Bear Glass Specialty Tempered Glass has become a popular alternative for low level fire safety. It is clear, wireless and has a fairly moderate initial investment. High impact ratings make it suitable for some door applications. However, it does have some serious drawbacks that are important to note.
Unlike other fire-rated glazing products, specially tempered glass doesn’t pass the hose stream test. In an actual fire, if sprinklers activate nearby and even a small amount of water hits the hot glass, it will likely fall out of its frame – quite possibly within just a few minutes. That’s why it has only been able to comply with standards for a 20 minute rating. Many times this type of material has been inappropriately substituted for wired glass or other higher performance fire-rated glass, when in fact it does not carry the same fire rating. If sprinklers are anywhere near the opening, this product should not be considered.
Polished Wired Glass is far and away the most well known product in the industry. Used for more than a century, it has a solid track record...Read more.
Ceramic Glass is a category of fire-rated glazing that has entered the market during the past 12 years...Read more.
Transparent and Wireless, Ceramic Glass offers a distinct aesthetic advantage...Read more.
Bear Glass Transparent Wall Units make up the final category of fire-rated glass, and in reality, they are in a class by themselves...Read more.
