New fire-rated balustrade glass ‘a game changer’

Pyroguard has developed a thinner, lighter glass specifically for balustrades that achieves A2 fire-rated performance and contains less encapsulated CO₂.

In partnership with Q-railing, a specialist in balustrade systems, the product has been successfully tested and is said to be the first approved balustrade system of its kind to reach the market.

The new Pyroguard Balustrades Evo range has been introduced to meet the growing demand for cost-effective, environmentally responsible glazed balustrade products, without compromising performance or aesthetic appeal.

Suitable for new commercial installations or retrofit projects, Pyroguard says the range offers a competitively priced alternative to aluminium railing style solutions.

Pyroguard Balustrades Evo reduces the interlayer thickness from 3mm to 1.5mm, matching overall glass thicknesses of standard laminate equivalents while delivering superior line load capabilities. The range includes streamlined options such as 13.5mm, 17.5mm, 21.5mm and 25.5mm for 1.5 kN/m line loads – with a weight saving of up to 6%.

The new range is also said to offer a light transmission improvement compared to the existing Pyroguard Balustrades range and an embodied carbon improvement of up to 7.5%. Existing Pyroguard Balustrades glass thicknesses will continue to be available.

Andy Lake, Pyroguard’s sales director for UK & Ireland, said: “Our new balustrade glazing options are a game-changing innovation. We developed the range to meet market demand for A2 fire-rated glazing panels at standard laminated glass thicknesses to deliver aesthetically pleasing balustrades at a competitive price.” 

He added: “The new range means balustrade manufacturers do not have to change their existing systems, making design and installation much easier, while also allowing them to use existing stock materials. Ultimately, our thinner, lighter balustrade glass delivers on cost, performance and sustainability.”

Darryl Holloway, architectural sales manager, Q-railing, said: “Over the past four years, we have supplied over 5,000 linear metres of fire-rated balconies for high-rise residential projects over 11m, in conjunction with Pyroguard.  Pyroguard Balustrades Evo is an extension of our collaboration with the company to bring to market a fire-rated glass balustrade system which is a more commercially viable option for specifiers.”

By utilising conventional laminated glass thicknesses, Pyroguard adds that its Balustrades Evo range not only helps systems meet a wider range of budget expectations but also enhances environmental credentials by optimising the glass manufacturing process.

With its A2 fire classification, Pyroguard Balustrades Evo complies with the latest industry standards for fire safety on balconies.