For a long time, the word glass/glass has been associated with something fragile, easily broken by a blow or fall. Warning notices about the need for careful, careful handling on stencils/stickers accompany the cargo of finished products and household items made of this transparent, solid material.
For quite a long time, this fully applied to the sheet form, used primarily in the production of windows, glazing of doors, transoms/vents, as well as fences and partitions indoors. True, in the latter case, sheets of greater thickness were used, which made them more durable, but still breakable under strong mechanical stress.
New requirements for this material - from resistance to impact/penetration to the ability to withstand a bullet hit - appeared in the last century, when the construction boom brought into reality the ideas of architects and designers for the construction of high-rise buildings, glazed on the outside over the entire area from the foundation to the roof; the construction of atriums, internal partitions in administrative, office buildings, trade and exhibition, museum complexes, set before scientists chemists and glassblowers the task of changing the very nature, the physical essence of this transparent material, which was solved.
From the point of view of ensuring fire safety, the types of special fire-resistant material used for glazing fire-resistant windows, inserts in fire-resistant gates, doors, rarely in the designs of skylights, fire-resistant hatches, are radically different from the usual; although those double-glazed windows that are used to make widespread plastic windows cannot be easily broken.
In emergency situations of the occurrence of an open fire, the spread of flame, or an increase in thermal exposure within the fire compartment, sections of fire-resistant glass used in filling construction openings effectively contain these dangerous factors for people in adjacent rooms; withstanding all loads with the resistance limit inherent in fire barriers made of stone, brick, and reinforced concrete structures.
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Fire barriers in buildings
Fireproof double-glazed windows - what is it?
In order to fill the openings of fireproof windows, doors, partitions, double-glazed windows of this type are used.
They differ in the following characteristics:
- reliable protection from the cold;
- blocking exposure to ultraviolet rays (if triplex is used);
- safety for humans and the environment;
- long service life and resistance to temperature changes.
Special fire-resistant glass is used in production. In addition to the main fire-fighting function, an important factor is the aesthetic appearance. The pace of construction of high-rise residential and commercial buildings is growing rapidly. Consequently, the demand for fire-resistant windows with fire-resistant double glazing is increasing.
This is due to the fact that standard light-transmitting structures are not able to stop the spread of fire. In addition, burning and smoldering metal-plastic frames not only have a harmful effect on the environment, but can also lead to suffocation for people currently in the building. The damage will be significant.
Regulations
Documents that directly relate to all types of fire-resistant fire-resistant glass, methods of their use as filling openings in fire barriers, as well as the installation of fire partitions from them:
- 123-FZ “Tech. regulations on industrial safety requirements.”
- SNiP 21-01-97*(SP 112.13330.2011) on industrial safety of buildings and structures.
- GOST 32539-2013, which gives the following definition of fire-resistant glass - these are products that can withstand thermal and mechanical loads accompanying the development of a fire during a normal period; localize/limit the spread of fire and combustion products.
- GOST 30826-2014, establishing technical conditions for protective laminated glass.
- GOST R 53308-2009, which regulates the methodology for testing the fire resistance of translucent structures.
Of course, this is far from a complete list of fire safety standards/rules, which in one way or another mention fire glass used in the design, installation as fire barriers or filling openings in them.
Classification and production features
Only windows with an aluminum frame and a special glass unit can ensure fire safety. All other attempts to present ordinary plastic windows as fire-resistant are an advertising ploy. At high temperatures, plastic always melts, emitting a suffocating odor.
According to the requirements for fireproof structures, such windows must always have a quality certificate available. This document must also indicate the time during which the glass unit continues to retain its shape despite exposure to high temperatures.
There are three types of fire-resistant windows, which are divided according to a certain time parameter:
- class E 60 - withstands exposure to high temperatures for more than 60 minutes;
- class E 30 - here this parameter is more than 30 minutes;
- class E 15 - here this parameter is more than 15 minutes.
You can also choose a warm or cold profile for fire windows. Installation of cold profiles, without thermal insulation, used indoors. If the window openings face the street, a warm profile will do.
In the production of fire-resistant windows the following is used:
- Aluminum profile reinforced with special fire-resistant material. Inside it there is a steel frame to which the glass is attached. Additionally, powder paint is applied on top. The profile can be made warm or cold;
- Double-glazed window with fire-resistant glass, which can be single-chamber or double-chamber;
- Thermal expansion tape due to which fire resistance increases;
- Accessories from various brands. For example: Dorma (Germany), Iseo or Fapim (Italy).
Production of frames and double-glazed windows
The use of an aluminum profile is the best option for the production of a fire-resistant frame. Sometimes steel is used, which is also good at preventing the spread of fire, but such structures will be heavy. The rarest option is wood specially impregnated with a non-flammable composition.
High tightness is a distinctive feature of fire-resistant double-glazed windows. Thanks to this, during a fire, air is not allowed to enter the room. Also, double-glazed windows of this type do not burst under the influence of critical temperatures. Windows or balcony doors must ensure not only fire safety, but also transmit light properly, retain heat and suppress noise.
