flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Using fire-rated glass in exterior applications

Using fire-rated glass in exterior applications


Bill O'Keeffe | May 20, 2014
Showing a window building exterior
Showing a window building exterior

Fire-rated glazing and framing assemblies are just as beneficial on building exteriors as they are on the inside. But knowing how to select the correct fire-rated glass for exterior applications can be confusing. 

The fire resistance rating for exterior walls—which ranges from no required rating to 3 hours—is based on construction type, occupancy and fire separation distance as defined in Section 6 of the International Building Code. Exterior walls generally have a rating based solely on interior occupancy use and structural requirements. Exterior walls that are 10 feet or less from the property line, however, are required to have a fire resistance rating based on the proximity to adjacent buildings and interior occupancy conditions. The 2009 IBC increased this distance from five to 10 feet.

An exterior wall may or may not be allowed to have windows or doors depending on the fire separation distance. When allowed, the codes distinguish between openings that are “protected” (fire-rated doors, windows, shutters) and “unprotected” (no fire rating).

Learn more about the IBC and selecting fire-rated glass for exterior openings.

Key considerations for exterior applications of fire-rated glass are the same as with any exterior glass application:
Heat gains and losses
Visual requirements (privacy, glare, view)
Shading and sun control
Thermal comfort
Condensation control
Ultraviolet control
Acoustic control
Color effects
Daylighting
Energy requirements

Ultimately, the optimum choice of window and glazing systems will depend on many factors, including the building use type, local climate, utility rates and building orientation.

Learn more about specifying windows and glazing from the Whole Building Design Guide.

Here are some recent applications of exterior fire-rated glass exterior applications:

Buildings close to property lines
Sapphire Towers in San Diego features large glazed areas and deep balconies facing the ocean. The building’s south facing elevation is close to the property line, mandating that openings have a minimum fire protection of 45 minutes. SAFTI FIRST provided Superlite II-XL 45 IGU in GPX framing on all 32 floors. Read more.

Dynamic curtain wall testing
For The Kensington in Boston, all glazed assemblies used in the building’s exterior skin had to pass rigorous dynamic curtain wall testing – and the fire rated section of the curtain wall was no exception.  SAFTI FIRST’s CW Framing system not only passed the dynamic tests replicating real world conditions, but was able meet thermal requirements as well.  Read more.

Hurricane-prone areas
The Las Olas Beach Club and Condominium project in Fort Lauderdale features extensive exterior glazing to ensure views. For the individual units, SAFTI FIRST provided the first tested and listed fire resistive and hurricane rated system for 76 door assemblies using hurricane-rated SuperLite II-XL 60 and SAFTIfire Hurricane doors. In the lobby area, SAFTI FIRST provided a two-hour window/wall using hurricane-rated SuperLite II-XL 120 in SAFTIfire Hurricane framing. Read more. 

Areas leading to parking garages
A two-hour curtain wall installed at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City is near a parking garage. SAFTI FIRST provided SuperLite II XL-120 IGU in CW framing.

Buildings in wildlife-prone areas
For the Serra Mesa library in San Diego County, SAFTI FIRST provided SuperLite II-XL 60 IGU in GPX framing, combining maximum light and vision with life and property protection.

See more fire rated glass and framing installations in different applications.

Editor's Note: This is sponsored content. All text and images were provided by the sponsor company.

More from Author

Bill O'Keeffe | Oct 19, 2020

Going virtual

Manufacturers use virtual platforms to help architects meet CEU requirements. 

Bill O'Keeffe | Jul 16, 2020

Obsolete?

"Revolutional, affordable, USA made Fire Rated Glazing for all fire protective areas makes ceramic glazing obsolete". Check out SuperClear 45-HS and SuperClear 45-HS-LI to understand why!

Bill O'Keeffe | Feb 10, 2020

USA-made fire rated glazing goes big in 2020

We are pleased to announce and share that the second phase of this $8 million expansion, upgrading our fire rated glass manufacturing facilities in Merced, California, is underway.

Bill O'Keeffe | Nov 20, 2019

Demand for advanced, USA-made fire rated glazing “RAISES THE ROOF”

With architects specifying full-vision, code-compliant, 60 and 90 minute, temperature rise doors for exit stairwells and other code required applications, we found this as an opportunity to expand our product offerings.

boombox1
boombox2
native1
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