Attractive, durable, energy-efficient, and capable of illuminating any space, fire rated glass block is endowed with inherent fire-resistant properties. In many fire-safe buildings, fire rated glass block structural components provide an additional level of safety that wood and drywall cannot. Whether for interior walls, stairwells, flooring, or exterior cladding and windows, structural fire rated glass block adds pleasing aesthetics and natural light while providing an added measure of fire protection.
An extremely important feature of glass block, critical to safe building design, is the product's ability to resist fire. Fire rated glass block is available in a range of textures and degrees of transparency for privacy and safety. By varying the face thickness of the glass block and complying with installation specifications, we offer a large line of fire rated products approved and rated according to Underwriters Laboratory (UL®) Standards.
A UL rating means that our fire rated glass block windows are incredibly tough, as they can withstand fire with ratings of 45-, 60-, 90-, and 120-minutes. Premiere™ Series, Thickset® 60 series, Thickset® 90 Series, VISTABRIK®, and VETROPIENO™ are available.
Fire ratings for architectural components are assigned time increments determined during rigorous laboratory conditions. The rating indicates the length of time the material can resist heat before degrading and exposing interior objects. Seves Glass Block™ supplied through GBA is available with Underwriters Laboratories (UL®) Standards for fire ratings of 45-, 60-, and 90-minute ratings.
According to the website lumenlearning.com, glass block is exposed to a propane gas-fired furnace for various periods set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and The American Society for Testing and Materials Standard E119. The survival period determines the fire rating. Glass block that resists the fire’s impact for ninety minutes is awarded a 90-minute rating.
Besides fire safety, light transmission is an important feature of glass block construction. While emitting energy-saving natural light, glass block walls allow occupants to see their location during evacuation for fire or other present dangers. Fire resistant glass block is also perfect in zero-lot-line buildings.
Architects recognize that glass block is durable and secure while emitting natural light. Glass block has a dynamic relationship with both artificial and natural light, as the glass block will change in appearance as the amount of light transmitting through does too. With added privacy, depending on glass block pattern, fire rated glass block is also scratch-resistant. The material is popular for applications like rowhouses, garden homes, patio homes, and townhomes.
Seves Glass Block™, or (Seves), is the world’s leading glass block manufacturer for architecture and construction, produces fire resistant glass block in classes of 45-, 60-, and 90- minute fire resistance that retains structural stability and strength while protecting occupants and objects from flames, smoke, forcible entry, and dangerous gasses.
As part of their Technology Line, Seves fire rated glass block is distributed by GBA Architectural Products + Services. In addition to its fire resistance, the products in this category of advanced glass block are designed to be noise resistant, graffiti-resistant, bullet and projectile-proof, and highly secure.
Seves fire rated glass block is distributed by GBA Architectural Products + Services with ratings of 45-, 60-, and 90-minutes. These products, useful for both interior and exterior applications, are available in several sizes, designs, and styles to match any architect’s imagination.
Fire resistant glass block styles are available in wavy or smooth surfaces, with three different finishes for privacy and light control.
VISTABRIK® size options shown above.
For designers and builders seeking the perfect marriage of beauty, durability, energy efficiency, and safety, fire rated glass block from GBA Architectural Products + Services is a logical solution. Check out their array of world-class products for a variety of applications. If you are looking for a building material that will last, provide plenty of light, lower energy bills, impart beautiful, ever-changing light effects, and provide superior fire resistance, architectural glass block is the perfect option.
When specifying GBA Architectural Products + Services, you receive a level of technical support and guidance in the design process, unavailable from any other glass block company. Design services are available through your local representative who will arrange for drawing review, full sample selection, professional installation, on-site assistance, and provide technical support even after the project has been completed (if necessary). For more information about the full range of architectural glass products available to incorporate into your project, like vault lights sidewalks, or fire rated glass block, visit the GBA website at https://gbaproducts.com/.
View some of the incredible past architectural renderings supplied by the professionals at GBA.
If you have questions regarding the full range of applications of glass block products, contact the experts at GBA Architectural Products + Services at one of their three regional numbers.
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For U.L® listing information see www.ul.com. UL® is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.