Triplex consists of several tempered glasses glued together. Bonding occurs using a special film that has undergone heat treatment. The big advantage is that such glass does not break if its integrity is broken. In this case, glass fragments remain on the film. Also, due to the fact that several layers of glass are fixed on a durable frame, the process of deformation under the influence of critical temperatures does not occur.
The thermosetting film, which is located between the layers of glass, is a separator. It is attached to the ends of the glass unit using sealant. When a fire occurs, the outer layer of the glass unit is heated as a result of exposure to thermal radiation. Then the thermosetting film expands, as a result of which the dry mixture foams, and the space between the layers of glass is filled. This provides protection against high temperatures. Combustion products also do not get inside the window.
Typically, such fire-resistant windows are installed for:
- premises of shopping centers and sports complexes;
- airports;
- factory floors;
- warehouse bases;
- ships and submarines;
- military equipment.
In rare cases, they are installed in medical institutions and residential buildings. Also, a new law has been in force for several years, according to which only blind construction is permissible for such windows.
Application on objects
First of all, you need to know that fire-resistant glass EI, EIW 60 can be used both as a material for constructing fire-resistant partitions of type 1, and in structures for filling openings of type 1; and fire-resistant products marked EI 30 - in partitions, gates, doors, hatches, windows of type 2 as follows:
- Fire doors can have window inserts made of heat-resistant glass, varying in standard area up to 25 or more than 25%, and in the latter case they can be almost entirely glass, only framed in a frame made of thermally resistant aluminum profile with a non-flammable filler, for example, fire-retardant basalt material; have a tight/sealed seal around the perimeter of the door frame made of the same materials.
- Fire partitions made of fire-resistant glass are widely used for separating/separating evacuation corridors, lobbies, foyers, internal entrance lobbies/vestibules; dividing the floor area of buildings into fire sections, separate/isolated rooms/groups thereof.
- As light-transmitting elements of coatings/roofs, skylights, and in rare cases even ceilings/floors.
- For glazing facades, in the production of any types of filling openings in construction fire barriers.
- When installing fireplaces, stoves, producing electric/gas household stoves.
The use of such material, in addition to a pragmatic attitude towards it due to its ability to withstand fire/heat, also pursues aesthetic goals; after all, the replacement of partitions made of brick, fire-resistant plasterboard, solid fire doors with transparent, attractive glass surfaces has today become common not only in public buildings with large numbers of people visiting them - in airports, train stations, hotel and hospital complexes, trade exhibitions, administrative and business centers , but also at industrial facilities.
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Fire-resistant double-glazed windows EIW 60, EIW 30
A distinctive feature of multi-layer fire-resistant triplex is its design, which consists of sheets of glass. Triplex is capable of remaining intact when exposed to flame for more than 30-60 minutes (EIW 30, EIW 60). Translucent fire-retardant material glues glass together and forms a porous thermal insulation structure when heated.
The thickness of the triplex can increase due to the fact that the porous structure formed during the fire expands the gel layers. To ensure that the glass continues to retain its protective properties during a fire, there is an elastomeric gasket between the triplex and the frame. Due to this, an increase in thickness for triplex is achieved, depending on the class:
- Class EIW 30 - no less than 4 mm (2 mm on both sides).
- Class EIW 60 - no less than 6 mm (3 mm on both sides).
Also, a protective tape is installed around the perimeter of the triplex, providing additional waterproofing.
Certificates of Conformity
Quick request
Multilayer fire-resistant glass according to GOST 33000-2014. Serial production with overall dimensions 2550x1350 mm, thickness 22-30 mm, produced according to TU 23.12.12-001-37538875-2018. The validity period of the certificate of conformity is from 02/01/2019 to 01/31/2022
Glass-Store video: testing fire-resistant glass.
Features of curved double-glazed windows
A bent glass unit consists of polished glass, bent along a given radius.
This glass is used for:
- shopping centers;
- light-transmitting glass roofs;
- shop windows;
- glass partitions (in homes or office premises);
- balcony railings;
- greenhouses
Thermal-protective glass helps reduce temperature differences (day/night). Also, the use of such glazing helps prevent fading of furniture and painted surfaces. Heating and air conditioning costs are reduced.
Features of curved glass
Bent glass, due to its high strength, withstands aggressive environmental influences well (if all the necessary conditions during the bending process have been met).
In addition to high strength, beaded glass has certain characteristics, unlike standard glass:
- the source material retains its translucent qualities;
- provides a successful panoramic view of the structures in the glazing of which it was used;
- has a wide variety of source materials (for example, multilayer triplex, as well as frosted or lightened glass, are suitable for bending);
- lends itself to any type of processing, therefore it can be used for functional products of a wide variety of configurations.
