Commercial & Residential Fire Rated Aluminium Windows
UK Suppliers of High-Specification Fire Rated Aluminium Glass
Secure your property without compromising on design with our high-quality range of fire rated aluminium windows.
We provide bespoke fireproof glass windows for both commercial and residential sectors throughout the UK, from high-traffic office complexes to modern apartment blocks. Our products are engineered to meet the highest safety demands, offering Integrity and Insulation (EI) ratings of EI30, EI60, EI90 and EI 120 minutes. Backed by industry-leading accreditations and compliant with BS 476 and EN 13501-2.
Our fire rated systems allow architects and specifiers to use minimal framing to achieve maximum light transmission. This ensures you get a sleek, open design whilst strictly adhering to fire safety regulations. Trust Aluminium Fire Systems for reliable, nationwide delivery of certified fire proof windows.
What are Fire Rated Windows?
Fire rated aluminium windows are specially engineered to resist heat, smoke, and flames, ensuring critical containment and allowing vital evacuation time during emergencies. Aluminium, known for its strength and lightweight properties, forms the ideal framework for fireproof windows as it offers exceptional resilience for fire resistant glass windows without compromising on design versatility or your architectural vision.
Fire Ratings Explained: E, EW and EI
When you look at fire rated glass windows, fire classification codes often look like a random mix of letters, but they essentially tell you how the glass behaves in a fire. Getting your head around the difference between ‘Integrity’ and ‘Insulation’ is the most important part since it usually dictates which product is legal for your specific building layout.
Here is how the three main classifications break down.
(E) – INTEGRITY
“Stops flames and smoke”
Think of this as your base level of protection. An ‘E’ rated unit acts as a physical shield, stopping flames, smoke and hot gases from breaching the safe side.
There is a catch, though. While it holds back the fire itself, it does nothing to stop the heat. The glass gets incredibly hot and transmits enough thermal radiation to potentially ignite curtains or flooring on the ‘safe’ side.
(EW) - RADIATION
“Stops flames and reduces heat transfer”
This rating keeps everything from the ‘E’ standard but adds a layer of control against radiated heat. It restricts the heat energy passing through the glass to a safer level, usually keeping it below 15 kW/m².
The main advantage here is that it stops objects on the safe side from catching fire just from the thermal radiation, even if the flames are effectively held back.
(Ei) – INTEGRITY & INSULATION
“Stops flames and blocks heat almost entirely”
For escape routes like corridors or stairwells, this is usually what you are looking at. An ‘EI’ system contains the fire and insulates the glass so well that the temperature on the protected side stays low.
It matters because it prevents heat transfer effectively enough that you could typically stand right next to the window without getting burned. That is why it is often mandatory for protecting evacuation paths where people need to pass safely.
Quick Summary
- E: Stops the fire.
- EW: Stops the fire and cuts down the heat.
- EI: Stops the fire and blocks the heat (Touch safe).
For more information, view our article ’Types of Fire Safety Glass: E vs EI’
Fire Ratings & Time Limits: What the Numbers Mean
You have the classification letters down (E, EW, EI), but the number following them is just as critical. Simply put, it tells you how many minutes the glass will hold out before it fails.
Most building regulations operate in 30-minute intervals, so you’ll often find they have 30 min fire rated windows. This is why you will see these specific numbers popping up on architectural plans.
Fire Windows We Supply
We focus our inventory on the high-performance ‘EI’ standard (Integrity & Insulation) because it offers the most comprehensive protection. We cover the four main time durations required for major safety compliance:
30 minutes of full protection.
60 minutes (1 hour) of full protection.
90 minutes of full protection.
120 minutes (2 hours) of full protection.
What We Do Not Supply
You might occasionally see odd-numbered or lower-spec requirements on older plans or specific niche projects. We have made a choice not to stock these lower durations or ‘EW’ variations for our fire resistance windows.
Specifically, we do not supply:
- 15-Minute Ratings: Such as EW15 or EI15.
- Odd Intervals: Such as EI45 (45 minutes).
- Lower Spec 30s: Such as EW30 (Radiation only).
