available on the market and their product characteristics:
a. High Borosilicate Glass
- Contains borosilicate components, with a thermal expansion coefficient only 1/3 that of ordinary glass.
- Withstands temperatures up to 1000°C, softening point >800°C.
b. Wired Glass
- Embedded with metal wire mesh to enhance impact resistance.
- Provides 30-60 minutes of fire integrity while combining fire resistance and decorative functions.
c. Composite Fire-Resistant Glass
- Composed of multiple layers of glass or a combination of glass and organic materials, including a fire-resistant gel layer.
- Expands when exposed to fire to form an insulating barrier, also offering soundproofing properties.
Clarify Core Needs: Start with "Fire Protection Goals"
The primary functions of fire-resistant glass are to prevent the spread of flames/smoke (integrity) and block high-temperature transfer (insulation). First, determine the requirements for these two performance aspects in the intended scenario:
a. Only need to block flames and smoke:
- Prioritize types that meet "fire integrity" (e.g., wired fire-resistant glass, monolithic fire-resistant glass).
- Example: Corridor partitions, standard fire-resistant windows (mainly to prevent rapid fire spread, with no strict requirements for temperature rise on the other side).
b. Need both flame blocking and insulation:
- Must choose types that satisfy both "fire integrity + fire insulation" (e.g., laminated fire-resistant glass).
- Example: Curtain walls near flammable materials, fire-resistant doors in crowded areas (to prevent high temperatures from igniting materials on the other side or causing burns).
Match Glass Performance
Different environments and functional requirements vary significantly across scenarios, so glass properties (strength, light transmittance, installation conditions, etc.) must be matched accordingly.
| Scenario Type | Requirements | Recommended Types & Reasons |
| Public Buildings (Malls, Schools) | Fire resistance + Safety (shatterproof) + Light transmission | Wired Fire-Resistant Glass: Metal mesh contains fragments, light transmittance ≥75%, ideal for corridor/stairwell fire windows. |
| Composite Fire-Resistant Glass: If thermal insulation is needed (e.g., atrium partitions), choose models with fire-resistant gel interlayer. | ||
| High-Rise Buildings (Curtain walls, External Windows) | Fire resistance + Wind pressure resistance + Weather durability | High Borosilicate Fire-Resistant Glass: High strength (impact/bend-resistant), suitable for load-bearing areas like curtain walls. |
| Composite Fire-Resistant Glass: Prioritize if thermal insulation is required (e.g., external fire windows in residential towers). | ||
| Industrial Facilities (Workshops, Warehouses) | Fire resistance + Impact resistance + Easy processing | High Borosilicate Fire-Resistant Glass: Can be cut/drilled, ideal for equipment observation windows or workshop fire partitions. |
| Wired Fire-Resistant Glass: Superior impact resistance for areas with minor collision risks (e.g., machinery zones). | ||
| High Thermal Insulation Demands (Hospital ICUs, Data Centers) | Strict thermal insulation (blocks heat transfer) | Composite Fire-Resistant Glass: Expands under heat to form an insulating barrier, protecting sensitive equipment/personnel from high temperatures. |
Balance Cost and Cost-Effectiveness
The cost of different types of fire-resistant glass varies greatly, so budget control should be considered while meeting functional requirements:
a. Limited budget + basic fire protection needs
Wired fire-resistant glass (lower cost, suitable for ordinary fire-resistant sections in small to medium-sized buildings).
b. Moderate budget + balanced strength/insulation
Monolithic fire-resistant glass (high strength, suitable for scenarios requiring secondary processing).
c. High budget + strict insulation requirements
Laminated fire-resistant glass (best insulation performance, suitable for high-end buildings or special venues).
Summary: Selection Steps
- Determine whether the scenario requires "insulation" (Yes → Laminated fire-resistant glass; No → Wired/Monolithic).
- Confirm the fire resistance rating (Class A/B/C) and size requirements according to building codes.
- Consider environmental factors (e.g., impact, wind pressure) to select a type with matching strength.
- Finally, adjust based on budget (prioritize core fire protection performance, then consider additional functions).
