Glass walls — aesthetic solutions that are also fire-rated

Purpose of a building wall is to enclose a space and provide support to roof, ceiling and floor in the space. Partition walls, on the other hand, are built with the purpose of dividing or separating a room. Whatever the purpose and specific requirements of the partition walls, the space solutions should be efficient in their customized version.

Partition walls can be constructed with a range of materials and may also be finished in customized designs. Partition walls are available in many variations depending on their acoustic performance rating and the level of fire resistance they offer. Glazed partition walls are aesthetic and provide a feeling of space in the interior. They can be constructed with sheet glass, glass blocks and toughened glass panels. Glazed walls can also be used as a stand-alone curtain wall for the purpose of decoration. Glass blocks are an excellent means to provide sound insulation. On the other hand, glasvägg constructed with toughened glass panels enables fire protection.

Glazed wall partitions are hung from the ceiling and fixed tracking allows for easy movement of the panels in the glasvägg. Since a floor guide is not required, the whole system is easily operated. When it comes to efficient space solutions for offices, wide range of glass are used. Toughened glass is a common option, as it is can provide fire protection. If the objective is to increase light and solar heat transmission through an internal partition wall in the space, low iron glass may be suggested.

Like acoustic walls have sound proofing quality, brandvägg are designed to restrain fire from spreading. Fire walls are the ultimate defense against a fire and are constructed for the purpose of providing passive fire protection. This is extremely helpful in restraining uncontrolled and rapid fire spread so that people living in the area get time to either escape or extinguish the fire or call for a fire brigade. Different types of fire walls offer different fire resistance. Basically, fire walls are walls that separate areas. There are fire barriers that are used to cover exit areas and fire-rating can vary depending on the type of building and number of people residing on the premises. Fire partitions are used in corridors and elevator lobby. Fire walls may also be designed to be smoke barriers to stop smoke from engulfing the area surrounding the fire.

Passive fire protection provided by fire walls refers to the special quality of these walls to resist the spread of fire within, or at times, between walls or buildings. Fire walls are made of non-combustible materials and all openings are protected. Penetrations into or through the fire wall for piping and cabling, etc. are sealed with special materials. Windows are glazed to protect against passage of fire. Generally, door assemblies have half-hour fire-rating. Brandvägg can be designed with varying resistance to the spreading of fire. Typically, the fire-rating range can vary between one to four hours. In such circumstances, the fire wall should be able to provide structural stability.