Why we don’t stock the odd numbers
It is not unusual to see building plans asking for 15 or 45 minutes of fire resistance. You might have noticed we don’t stock those specific numbers. The logic is simple enough: fire regulations are a minimum standard, not a maximum.
If your project specifies a 15-minute requirement, fitting an EI30 unit is fully compliant and doubles the protection time. We made the call to stick to the higher 30 and 60-minute benchmarks as they cover these odd requirements comfortably. In our view, it is better to offer that safety buffer than to cut it fine with a lower specification.
Openable and Fixed Fire Rated Windows
MB-78EI Fire Rated Windows | EI30, E160, E190, EI120
The MB-78EI system allows us to manufacture high-specification fire rated aluminium windows and fixed glazing for both internal and external use.
Designed to meet rigorous safety demands, this system offers certified protection in classes EI30, EI60, and EI90. It is fully compliant with standard EN 13501-2, classified as non-fire propagating (NFP) and is an excellent solution for smoke-proof construction requirements.
Please note: All fire rated glazing should be specified in accordance with your building’s technical documentation and installed in line with current building regulations and approvals.
MB-86EI Fire Rated Windows | EI30
The MB-86EI system is the ideal solution for fabricating high-performance EI30 fire rated non openable glazed windows. Fully compliant with EN 13501-2+A1, this system ensures you do not have to compromise on daily functionality to achieve critical fire safety.
Built on the foundations of the proven MB-86 system, it delivers excellent thermal insulation, sound reduction, water resistance, and air leakage performance. By combining the sleek aesthetics of a classic window with robust fire protection, the MB-86EI meets modern requirements for energy savings and environmental protection. The system is fully classified as non-fire spreading (NRO).
Technical Specification Summary
Our fire rated systems are engineered for high performance. Please note that specific ratings depend on the glass and configuration selected.
| Feature | MB-78EI (Partitions & Doors) | MB-86EI (Fixed & Openable Windows) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Application | Internal/External Partitions, Fixed Screens & Doors | External Openable Windows & Fixed Glazing |
| Fire Resistance Classes | EI30, EI60, EI90 | EI30 |
| Thermal Insulation (Uf) | from 1.6 W/(m²K) | from 1.07 W/(m²K) |
| Acoustic Insulation (Rw) | Up to 41 dB | Up to 47 dB |
| Air Permeability | Class 2 (EN 12207) | Class 4 (EN 12207) |
| Watertightness | Class 5A (EN 12208) | Class E 1500 (EN 12208) |
| Frame Depth | 78 mm | 77 mm (Frame) / 86 mm (Sash) |
| Glazing Thickness | 6 – 49 mm | 13 – 61 mm (Frame) / 22 – 70 mm (Sash) |
| Compliance Standard | EN 13501-2 | EN 13501-2 |
Openable vs Fixed Fire Rated Windows
When specifying fire rated glazing, architects and contractors frequently have to choose between openable fire rated windows, such as the MB-86EI system, and fixed fire monitors like our MB-78EI system.
Realistically, you only need openable MB-86EI windows for specific smoke evacuation strategies (AOVs). These are complex systems that must link directly to a Building Management System (BMS) or smoke control panel. In a fire, actuators automatically trigger the window to vent smoke or close to seal the building.
Fixed MB-78EI windows, on the other hand, provide a permanent barrier. They allow light to flood the space and maintain total integrity against fire and smoke but do so without mechanical parts or complicated electronics.
Why Our Fixed MB-78EI is our Fire Rated Window of Choice
We receive plenty of enquiries for openable windows yet nine out of ten clients switch to the MB-78EI Fixed System once they look at the logistics. Here is why it remains the preferred choice for commercial and residential projects in the UK:
- Faster UK Fabrication: Manufacturing openable fire windows (MB-86EI) is governed by ‘AVCP System 1′ regulations. This strict standard requires external factory auditing that forces most suppliers to import finished units from Europe rather than making them in the UK. Importing inevitably extends lead times and adds risk to the schedule. We fabricate the MB-78EI fixed system right here in the UK. We control the production line and can guarantee we can meet your site deadlines.
