What's New
Expert Insight
Oct 2026
Custom, Code-Compliant and Complete: A Fire-Rated System Selection Checklist
Custom, Code-Compliant and Complete: A Fire-Rated System Selection Checklist
Selecting a code-compliant fire-rated system is a balancing act, especially when it comes to glazing. Beyond meeting strict life-safety requirements, these assemblies must also align with a project&rs...
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Expert Insight
Oct 2026
Thermal Ratings vs Fire Ratings and Why Both Matter
Thermal Ratings vs Fire Ratings and Why Both Matter
Fire-resistance-rated glazing blocks the spread of fire, smoke, radiant and conductive heat. These products are often specified for building interiors. However, it’s not uncommon to find these ...
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Expert Insight
Oct 2026
The Architect's Guide to Fire-Protective Glass
The Architect's Guide to Fire-Protective Glass
According to the 2024 edition of the International Building Code (IBC), opening protectives are fire-rated door assemblies, fire shutter systems, fire-rated window systems or glass block in a fire-res...
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Expert Insight
Aug 2026
Understanding Code Requirements for Fire-Rated Transoms & Sidelites
Understanding Code Requirements for Fire-Rated Transoms & Sidelites
Generally, door systems are one of the more complex components of the built environment to design and specify. They are usually called on to contribute multiple performance capabilities, achieve acces...
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Expert Insight
Aug 2026
How to Update Openings that were Originally Wired Glass
How to Update Openings that were Originally Wired Glass
Technically, traditional wired glass is not fire-rated. The embedded wires hold the annealed glass in place once it shatters from high heat. As the glass melts, it reseals itself, blocking smoke from...
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Case Study
Jul 2026
Texas Christian University; Hill Hall & Walsh Hall
Texas Christian University; Hill Hall & Walsh Hall
Fort Worth, Texas
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Expert Insight
Jun 2026
How to Specify Clear-vision Fire-resistive Glass Throughout the Built Environment
How to Specify Clear-vision Fire-resistive Glass Throughout the Built Environment
As projects continue to prioritize openness, daylight access and occupant wellbeing, architects will often look to glass as a way to achieve code requirements, sustainability certifications, security ...
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Expert Insight
Jun 2026
How to Specify Fire-Rated Glass for Hospital Stairwell Enclosures
How to Specify Fire-Rated Glass for Hospital Stairwell Enclosures
Designing health care facilities often means planning for more stringent fire- and life-safety code requirements than other projects. This is because medical centers must meet egress requirements whil...
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Expert Insight
May 2026
Designing for Flexibility: Fire-Rated Glass vs Gypsum Walls
Designing for Flexibility: Fire-Rated Glass vs Gypsum Walls
Gypsum is a traditional material for fire-rated wall construction. And for a long while it was the only option available. However, with the advent of fire-resistance-rated glazing, designers can now ...
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Expert Insight
Apr 2026
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Ballistic Glass
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Ballistic Glass
For many education, government and commercial projects, enhancing building security has become a higher priority goal as project owners evaluate multiple ways of keeping occupants safe. Design teams h...
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Expert Insight
Apr 2026
Planning for Fire-Resistance Rated Requirements Without Compromising Aesthetics
Planning for Fire-Resistance Rated Requirements Without Compromising Aesthetics
Although necessary, planning buildings around fire- and life-safety code requirements can often make designers feel like they are in a zero-sum game where code compliance and design freedom are mutual...
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Expert Insight
Apr 2026
Fire-Rated Glazing for Zero-Lot-Line Walls: What Architects Need to Know
Fire-Rated Glazing for Zero-Lot-Line Walls: What Architects Need to Know
While the use of fire-rated glazing is predominately relegated to applications within the built environment, there are contexts for which fire and life safety codes require exterior fire-resistive wal...
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Expert Insight
Mar 2026
Fire-Resistive vs. Fire-Protective Glass: Understanding Testing Protocols and Safety Standards
Fire-Resistive vs. Fire-Protective Glass: Understanding Testing Protocols and Safety Standards
Section 701 of the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) begins, “The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance and fire-resist...
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Video
Feb 2026
How Fire-Rated Glazing, Collaboration, and Flexibility Kept a School Project on Track
How Fire-Rated Glazing, Collaboration, and Flexibility Kept a School Project on Track
"We truly do care about the outcome of the project," Patrick Luther, Project Manager Frames, concludes when discussing a notable secondary school project. Listen to him explain how fire-rated glazing products, collaboration and a nimble approach to accommodating late design changes helped ensure this project was completed on time.
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Case Study
Jan 2026