Gel Insulated Fire-Rated Glass: The Invisible Barrier That Saves Lives

In the high-stakes world of fire safety and building code compliance, selecting the right fire-rated glass is not just about ticking boxes it's about protecting people, assets, and continuity of operations. Among the most effective and advanced forms of fire-rated glazing is gel insulated fire-rated glass, known for its exceptional thermal insulation, optical clarity, and life-saving performance during fire incidents.

What is Gel Insulated Fire-Rated Glass?

Gel insulated fire-rated glass is a type of multi-layer laminated glass that uses a special intumescent gel interlayer between sheets of toughened or heat-strengthened glass. This gel remains transparent under normal conditions but transforms into a white, opaque barrier when exposed to heat, effectively blocking the transfer of flame, smoke, and radiant heat.

How It Works in a Fire Scenario

When exposed to high temperatures:

1. The gel layer intumesces (expands) and becomes opaque.
2. It absorbs and resists the passage of heat, maintaining surface temperatures on the non-fire side below critical thresholds.
3. This transformation provides full insulation (EI) performance meaning integrity + thermal protection for up to 120 minutes depending on the product type and thickness.

Key Advantages of Gel Insulated Fire Glass

• EI Performance: Rated for Integrity (E) and Insulation (I) – often EI30, EI60, EI90, or EI120.
• Radiation Block: Prevents the spread of radiant heat, making escape routes safer.
• Sound Insulation: Excellent acoustic performance due to its laminated construction.
• Aesthetic Clarity: Ultra-clear and low-iron options maintain natural lighting and visibility.
• Multi-Functionality: Can be combined with solar control, security, or UV protection properties.
• Code Compliance: Meets the strictest standards under EN 1364, EN 1363, and UL 10.

Key Applications:

Gel insulated fire-rated glass is ideal for:

• Vision panels in fire-rated doors
• Partition walls in commercial buildings
• Elevator lobbies and lift enclosures
• Healthcare and hospital zones
• Schools, airports, data centers
• High-value buildings with passive fire protection strategies

Example: SCHOTT PYRAN® FUSION

A market-leading example of gel insulated fire-rated glass is SCHOTT PYRAN® FUSION available through FG Glass.

Key Highlights:

• Fire Rating: EI20 / EW120
• Performance: Combines full insulation with radiation control
• Clarity: High visible light transmission for naturally lit interiors
• Sustainability: Free from wired mesh and ceramic coatings, making it fully recyclable and compliant with green building standards

Whether used in partitions or fire doors, SCHOTT PYRAN® FUSION offers the perfect balance between transparency, safety, and compliance. It is test-certified under European EN standards and can be seamlessly integrated into tested framing systems.

Why FG Glass for Gel Insulated Fire Safety Solutions?

At FG Glass, fire safety isn’t an afterthought it’s engineered into the core of every product. With a commitment to performance, design flexibility, and global certifications, we provide:

• A full range of fire-rated glazing from E to EI120
• Fully tested systems like FLAMEBUILD™
• Custom dimensions, lamination combinations, and edge treatments
• Test reports, compliance documents, and support from specification to installation

Explore our complete Fire Safety portfolio, including:

• SCHOTT PYRANOVA® (EI120 laminated fire glass)
• PYRAN® S (for integrity and insulation)
• FLAMEBUILD™ (integrated fire door glazing systems)

Browse the full range at www.fgglass.com/firesafety

Gel insulated fire-rated glass is more than just a passive barrier it’s a transformative solution that reacts intelligently under fire conditions to protect life, assets, and continuity. With FG Glass’s expertise and globally certified products like SCHOTT PYRAN® FUSION, you can confidently design fire-safe, code-compliant, and aesthetically exceptional buildings.

For project consultation or specification support, reach out to:
firesafety@fgglass.com |  www.fgglass.com