- Cost Savings: Choosing a fixed system eliminates the need for expensive chain actuators, control panels and the specialist on-site electricians required to commission the wiring. Consequently, the MB-78EI is a much more budget-friendly solution.
- Higher Fire Ratings: Openable systems are generally limited to EI30 (30 minutes) due to the nature of the opening seals. Our fixed MB-78EI system is fully certified up to EI90, offering triple the protection time for critical safety routes.
- Zero Maintenance: With no motors, sensors or moving parts to service, the MB-78EI is a ‘fit and forget’ solution. It removes the need for mandatory annual mechanical maintenance which saves building owners money in the long run.
Common Applications
We provide commercial fire rated windows and residential fire rated windows across the UK. Here’s a list of some of our common applications. This is not an exhaustive list so if your building isn’t on the list, please contact us today by phone on (+44) 121 277 4870, or send us a message via the form on our contact page to discuss your requirements.
Commercial Fire Rated Windows
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Commercial buildings, offices
- Factories
- Farms
- Storage facilities
Residential Fire Rated Windows
- Housing developments
- Individual houses
- Flats
- Apartments
Why Choose Aluminium Fire Systems for your Fire Windows
Finding a fire rated window and door company that you can rely on really just comes down to transparency. Since we manufacture everything here in the UK, you are buying directly from the manufacturer and skipping the middleman. It means you can communicate straight with the people building your fire rated windows rather than dealing with a sales desk.
We don’t gamble with safety. Our products are fully compliant, carry the UKCA mark and are backed by independent third-party certification through Certifire. We work exclusively with partners like Aluprof, Pyroguard and Vetrotech Saint-Gobain using the highest quality materials. By understanding your project’s practical logistics, we can ensure on-time nationwide delivery to keep your build on track.
CLIENTS TESTIMONIALS
What our clients say ABOUT OUR FIREPROOF WINDOW SOLUTIONS
“A quick email to say how pleased we are with the fireproof windows we purchased from yourselves. Delivery was on time and the quality of the frames is excellent”
Matt Gregory
Matt Gregory (Transport) Ltd
June 2025
“AFS provided their products on time, in full to a high standard complete with a comprehensive pack of info. Looking forward to working with you again in the near future”
Andrew Stapleton
APIC
June 2025
We work in partnership with installers, fabricators & construction specialists
Related Fire Rated Products
We can also supply the following:
Fire Rated Windows FAQs
What does AOV stand for when it comes to fire rated windows?
AOV stands for Automatic Opening Vent (or Automatic Opening Ventilator). AOV components are critical in a building’s fire safety system as they are designed to open automatically when they detect smoke or heat to create an escape route that is smoke-free to give safe passage to building occupants and fire firefighters.
Why choose fire rated aluminium windows?
Apart from their life-saving fire resistance properties, fire rated aluminium windows offer excellent thermal insulation, noise reduction and weather resistance. With their long-lasting durability and low maintenance requirements, they’re an investment in both safety and cost-efficiency. Additionally, their slim profiles and expansive glass surfaces maximise natural light and create a contemporary, airy ambiance for any interior.
Can fire rated windows open for ventilation?
Yes, fire rated windows can open for ventilation but they function differently from standard windows. Openable Fire Rated Windows (often called Automatic Opening Vents or AOVs) are typically used for smoke evacuation.
Unlike standard windows, an openable fire window must automatically close in the event of a fire to maintain the building’s fire integrity. This is usually achieved via a fusible link (which melts at high temperatures to release the closing mechanism) or a connection to the building’s central fire alarm system.
Key differences:
Fixed Lights: Do not open. These offer the highest fire ratings (up to EI90) and are used solely to let light in while blocking fire spread.
Openable Fire Windows: Can be opened for daily ventilation but are strictly regulated. They typically offer up to EI30 protection and are essential for smoke evacuation routes in commercial buildings and communal flats.
What are the rules for fire rated windows?
Fire regulations are understandably strict here. The most critical thing to remember is that compliance relies on the whole system rather than just one part.
