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 Shackerley (Holdings) Group Limited, one of the UK’s largest distributors of glass blocks for architectural and design applications, has published a new brochure detailing a comprehensive range of fire rated glass blocks which can be used in areas where fire risk is a particular concern. All of Shackerley’s fire rated glass blocks are tested to DIN 4102/3 or EN 1364/1 in combination with EN1363/1 and have been assessed to suit the UK market according to BS 476/22. The range includes options for walls and floor installations, to suit all budgets and specifications and each block is classified according to its thermal insulation, its fire integrity and physical thickness.
Installed in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications, most glass block wall and ceilings are intrinsically fire resistant. For example, Shackerley’s standard wall block measuring 19x19x8cm can offer 15 minutes thermal insulation and 60 minutes fire integrity, ie, if fire is raging on one side of a glass block wall, the installation will provide protection from heat on the other side for 15 minutes and the wall will remain intact for an hour. However, where higher safety levels are called for, the fire rated glass blocks in Shackerley’s range offer incremental levels of protection up to a maximum of 90 minutes thermal insulation and 90 minutes fire integrity.
“Most people recognise that glass blocks offer an aesthetically pleasing way to create walls and partitions and maximise the use of natural light in interior spaces”, says Simon Newell, Shackerley Commercial Director. “What is less widely appreciated is the fact that a glass block wall, installed correctly, can help to prevent the spread of flame and smoke in the event of fire breaking out, and can help specifiers to meet their duty of care towards users of their buildings. As Fire Safety reforms and Building Regulations have imposed ever more demands on specifiers to include passive fire barriers within and between buildings, the arguments for incorporating fire rated glass blocks in design schemes have never been stronger.”
Shackerley’s new brochure highlights the full range of fire rated options available and includes standard and double thickness blocks in a selection of aesthetic styles and finishes, alongside precast panels and Type BG blocks designed with flat surfaces which are suitable for use in flooring panels.
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