Topline Glass & Glazing
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Manufacturers of quality sealed units and glass products since 1977. Topline Glass and Glazing are Somerset’s largest sealed unit and glass supplier.
For all your glass and glazing requirements contact the team at Topline Glass and Glazing today.
Topline Glass & Glazing Ltd
The Conquest Business Park
Ilton, Ilminster
Somerset
TA19 9EA
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Topline Glass and Glazing Ltd. are now attestation level 1 certified to manufacture fire rated sealed units. Also known as ‘Fire Resistant Glass’, we can offer advice on integrity and insulation ratings, glass specifications, certification, and installation instructions.
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Fire Rated Glazing
Sourcing fire glass can be an extremely complicated and daunting task. We can advise our customers exactly what they need, ensuring it’s the most cost effective and compliant product.
Fire protection regulations are comprehensive, complex and diverse. The fire protection standards of building structures called for by each particular supervisory body vary according to type and use of the building, architecture, as well as the specific installation situation.
These diverse regulations and requirements for the use of fire-resistant glazing have led to the definition of the European standardised fire-resistance performance classification which comprises three classes:
INTEGRITY Class E: Fire-resistant glass which remains transparent in the event of fire offers protection from fire and smoke but does not reduce the transfer of dangerous radiant heat in the event of a fire (integrity only performance).
INSULATION & INTEGRITY Class EI: Glass in this category offers an integrity performance (protection from fire and smoke) whilst reducing transfer of dangerous radiant heat.
INTEGRITY & LOW RADIATION CONTROL Class EW: Radiation Control maintains all the integrity performance of E (resistance to flames and smoke), and also provides some heat resistance, keeping the amount of radiant heat transfer to below 15 kW/m2 on the unexposed side.
NEED HELP SOURCING THE CORRECT GLASS SPECIFICATION FOR YOUR PROJECT?
We can advise you on the fire glass specification you need to ensure your project complies. We just need to know:
- Is it for internal or external use?
- Is it required for a door or a screen?
- Is it being glazed into timber or steel?
- Does it need to be clear or wired?
- What fire rating needs to be achieved?
CONTACT THE OFFICE TODAY FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE
WHAT IS FIRE RATED GLASS?
Fire rated glass, or fire resistant glass, is a range of specialist glass products that have been manufactured specifically to provide protection against fire. Each product has been extensively tested and proven to provide various types of protection. Fire resistant glass can act as a barrier, helping to hold back and prevent the spread of smoke and flames through buildings. This type of protection is referred to as ‘integrity’. Some types of fire resistant glass can also provide protection against the heat of the fire This type of protection is referred to as ‘insulation’.
WHAT IS A FIRE RATING?
Fire resistant glass is rated based on it’s capabilities and can be broken down into 3 categories; Integrity, Insulation, or Integrity and Insulation. After extensive testing, fire resistant glass types are given an official rating based on the time period they will perform for from 30 minutes upwards. So for example, ‘Integrity 30’ would be a fire resistant glass that prevents the spread of flames and smoke for at least 30 minutes. ‘Integrity and Insulation 60/30’ would be a glass that holds back flames and smoke for 60 minutes and protects against the heat of a fire for at least 30 minutes.
HOW IS FIRE RATED GLASS TESTED?
An independent company carries out testing on fire resistant glass in a controlled environment. Fire resistant glazing is installed within a test furnace and set alight to simulate a real life fire scenario. The glass surface temperature is monitored and recorded so that each glass product can be allocated a rating based on its performance. Fire resistant glass testing can reach temperatures in excess of 900 degrees Celsius. As a comparison, standard glass found in the majority of windows would only withstand 120 degrees, equating to just a few minutes protection in a real life fire.
CAN FIRE RESISTANT GLASS BE GLAZED INTO STANDARD FRAMES USING STANDARD GLAZING MATERIALS?
No. Each type of fire resistant glass is tested using a specific glazing system, so it is important that fire rated glass is glazed to the specified method on the certificate. This includes the glass, the glazing seals, beads, fixings and frame. For more information or advice, please contact the office.
IS THERE A STANDARD FIRE GLASS?
No. There are many different types of glass that have fire resistant properties, and to comply with building regulations you will need to use a fire resistant glass that achieves the correct rating for the application. Fire resistant glass can vary greatly in cost, so it’s important to establish which glass will comply with regulations and be the most cost effective.
We ask 5 simple questions that help to find the right specification glass:
Is it internal or external glazing?
Is it for glazing a door or a screen?
Is the frame timber or steel?
Do you require clear or wired glass?
What rating is required?
