Heat transfer and fire-rated glazing

Scott A. Rutledge, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain Corporation

Confusion reigns when it comes to fire-rated glass, its technical properties and performance. Though I’ve been the North American marketing and advertising manager for Vetrotech Saint-Gobain Corp. ofAuburn, Wash., for more than a year now, I still get “glazed” trying to figure them out. The criteria run on endlessly: model codes, test standards, wiredglass, intumescents, ceramics, tempered, laminated,fire-resistive, fire-protective. What is a wall? What is a window? Navigating to product selection can be exhausting.

Keep in mind we’re talking life safety here. Manufacturers and distributors of fire-rated glass products must bring clarity to marketing materials to reduce the potential for error.

Heat transfer emerges at the top of the list of topics that require detailed public discussion. Responsible manufacturers and distributors must hold the position that products with no heat-blocking abilities need to be limited in size and placement.

This article was originally published in Glass Magazine issue February 2006.

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