This article explains when UK Building Regulations require fire rated glass partitioning for safety and compliance. You will learn about specific fire resistance levels, the necessity of protected escape routes, and how systems like the MB-78EI provide essential compartmentation. We cover both residential and commercial applications to ensure your project meets all legal standards while maintaining modern design.
This guide on the new law on fire doors will walk you through what fire ratings mean, why they are so essential for your property and how to choose the right fire rated doors for your project.
Understanding Fire Resistant Glass Resistance Levels
You must understand fire resistance glass levels before selecting a system. These ratings are typically measured in minutes, such as:
- 30 minute fire rated glass
- 60 minute fire rated glass
- 90 minute fire rated glass
- 120 minute fire rated glass
The fire rated glass is classified by their performance.
The main classifications you will see are:
- Integrity (E): The glass remains in its frame. It stops flames and hot gases from passing through for the specified time.
- Radiation Control (EW): This offers a middle ground. The glass reduces radiant heat transfer to protect people on the non-fire side for a short period.
- Insulation (EI): This provides the highest level of protection. An EI rated fire rated glass partition system blocks flames, smoke and significantly reduces heat transfer. This keeps escape routes usable.
At Aluminium Fire Systems, we focus on superior protection. We specialise in EI (Insulation & Integrity) rated systems. These provide the most comprehensive safety. Escape routes remain clear and usable during a fire.
Read our article: Types of Fire Safety Glass: E vs EI
When should you use fire rated glass partitioning?
UK Building Regulations, specifically Approved Document B, dictate the requirement for fire rated partitions. The core purpose is the safety of people. Here are the key scenarios where fire rated glass partitions are essential.
To Create Protected Escape Routes
Protected escape routes require fire rated glass. Corridors, lobbies and stairwells designated as part of a fire escape strategy must be protected from fire and smoke. Fire resistant glass partitions keep these pathways safe for exit. They maintain visibility and natural light. This is vital in an emergency. It prevents the dark, enclosed feeling created by standard internal fire doors.
For Compartmentation
Compartmentation divides a building into smaller, fire resistant sections. Using fire rated glass partitions is an effective tool for this. Contain the fire to a single compartment. This limits damage and buys time for evacuation and fire services. This is mandatory in large or multi-use buildings:
- Large office buildings
- Hospitals
- Care homes
- Schools
- Universities
- Mixed-use retail and residential developments
To Protect High-Risk Areas
Some areas pose a higher risk. Kitchens, laboratories and server rooms allow fires to start and spread quickly. Installing aluminium fire rated partitions around these areas contains a fire at its source. It protects the rest of the building.
Fire rated glass partition residential
Fire safety is paramount in residential settings. High-rise flats or houses with three or more storeys have strict requirements. A fire rated glass partition residential application usually separates a kitchen from a hallway or encloses a main exit staircase. Under UK Building Regulations, any glass used in a door or partition forming part of a protected internal hallway or stairway must provide at least 30 minutes of fire resistance. These systems allow homeowners to maintain an open-plan feel without violating safety codes.
Learn more about the UK laws on fire doors
Fire rated glass partition commercial
A fire rated glass partition commercial system is standard in offices, shopping centres and public buildings. These partitions allow you to create meeting rooms and cellular offices without compromising the floor plate fire strategy. Commercial buildings have high occupancy. The glass must integrate with robust framing. We partner with Aluprof to supply our profiles. They have over 70 years of experience. Every commercial installation is both functional and fully compliant.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Partitions
The fire rated system must work for the building and its occupants.
Fire Rating Glass Duration and Systems
Duration depends on building size, use and partition location. An assessment of the fire strategy determines the necessary rating. This ensures safety.
The MB-78EI system of fire proof walls is a versatile solution for these requirements. It executes internal or external partitions with single and double doors or technical windows. This system achieves fire proof classes from EI30 to EI90 as provided under the PN-EN 13501-2+A1:2010 standard. It is classified as non-fire propagating (NFP) and functions for smoke-proof constructions.
Fire Rated Glass Partitioning Framing Details
The frame of your fire rated glass partition matters just as much as the glass. The entire system – glass, frame, seals and fixings must be certified together to be effective. Aluminium frames are the best choice. They are strong, durable and offer a slim aesthetic which means that fire safety is never compromised.
Acoustic Performance
Noise control is a major concern, we often have customers who need fire rated office partitions for their modern offices. Our fire rated glass partition walls also offer excellent acoustic insulation. This creates quieter, more productive environments. Using fire rated glazed partitions for both fire safety and soundproofing is efficient. It is also cost-effective.
Why Choose Aluminium Fire Systems?
We manufacture and supply our certified fire rated glass partitions directly from our UK facility. Our expertise ensures you get a fully compliant product.
- Competitive Pricing: Buy directly from the manufacturer. You receive cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality of our fire rated glass partitions.
- Fast Lead Times: Our processes allow us to deliver on time. Your project stays on schedule. We recently assisted a contractor on a high-profile office fit-out. A sudden change in building control meant fire partitions were needed within weeks. Our UK-based manufacturing met this deadline and prevented a handover delay.
- Compliant and Certified Products: We follow the latest fire standards for UK buildings. Every project includes a full compliance pack. Your fire rated glass products will meet all UK regulations.
Meet the team behind the UK’s leading manufacturers of aluminium fire rated windows, fire doors and fire glazed walls/partitions.
Testimonials from Customers Who Brought Our Fire Resistant Glass Partitions
– Barn Wall
“Aluminium fire systems manufacturer. Excellent system used. Aluprof.”
– Gordon Stevens
Buy from UK Manufacturers of fire rated windows, doors & glass partitions
We provide fire rated glass partitions for commercial and residential builds across the UK. For help or to place your order 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.
Fire rated glass partitioning FAQs
What are the best fire rated glass partitions?
The best fire rated glass partitions offer EI (Insulation) protection. E (Integrity) glass only stops flames. EI glass blocks radiant heat too. This is the superior choice for protecting people and property. We specialise in these high-performance EI systems.
What is fire rated glass partition price?
The fire rated glass partition price depends on the rating, size and framing finish. These systems use specialised toughened or laminated glass and fire resistant gaskets. Therefore, the fire rated glass partition price is higher than standard glazing. Source directly from us to eliminate the middleman. You will get the most competitive rates for certified products.
How do I know what fire rating I need?
UK Building Regulations determine the rating. Factors include building type, height, occupancy and partition location. Consult a fire safety professional or your building control officer. They will provide the exact requirements for your project.
Can fire rated glazed partitions be customised?
Yes. Our aluminium systems offer design flexibility. We design various frame finishes and glass specifications to match your building’s aesthetic. You get full fire protection.
- Learn more about our fire rated glass partitions
- Learn more about our internal and external fire doors
- Learn more about our fire resistant windows
About The Author
Lauren Walker is the Managing Director of Aluminium Fire Systems. She has extensive experience in the UK fire safety and glazing industry. Lauren ensures buildings are safer through fully certified and compliant fire rated products. She combines functional safety with modern design.