System Compliance: You have to look at the glass and the frame as a single unit. There is a common misconception that you can put fire rated glass into a standard aluminium frame, but that simply doesn’t work. If the frame melts, the glass fails.
Building Regulations: Every window needs to match the building’s technical documentation and approved standards.
No Trickle Vents: You can’t have trickle vents in fire rated windows. They effectively act as a hole that lets smoke and fire bypass the glass, which defeats the purpose of the window.
What type of windows are fire rated?
We supply fixed aluminium fire rated windows across four main classifications:
- EI30: 30 minutes integrity and insulation
- EI60: 60 minutes integrity and insulation
- EI90: 90 minutes integrity and insulation
- EI120: 120 minutes integrity and insulation
It is worth noting that openable windows are currently only available in the 30-minute (EI30) specification and there are strict size limitations on those units.
What is a 1 hour fire rated window?
When we talk about a 1 hour fire rated window, we are referring to the EI60 classification. This rating provides 60 minutes of protection in two distinct ways:
Integrity (E): It physically stops flames and hot gases from penetrating the window.
Insulation (I): It limits heat transfer to the non-fire side so nearby materials like curtains or furniture don’t ignite from the radiated heat.
In terms of build, the glass thickness for EI60 ratings is usually between 25 mm and 50 mm.
What glass is 30 minute fire rated?
Glass with a 30 minute rating falls under the EI30 classification. Like the 1 hour version, this provides both integrity and thermal insulation but for a shorter duration. You will find the thickness for EI30 glazing sits between 20 mm and 30 mm.
How thick is 45 minute fire rated glass?
Aluminium Fire Systems does not supply EI45 (45 minute) products. We don’t list a thickness specification for this rating because we believe in opting for higher benchmarks. We move straight to 60 minutes (EI60) to ensure a better safety buffer.
What is the difference between toughened glass and fire rated glass?
People often confuse these two, but the difference comes down to how they handle extreme heat.
Toughened Glass (Safety Glass): This is designed to shatter safely on impact, but it is not built for fire. It tends to fail once temperatures hit roughly 260°C.
Fire Rated Glass: This is engineered to withstand temperatures exceeding 870°C. It acts as a robust barrier that maintains its integrity to stop flames and smoke for a specific duration (30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes) and the ‘I’ rating means it actively blocks dangerous heat transfer.
What is BS 476 Part 22?
If you work with fire safety, you will run into this standard eventually. BS 476 Part 22 is the specific British Standard we use to test non-loadbearing elements. We are talking about things like windows, doors and partitions rather than structural walls.
Anyone can claim a product is “fire rated”, but this standard forces them to prove it. It outlines the specific furnace tests needed to verify performance in two critical areas:
Integrity: Does the element actually stop flames and hot gases from physically getting through to the safe side?
Insulation: Can the glass or material block heat transfer well enough to keep the unexposed side cool?
A note on the European shift
You will likely see this standard sitting alongside BS EN 13501-2. While the industry is moving towards that European classification, BS 476 Part 22 remains a completely valid and widely recognised benchmark for compliance in the UK. We haven’t seen the last of it yet.
What is the cost of a fire rated window?
At Aluminium Fire Systems, we provide competitive pricing by allowing you to buy direct from the manufacturer. Because every project is unique, we do not have a fixed fire rated window cost listed on our website; instead, we provide bespoke quotes tailored to your specific requirements.
To provide you with an accurate fire rated window cost, we require the following information:
Project Specifications: Dimensions, number of positions, and project reference.
Fire Rating: Whether you require 30, 60, 90, or 120-minute protection.
Functionality: Please note there is a significant cost increase for openable fire rated windows compared to fixed units.
Aesthetics & Install Details: Required RAL colours, whether cills are needed, and details regarding the building structure/fixing points.
While there is a slight cost difference between 30-minute and 60-minute glass, we always recommend choosing the rating specified in your building’s fire strategy rather than basing the decision on price alone.
To receive a formal quote for your fire rated window price, please email your specifications to [email protected] or call us at 0121 277 4870. We endeavour to turn all quotes around within approximately 48 hours.