In modern building construction, glass has found a range of applications from sealing window and door spaces to serving as walls. Glass also adds to the aesthetic value of a building, and you can use it to break the monotony of vast concrete or wood surfaces.  In addition, glass can also be used to optimise the safety of the occupants, especially when you use fire-resistive glass. This type of glass meets the requirements for impact resistance, meaning that it is designed to combat heat transfer and other fire-related elements in case of a breakout. If you are looking for glazing options for a newly set-up building, here are some of the things you should know about fire-resistive glass:

Fitted As a Set

Fire-resistive glass is fitted as a complete set. The glass can only be used alongside other fire-resistive materials that have been designed and tested for compatibility with the glass. This includes the glazing seals, fixings, frames and beads. All the materials used are tested to ensure that they meet the standards for fire resistivity. For purposes of efficiency, you cannot buy ordinary frames, seals, fixings or beads and use them to fit the fire-resistive glass.

Design Possibilities and Customisation

Just like other types of glass, fire-resistive glass does not limit the design options for your building. The range of technological applications used when fitting fire-resistive glass allows you to address many design limitations on door and window sizes. You can also use it in building spaces where you'd have gone for a firewall.  In brief, the fire-resistive glass undergoes tests to ensure that it is suitable for the particular spaces that it covers. You won't have to change your structures for the glass to fit.

Interior versus Exterior Application

Many manufacturers consider the fact that a fire threat does not necessarily lie inside the building. This is why there is fire-resistive glass for both interior and exterior use so that you can maximise fire safety. Generally, fire-resistive glass for exterior use is particularly useful if your building is very close to other property lines. In case of a fire in the adjacent building, the fire-resistive glass will minimise the possibility of such fire easily spreading to your building.

Fire-Resistive versus Fire-Protective

It is important to understand the difference between fire-resistive and fire-protective glass. Fire-resistive glass provides defence against spreading smoke, flames and radiant heat. On the other hand, fire-protective glass only defends against spreading smoke and flames alone. When buying, you should be keen to avoid any shortcomings for choosing the wrong type of glass.