Steve Goodburn, business development director at Pyroguard, discusses how the latest advances in fire safety glass are enabling door manufacturers and fabricators to meet fire safety regulations with fire doors.
Fire door manufacturers are faced with the challenge of meeting increasingly stringent fire safety legislation. Updates to Approved Document B (Fire Safety) and the Building Safety Act in 2022 were introduced to raise standards and to ensure better fire safety of buildings.
Fire safety glass can be a critical component within fire doors, with the glass designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of smoke and flame. It is essential that the glass meets stringent safety standards – with all components within a door, including the glass, needing to be certified as a single system.
Compliance with regulations
Fire doors are essential in preventing the spread of fire within a building. They are carefully designed to compartmentalise fire and smoke, ensuring that they can be contained for a given amount of time, usually 30 or 60 minutes, allowing occupants time to evacuate safely and limiting damage to a property.
Fire door manufacturers are increasingly looking for cuttable glass solutions that enhance performance without adding to the complexity of the installation process. Pyroguard Advance is one of the latest innovations in cuttable fire safety glass, which features a new interlayer technology.
Modern fire safety glass, like Pyroguard Advance, consists of multiple panes of glass with fire-resistant interlayers, which allow the glass and overall door system to withstand extreme heat to support safe evacuation.
When exposed to high temperatures, these interlayers react, forming a protective barrier against flames, smoke and radiant heat. As well as providing fire resistance they also provide thermal efficiency, acoustic insulation and even attack resistance. Providing EW classification with a fire resistance of 30 or 60 minutes, Pyroguard Advance also delivers the same high level of fire protection at larger certified pane sizes.
This range of fire safety glass is fully tested and certified to European standards, but it can also be combined with laminated glass counterpanes in order to meet P1A anti-attack requirements, making it a suitable option for use in steel, timber and composite applications.
This new cuttable glass solution is quick and easy to install and available in a wide range of sizes to suit manufacturer requirements.
Another significant advantage is the compatibility of cuttable fire glass with a wide range of framing systems, including timber, steel and aluminium. This versatility allows door manufacturers and fabricators to stock glass that is suitable for a wide range of projects.
To further assist manufacturers, companies like Pyroguard offer comprehensive technical support and testing services. This guidance from fire glazing specialists is invaluable in helping manufacturers to navigate the complexities of fire safety regulations.
Cost is always a consideration in any manufacturing process. While high-quality cuttable fire safety glass may come at a premium, the long-term benefits of using cuttable fire glass, such as reduced lead times and enhanced performance, can outweigh the initial investment.
The future of fire door manufacturing
As regulations become more stringent, so too are the demands placed on fire door manufacturers. The integration of technology and innovative materials will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fire safety.
There are benefits too from testing glass and seals together for use within fire doors. Solutions like Pyroguard Advance are tested repeatedly and certified in association with Pyroguard’s sister company KuhnOdice.
This includes a new compressible intumescent glazing seal – Pyroglaze Compression (Pyroglaze C). This fire-rated seal is manufactured from graphite and is therefore unaffected by humidity and moisture. In the event of a fire, the intumescent swells to completely seal the glazing rebate, reducing premature ignition risk of glazing beads on the protected face. It is suitable for use with a range of different door cores and has been tested to EN1634-1 in conjunction with Pyroguard Advance to 30 and 60 minutes.
Manufacturers must remain open to embracing new technologies and materials that enhance safety and efficiency. The development of smart fire doors with integrated sensors is one such innovation that could revolutionise the industry.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in construction. Manufacturers are now looking for ways to reduce waste and improve the environmental impact of their products. Cuttable fire glass solutions can contribute to this goal by minimising off-cuts and allowing for more efficient use of materials.
Fire door producers and glass manufacturers are working more closely together than ever before to provide fire safety glass solutions that are effective, reliable and fully compliant with modern building requirements.
