The Differences Between Fire-Resistant Windows and Fire Windows
- A Brief History of Fire Windows
- What Are Fire-Resistant Windows?
- Why Fire-Resistant Windows Need Automatic Closing Features
- The Role of Fire Windows in High-Rise Buildings
- Meeting the Stringent Requirements of Exterior Fire-Resistant Windows
As a leading fire window manufacturer in China, we understand the importance of distinguishing between “fire-resistant windows” and “fire windows” in fire protection. These two terms are often used interchangeably but have different implications in terms of performance, materials, and regulations. In this article, we will clarify the differences, drawing on our experience as a fire window factory specializing in a range of fire protection products, including fireproof windows and doors.
A Brief History of Fire Windows
Fire windows have a long history in building safety, with the earliest versions being made from steel. The first technical standards were set by GB16809-1997, a regulation for steel fire windows. This standard did not initially require automatic closure mechanisms, but it emphasized heat insulation. By 2008, these regulations were updated in GB16809-2008, which introduced requirements for thermally responsive elements and reliable automatic closure for fire windows. As a fire window supplier, we adhere strictly to these evolving standards to ensure maximum safety.
Fire windows have since evolved, becoming more diverse in both materials and fire-resistance levels. Modern fire windows can be classified based on their frame materials—such as steel, wood, or composite materials—and their fire performance, which includes both insulating and non-insulating fire windows. Insulating fire windows are further divided into categories such as Class A, Class B, and Class C, each offering different levels of fire protection.
What Are Fire-Resistant Windows?
Interestingly, the term “fire-resistant window” does not have a precise definition in Chinese national standards. It is a common term used in the construction industry to refer to exterior windows that offer fire integrity but not necessarily insulation. This type of window has gained popularity following the implementation of the GB50016-2014 Building Design Code for Fire Protection, which mandates that such windows undergo fire testing according to GB/T12513-2006 Fire Test Methods for Glazed Assemblies.
Unlike traditional fire windows, fire-resistant windows are not required to automatically close during a fire, although this has led to some ambiguity. However, in practice, most fire inspection authorities now require that fire-resistant windows, especially those with operable sashes, include automatic closure mechanisms in line with both GB/T12513-2006 and GB16809-2008 standards. As a fire window factory, we ensure that all of our products meet these stringent fire safety regulations.
Why Fire-Resistant Windows Need Automatic Closing Features
When installed in residential buildings, fire-resistant windows are typically used for ventilation and are often left open. However, in the event of a fire, these windows must be able to close automatically to provide fire protection. Without an automatic closure system, fire-resistant windows may fail to prevent the spread of fire, creating a significant safety hazard. Therefore, we recommend that any fire-resistant window should include a thermal-sensitive device to close the sash during a fire, a feature that we incorporate into all our products.
In the 2017 Jiangsu Province Residential Design Standards, it was explicitly stated that exterior windows in residential fire escape rooms must be equipped with an automatic closing feature triggered by a thermal device. Similarly, windows facing open corridors less than 2 meters away from the exterior wall should be made from fire-resistant glass and equipped with the same automatic closing function.
The Role of Fire Windows in High-Rise Buildings
In high-rise buildings, especially those over 54 meters tall, fire-resistant windows play a critical role. They are required in areas such as refuge rooms, windows facing open corridors, and in buildings using combustible insulation materials like B1 and B2 grades. Traditional fire windows, which typically offer both fire insulation and fire integrity, are more commonly found indoors, separating fire zones or protecting atrium spaces, such as those found in shopping malls or hospital wards.
Fire windows are usually made from durable materials such as steel or wood, and the glass used is either A-class insulating fire glass or C-class non-insulating fire glass. While steel fire windows offer excellent fire resistance, they are less effective in terms of insulation, sealing, and aesthetic appeal. As a fire window supplier, we have developed modern solutions such as aluminum alloy and uPVC fire windows, which feature non-insulating fire glass and automatic closing systems. These innovations allow fire windows to be used on exterior walls, overcoming the limitations of traditional fire windows.
Meeting the Stringent Requirements of Exterior Fire-Resistant Windows
Exterior fire-resistant windows are subject to even more stringent requirements than traditional fire windows. In addition to meeting GB16809-2008 Fire Window Standards, these windows must also comply with national standards for exterior windows, such as GB/T8478-2008 Aluminum Alloy Windows and Doors. As a fire window factory, we manufacture products that fulfill both the fire integrity and performance criteria, ensuring optimal safety and compliance with building codes.
In summary, fire-resistant windows are non-insulating fire windows designed for exterior use, featuring automatic closing mechanisms for enhanced safety during a fire. At Yunnan Guangdun Door Industry Co., Ltd., we take pride in offering advanced fire window solutions that meet the needs of modern buildings.
Guangdun Door Industry Co., Ltd.
