Indoor fire safety is one of the essential factors to consider in a structure, which is why fire-resistant materials and fire protection systems that can stop and even prevent the spread of indoor fires are worthy additions to the safety design of buildings. As such, fire-rated glass is one of the most widely known fire-safety materials used in commercial construction.
In fact, fire-rated glass applications can do more than prevent fire from spreading indoors. They can also be used in exterior applications for added benefits like maximizing natural light and increasing energy conservation. We’ll discuss the topics as you read on.
Here are some examples of situations in which fires could start from the outside of buildings:
Property lines define the points where your property begins and ends. Usually, these boundaries are used when installing boundary-defining features such as fences and pools. Since the IBC does not permit exterior openings based on the premise that an owner does not control what occurs in nearby or adjacent properties, a property that is 10 feet or less from the property line must use materials for its building exterior with a fire-resistance rating, depending on the rate of potential fires in the surrounding area.
There are a lot of neighborhoods that choose to build homes adjacent to dry forested or chaparral-covered areas. According to the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, living near a forest makes a positive impact even if you’re in the city. It’s been confirmed that humans can better cope with chronic stress and are happier when connected with nature.
However, this does not remove the fact that forests are major fire risks. There is a big chance that a wildfire could start any time, especially during the drier season. Using fire-resistant materials like fire-rated glass, designers can provide fire protection to buildings within or adjacent to wildfire-prone areas.
Parking spaces are hazards that are waiting to catch fire. These spaces are filled with gas, fumes, oil, and cars loaded with fuel. One wrong step could set the place ablaze. Fire stemming from this situation is hard to put out, which is why fire and building codes require that nearby buildings incorporate fire-rated materials that would protect occupants from this kind of catastrophe.
The burning question remains: Can fire-rated glass be used for exterior applications? The answer is yes! You can implement fire safety everywhere because fire can start from anywhere, including from the outside. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a level of fire safety in the materials you use in your projects to protect them from the dangers of interior and exterior fires.
Here at SAFTI FIRST, we have a full range of products that can help build and strengthen your exterior.
Some examples of structures built with our fire-resistive curtain walls include:
Some examples of structures built with our fire-rated glazing include:
Some examples of structures built with our fire-resistive walls include:
Every building has a different need for fire-rated materials, tools, and systems. Here at SAFTI FIRST, we pride ourselves on our ability to develop large-scale fire-rated materials that are both compliant and multi-use for interior and exterior applications. We are a manufacturer of USA-made fire-rated solutions that can improve your building’s fire safety without compromising its look, feel, aesthetic, and sustainability.
If you want to know more about how we can help provide fire-rated solutions for your projects, please contact us today!