7 Things to Know About Impact Glazing and Fire-rated Glass
PHOTO: The Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing, designed by
Renzo Piano, has Pilkington Pyrostop glazing, which is impact
resistant and carries a two-hour fire rating. February 10, 2011
David Vermeulen, the Midwest territory manager for Technical
Glass Products, spends a lot of time talking with Building Teams
about impact glazing and fire-rated glass. “There’s still a
little confusion about the products—on the types of glass
available, how they’ve changed over the years, and how they can
be used,” he says. “People are surprised by what they can do
with fire-rated glass.”  Here Vermeulen shares some back-to-
basics answers to seven common questions about impact glazing
and fire-rated glass.  1. How does fire-rated glass differ from
ordinary glass?  Fire-rated glass has been tested to act as a
barrier to the spread of flames and smoke, a practice known as
compartmentalization. The framing and glass undergo independent
testing from such organization