Disadvantages of the material
It is worth remembering that most types of fire-resistant glass are fragile. When working with this material, shock loads and excessive pressure on its surface should not be allowed.
Fire-resistant glass is difficult to process. Many types of glass are not cut at all, or laser or hydraulic devices are used for cutting. Cutting it at home is extremely difficult. It’s better to measure several times to make sure the dimensions are correct than to try to fit the sheet to your needs.
When there is simply no other option other than cutting, a small grinder with a diamond wheel will come to the aid of the craftsman.
You must work with extreme caution, avoid excessive pressure, and constantly moisten the cut area with oil. Cutting glass with fire-resistant properties will be a long and dirty procedure, and no one can guarantee a positive result.
Fire-rated radial double-glazed window
Fire safety is usually taken into account at the design stage of a building, paying special attention to windows. These double-glazed windows have sufficient fire resistance to not only prevent the rapid spread of fire, but also prevent the flame from moving from one floor to another. Fire-resistant curved glass, as well as triplex, comes in different types.
The main two types include:
- Single-layer (class E) - glass with a special chemical composition. They can maintain integrity for a certain period of time, but allow heat flow to pass through.
- Multilayer (El class) - thanks to this glass, complete thermal insulation is maintained in the room for some time: thermal radiation, smoke and flame do not pass through.
Fire-resistant curved glass combines the light transmittance of standard glass, as well as increased strength and fire resistance. Such glasses are able to withstand the effects of open flame for some time (depending on the type). In addition, in terms of fire resistance, they are no different from flat fire glass. The use of fire-rated radial double-glazed windows with curved glass is permissible in both internal and external structures.
GOST requirements for doors with double-glazed windows
GOST 51136-2008 establishes requirements for fire doors with glass. Products are tested for resistance to moisture and heat, low temperatures and ultraviolet radiation. Its optical curvatures are checked. The product is also tested with firearms. The sample passes the penetration and fire resistance tests. Companies whose products meet all the parameters can sell fire doors with glass installed. Based on the results of the checks, the manufacturer is issued a certificate.
Installation locations for doors with glass
Doors with glass are installed primarily in fire-hazardous workshops. They can also be installed in crowded places: schools, theaters, hospitals. It is possible to use fire doors with reinforced glass. The latter is reinforced from the inside with steel mesh, durable and not subject to corrosion. In the event of a fire, the glass may crack or break, but the mesh will prevent the fragments from flying in different directions.
You can buy doors with double glazed windows at a competitive price. The production of fire doors is carried out on our own technological base. The doors will be able to withstand the onslaught of smoke and fire for 60 minutes. They are made from cold rolled steel. The doors are filled with IZOBEL insulation, equipped with a fireproof lock and seal of the DOORLOCK brand, and also have a thermoactive tape GLUSKE.
Fire-retardant gel for double-glazed windows
In fire-resistant double-glazed windows there is a special gel between the glasses. It begins to darken and foam when exposed to high temperatures, resulting in the formation of an opaque protective layer. Thanks to the opaque glass, heat passes through slowly. In a room with fireproof glass, the temperature does not exceed 45 degrees Celsius if a fire starts.
Ordinary glass does not in any way inhibit the spread of fire, so there is also no limit to the temperature in the room, which can lead to serious consequences. In fire-resistant double-glazed windows, the gel begins to fuse with the broken layer of glass and hold it, so the glass does not crumble even in the event of a strong fire.
During the manufacture of triplex, the space between the glasses is always filled with a special gel, which is a key element of a fire-resistant double-glazed window. The transparent composition of the gel does not interfere with normal visibility and light transmission, which allows such glasses to look aesthetically pleasing. Depending on the degree of fire resistance that needs to be obtained, a certain number of laminated glasses in one double-glazed window is selected.
The principle of operation of such a window is quite simple - during prolonged exposure to an open flame, the outer glass begins to crack, and the gel heats up and forms special fire-resistant crystals. They are able to withstand high temperatures for a long time.
Then the next sheet begins to crack, but thanks to the gel layer, a fire-resistant wall is formed again, etc. Accordingly, with a large number of triplexes, the window can withstand fire longer.
Advantages of fire-resistant double-glazed windows
Fire-resistant double-glazed windows are practical to use, durable, and versatile. They withstand high temperatures and direct fire well. Such products will be the best option and are suitable for equipping openings of any size, both from the inside and from the outside.
Distinctive features of fire-resistant glass are:
- good light transmittance;
- resistance to ultraviolet rays;
- possibility of expanding temperature conditions during operation;
- environmental friendliness of materials;
- high level of thermal and noise insulation;
- resistance to various damages and impacts;
- long service life.
The use of fireproof bags helps prevent further spread of the flame, which contributes to the timely localization and extinguishing of the fire, without significant damage. When internal and external openings are equipped with fire-resistant double-glazed windows, this will help achieve the necessary fire safety. The fire will not begin to spread throughout the building, and people will be protected from injury and the negative effects of combustion products.
