Fire-rated glass is an important element in building design and construction, especially when it comes to smoke containment.
In the event of a fire, smoke can be just as dangerous as the flames, and can quickly spread throughout a building, causing
harm to occupants and damage to property. Fire-rated glass in smoke containment systems can help prevent the spread of smoke
and allow occupants to evacuate safely. In this blog, we'll discuss the role of fire-rated glass in smoke containment, how it
works, and its benefits. Fire-rated glass is a specialized type of glass that is designed to withstand fire and high temperatures. It is typically made by
sandwiching one or more layers of fire-resistant material between two or more layers of glass. These materials can include ceramic,
intumescent, or wired glass, among others. The thickness and number of layers used in the glass will determine its fire rating,
which is typically expressed in terms of 120EW minutes. Smoke containment is an essential aspect of building design and construction, as it can help prevent the spread of smoke throughout
a building during a fire. Smoke containment systems typically consist of a combination of fire-rated materials, such as doors,
walls, and ceilings, that are designed to prevent the spread of smoke and flames. Fire-rated glass is an important component of
these systems, as it can be used to create fire-rated windows and doors.
In smoke containment systems, fire-rated glass works by creating a barrier between different areas of a building. For example,
if there is a fire in one area of a building, the fire-rated glass in the surrounding windows and doors will prevent smoke from
spreading to other parts of the building. This can buy occupants more time to evacuate the building safely and reduce the risk
of smoke inhalation.
Benefits of Fire-Rated Glass in Smoke Containment
There are several benefits of using fire-rated glass in smoke containment systems, including Increased safety: Fire-rated glass can help prevent the spread of smoke and flames, which can increase the safety of
building occupants and first responders. Improved evacuation: By containing smoke, fire-rated glass can provide occupants with more time to evacuate the building safely. Reduced damage: Smoke containment systems can help reduce the amount of damage caused by a fire, as it can limit the spread of
flames and smoke to other parts of the building. Code compliance: NBC building codes require the use of fire-rated materials in certain areas of a building, including windows
and doors. Fire-rated glass can help building owners and designers meet these requirements.
