Fire rated windows and doors
The history of fire-rated windows is closely tied to advancements in building safety and fire protection. The need for fire-resistant materials and components became more apparent as urbanisation led to the construction of taller and more complex buildings. Here's an overview of the Jansen range we offer and a brief history of fire-rated windows. As cities steadily increase in size and population, the demand for more safety and protection measures and regulations are being voiced. In response to this worldwide search for a functional, flexible and aesthetically pleasing solutions, #Steelguard protects human lives and material assets from destructive flames, today.
Critical safety and elegance combined
The three systems in the range are Economy 60 in 30-minute [E30] and 60-minute [E60] versions, Janisol 2 EI30 and Janisol C4 EI60. All the systems offer Sa smoke protection and are fully assessed to EN 1634 for both fire and smoke protection.
The Economy 60 door is a 60 mm system that is available with either 30-minute or 60-minute integrity-only protection against fire. Flush single and double-leaved doors, with optional side and top lights, also make it ideal for internal fire-rated partition walls.
Both the Janisol door systems are thermally broken to ensure an excellent level of all-round insulation, an important consideration when sustainability and whole life costs are mandated as factors in the brief. Their design enables them to deliver protection against fire and smoke for 30 minutes (Janisol 2 EI30) and 60 minutes (Janisol C4 EI60). Janisol 2 is designed for single and double doors and partitions. Janisol 2 and Janisol C4 are elegant 60 mm and 70 mm deep systems perfectly suited for fire and smoke doors with fixed lights. They have a contemporary, light-weight appearance and double rebate seals. An intelligent fire-retardant filling gives 60 minutes’ integrity and insulation protection.
In addition, both the Janisol 2 and the Janisol C4 EI60 system offer concealed closers to provide a clean design line. The option of concealed hinges for Janisol C4 EI60 provides architects with the ultimate in visual aesthetics as well as performance in use. Where vision or light is not wanted the doors are available overclad with 2 mm steel sheet. Designed to integrate perfectly with Schüco Jansen glazed screens, these Schüco Jansen doors have hinges that have been tested through a million cycles, making them ideal for high-traffic areas in schools, hospitals, offices and public buildings.
A comprehensive collection of fittings and accessories – including different glazing bead variants, a variety of hinge types and an individual choice of face-fixed door handles – allow all three systems to be customised to perfectly complement any location.
Integrity Only
Integrity only is a rating that restricts the progress of the fire through the fire rated window or door. It does not offer any protection against the heat generated by the fire. Where the rating has an S suffix, it offers protection against the passage of smoke. 30/0 – 30 minutes integrity/0 minutes insulation
- 30/0 – 30 minutes integrity/0 minutes insulation
- E30 – 30 minutes integrity only/0 minutes insulation
- E30(S) – 30 minutes integrity/0 minutes insulation but with Smoke protection
- FD30 – Fire Door 30 minutes integrity only/0 minutes insulation
- FD30(S) – Fire Door 30 minutes integrity/0 minutes insulation but with Smoke protection
Integrity & Insulation
An Integrity and Insulation rating not only offers the protection against the progress of the fire but also offers Insulation against the heat generated. As with Integrity only where the rating has an S suffix it offers protection against the passage of smoke.
Substitute 30 with 15, 60, 90, and 120 as necessary.
- 30/30 – 30 minutes integrity/30 minutes insulation
- EI30 – 30 minutes integrity only/30 minutes insulation
- EI30(S) – 30 minutes integrity/30 minutes insulation but with Smoke protection
- FD30/30 – Fire Door 30 minutes integrity only/30 minutes insulation
- FD30/30(S) – Fire Door 30 minutes integrity/30 minutes insulation but with Smoke protection
Integrity and Radiation Control
EW represents a step up in the level of protection offered. Fire glass that achieves the EW classification will maintain the same level of protection against smoke and flame as E but, in addition, will also deliver a reduction in the amount of radiant heat transmitted to the protected side.
The History of Fire Rated Windows
Early 20th Century
- Metal Frames – In the early 20th century, metal frames, including steel, began to be used in windows to improve strength and durability. While these materials were not specifically designed for fire resistance, they laid the groundwork for developments in fire-rated windows.
1930s-1940s
- Building Codes and Standards – The need for fire safety became more formalised with the establishment of building codes and standards. These regulations began to include requirements for fire-resistant building materials.
1950s-1960s
- Introduction of Fire-Rated Glass – During this period, the development of fire-rated glass became a crucial innovation. Manufacturers began producing glass that could withstand exposure to fire for a specified period without compromising its structural integrity.
1970s-1980s
- Advancements in Fire-Resistant Materials – The 1970s and 1980s saw advancements in fire-resistant materials, including those used in windows. Fire-rated windows with specific ratings, indicating their ability to withstand fire for a certain duration, became more widely available.
1990s-2000s
- Stringent Testing Standards – Fire-rated windows became subject to more stringent testing standards to ensure their performance in real fire scenarios. Various testing methods and classifications were established to categorise the fire resistance of windows based on factors such as integrity and insulation.
21st Century
- Innovations in Design – Advances in materials and manufacturing techniques have allowed for more aesthetically pleasing fire-rated window designs without compromising safety. This has been particularly important in architectural projects where both safety and design considerations are crucial.
- Intumescent Technology – The use of intumescent technology has become more prevalent. Intumescent materials expand when exposed to heat, creating a barrier that helps prevent the spread of fire.
- Global Standards – As construction practices have become more globalised, there has been an effort to standardise fire safety requirements for buildings, including the specifications for fire-rated windows.
Today, fire-rated windows are an integral part of building design, especially in structures where fire safety is of paramount importance, such as hospitals, schools, and high-rise buildings. The evolution of fire-rated windows reflects a continuous commitment to improving building safety and mitigating the risks associated with fire incidents. As your trusted fire window partner, Steelguards commitment to continuous development and improvement will ensure you have safe and dependable solutions to protect property and life.