Toughened Glass Manufacturers and Suppliers in Kalyan

Fire safety and compartmentalisation are necessary for most structures in India today, considering the rising cases of accidents by fire spread and property damage. A building must function as a fire-resistant structure while welcoming optimal daylight indoors. This boosts the requirement for a glass that delivers the perfect balance between visibility and safety without compromising on aesthetics or functionality.

Fire-resistant glass achieves the balance, providing the usual visibility and enhanced safety. While standard glass shatters at 150°C, there’s not a single scratch on fire-rated glass until it crosses 1000°C.

In this article, we’ll cover the different types and applications of fire-rated glass while recommending the best options for varied spaces.

What is Fire-Rated Glass?

Fire-rated glass is a uniquely engineered barrier that acts as a protective shield from flames, smoke, and heat in case of a fire-related accident. The glass helps divide the space in a corporate, commercial, or residential building into compartments, minimising fire spread and damage while maintaining visual clarity.

Choosing the right kind of glass is very important, as fire-protective glass only blocks smoke and fumes and might allow the heat of the blaze to pass through. Fire-resistant glass is a much safer and preferred option for all structures, preventing heat, fumes, and smoke from passing through. It blocks the spread of flames to ignitable materials on the other side, allowing the safeguarding of certain zones for easy evacuation. You must ensure that the glass you choose has undergone the standardised thermal testing and certification to guarantee its stellar performance.

Understanding the Fire-Rated Glass Classification

There are three types of fire-rated glass, namely E, EW, and EI. The types decide how well the glazing can resist flames, barring danger from safe spaces in a building. Their performance criteria are defined by:

• Integrity: E
• Resistance to Radiation: W
• Insulated Surfaces: I

When purchasing fire-resistant glass, you’ll also need to consider the numeric ratings. These numbers, ranging from 15 to 180 across all glass types, determine the duration a glass stands strong before the flames cause its collapse. For example, the E30 glass maintains its integrity for 30 minutes.

Every kind of glass serves a different function:  

Every glass must meet the necessary fire-resistant glass standards established under NBC 2016 to confirm their resistance levels and lifespan before use.

1. Integrity-Promising Types of Fire-Rated Glass: E60, E120, and E180

E-rated fire-resistant glass acts as an unbreakable barrier against flames, smoke, and heat. This kind of glass can be incorporated into existing architectural planning, maintaining clear visibility and allowing maximum light transmission indoors. The E-rated glass is the most cost-effective option, with a wide range of types to fit your space:

• E60 (1-hour integrity): Offering the clearest view, it’s the perfect option for door glass panels, interior partition glass, and low-risk corridors.
• E120 (2-hour integrity): Preferred for large partition spaces, critical compartment locations, and lobbies.
• E180 (3-hour integrity): Chosen for areas with limited access space, including warehouses, industrial facilities, and remote spaces. It is also perfect for airport terminals and metro stations.

E-rated glass upholds the aesthetic appeal of a space while being the easiest to assemble, since it has only one layer and weighs the least.

2. Integrity + Radiation-Repelling Fire-Rated Glass: EW60 and EW120

EW-rated glass protects people on the other side from flames, smoke, fumes, and dangerous heat levels. The most popular types included are:

• EW60 (1-hour Integrity + 1-hour Radiation): Suitable for corridors, atriums, and fire escapes, as they enhance the safety of a space for safe evacuation.
• EW120 (2-hour Integrity + 1-hour Radiation): Perfect for exterior building facades, open-atrium spaces, and escape routes.

The glass is perfect for commercial spaces, guaranteeing visibility while maintaining the required protection levels.

3. Integrity + Insulation-Providing Fire-Rated Glass: EI60 and EI120

EI-rated glass offers complete heat-resistance on the unexposed side along with protection from flames, heat, and smoke. The glass’s unexposed side remains cool for longer periods, ensuring people or objects remain protected from damage completely. Assembly requires professional guidance, as the glass is made up of multi-layer laminates and must be installed correctly else can result in failure of the product.

The most used types of EI-rated glass include:

• EI20 (2-hour Integrity + 20-minute Insulation): Suggested for stairwell locations, lift lobbies, and escape corridors.
• EI30 (2-hour Integrity + 30-minute Insulation): Suggested for stairwell locations, lift lobbies, and escape corridors.

EI-rated glass hampers light and outdoor visibility, considering the layers. These fire-rated products are not waterproof, making them a poor choice for exterior glass.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Types

Sometimes buyers are swayed by things like low cost and easy installation, which leads them to choosing the wrong kind of fire-rated glass for their structures. These factors must not be overlooked during consideration and purchase:

1. Building Type and Occupancy

Structures like hospitals, commercial malls, and housing complexes are high-occupancy spaces where people are vulnerable to fires. Opting for E120 or EI120-rated glass is preferable for enhanced safety in large spaces.

2. Location of the Glass

Architects must decide the function of a space before deciding the type of glass. Window glass must belong to the E or EW type for optimal view, whereas staircase glass does not demand the same requirement.

3. Required Duration

Local codes and the evacuation profile must be considered to choose a glass rating that matches.

4. Aesthetic and Functional Requirements

While E and EW offer the most aesthetic addition to your space, EI trades some light for durability and insulation.

5. Budget and Lifestyle

The higher the glass rating, the more architects need to spend on installation and framing. However, higher-rated glass brings long-term benefits and durability to your structures.

Why is Bhatia Glass the Best Solution for Your Next Project?

Bhatia Glass, the leading glass manufacturer in Mumbai, offers an extensive range of certified fire-resistant glass types compliant with NBC 2016 to suit all spaces across India. Our services go far beyond just delivering glass, as we offer premium quality, durable glass that passes the required standards. We ensure your plans never shatter, providing 24-hour express delivery all across India that meets your requirements.

Whether it’s a unique shape or glass size, we customise the piece to fit your space perfectly. Architects and designers can rely on our expert suggestions that help enhance every space in terms of beauty, functionality, and fireproof safety. We offer end-to-end support, ensuring the final installation makes the space hazard-free. Contact us to begin your journey to a safe and fire-hazard-free space today.