From USGlass Magazine: Fire-Rated Glass by the Numbers

Fire-rated glass has become increasingly popular in commercial buildings, such as healthcare facilities, higher education institutions, and transit centers. Fire-rated framing and glazing use thin layers of glass with intumescent interlayers that turn into an opaque shield when exposed to fire. There are two types of fire-rated systems: protective and resistant. Protective glass stops the spread of fire and smoke, while fire-resistant glass also acts as a barrier to radiant heat. Fire-rated products are used throughout a building's interior and exterior, particularly in areas like doors, sidelites, transoms, and stair enclosures. Wide open spaces like entry lobbies and atriums are prime locations for fire-rated glass applications. The International Building Code requires fire-rated materials in these spaces due to their high occupancy levels. Clients also value transparency in these areas to allow natural daylight into the building.

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