Glass Block Blogger

Abiding by fire safety codes is nothing to take lightly. They are there for a reason and that reason is to protect the building’s inhabitants and surrounding properties should something happen. It can be difficult and challenging to construct and model a structure with the fire regulations in mind. According to an article by Glass Magazine, a window that had to be fire rated used to have a minimum 45-minute fire rated assembly. To meet that requirement, wired glass would be placed in a steel frame. Additionally noted in the article was the fact that there are formulas and tables to look at that helps one figure out the fire rated assemblies; This is all assuming the building has regular glass windows. There is a different way fire codes can be met and that is with Fire Rated glass block.

Standard glass blocks naturally have a 45 minute fire rating. Furthermore, there is a line of glass blocks specifically made for commercial use or where fire rated materials would be needed. The fire rating on these special blocks is 60 minutes and 90 minutes. For a building undergoing renovations or for a company wanting to improve their fire safety, fire rated glass blocks can be easier for all people involved (and easier on the wallet too). You may ask yourself “Why should I choose fire rated glass blocks over traditional windows?”. The answer lies within the glass blocks themselves; they offer you more than other alternatives.

For starters, glass blocks have a unique design and style to them. Regular glass blocks come in many different styles and patterns, but fire rated glass block only come in a select few styles such as Decora, Vue and some in Endura. What’s more, fire rated glass blocks also offer increased noise reduction, increased impact resistance thanks to their thicker faces (when compared with regular glass blocks) and graffiti resistance in part for its slick coating and. Glass blocks are as secure as it comes and substantially cheaper when comparing them with other fire rated products.

Instead of going through the trouble of replacing or adding fire rated windows, only to have them potentially break from mischief or by accident with regular windows; glass blocks can avoid that problem too. As mentioned above, these glass blocks are commonly used in commercial applications or those that present a zero-lot line (where two buildings property lines are really close). Not strictly for commercial use, they can be and are used in residential properties, many college dorm rooms and public places like schools and train stations.

Another glass block product available is Vistabrik. Vistabrik is a solid brick of glass 3” thick that is the most structurally secure. This product offers a 90 minute fire rating, has all the added benefits of the fire rated glass blocks mentioned above, but has one more exclusive characteristic; it’s also boasts resistance to bullets.

If you would like to know more about Fire Rated glass blocks and what they can do for you, visit our website at www.easternglassblock.com. If you have any questions or comments about Fire rated glass blocks or glass blocks in general email us at egboffice@easternglassblock.com or call us at 800-635-1226.