Your questions are important to us! The following questions may help you to quickly determine the proper product for your specific application. You can also use our Product Selector or view our Product Data Sheets.

Contact us online or call us at 888-803-9533 to discuss any concerns you might have or simply fax your requirements to us at 253-333-5166.

Q. What are the available fire rating times for Vetrotech Saint-Gobain products?
A. Fire rated openings vary in the time rating required from 20-min, 45-min, 60-min, 90-min, 120-min, and 3-hours.

Q. Is impact safety glazing required for fire rated glass installations?
A. If the glass is being installed in a hazardous location such as a door, sidelite, close to the floor, etc., the glass must not only meet the required fire rating, but also meet CPSC CAT II level of impact safety.

Q. What is the "Hose Stream Test"?
A. The Hose Stream Test is required for all glazing products that have a rating of 45-minutes or greater. At the conclusion of the fire test, water from a fire hose is sprayed onto the hot glass. If the assembly cannot withstand this thermal shock the glass fails the test. (Water from sprinklers will cause non-fire rated products to shatter due to this thermal shock.)

Q. What product would Vetrotech Saint-Gobain recommend that will reduce or block radiant heat transfer?
A. If glazing into an opening with a required rating of 60-minutes or greater, radiant heat transfer is a concern. Thin products, such as glass-ceramics or tempered products, will NOT reduce radiant heat. Special clear, intumescent, laminated products, however, will reduce or block this radiant energy from passing through the opening, thus giving more time for rescue/escape.

Q. What is the lead-time for production of Vetrotech's clear fire rated products?
A. Our products fabricated in our Seattle area facility are typically shipped within 7-15 working days. Special applications may require the product to be insulated, sandblasted or cut to a pattern, which would require additional lead time. Of course it is always best to contact us and confirm prior to ordering.

Q. Is special framing required for fire rated glass products?
A. Yes, the framing for these products must itself be fire rated. Such frames are typically made of hollow metal steel. Please consult with the glass manufacturer regarding any special requirements or for information about other options.

Q. Are there size restrictions for fire rated glass products?
A. Size limitations depend on the product and the application. One product may be listed for multiple time ratings and have different size restrictions for each length of time. Please visit our Product Data Sheets for specific information.