What Is Wire Glass in Construction?
What Is Wire Glass in Construction?
Wire glass, also known as safety glass, is a type of glass created by embedding wire netting in the glass during manufacturing to reduce the likelihood of it break completely when subjected to shock or heat.
The steel mesh stops the shards of broken glass from causing injury. It is used in places where security and safety are paramount such as banks and schools.
What Is Wired Glass Used For?
Wired glass is commonly used in partitions and windows of public buildings, schools, hotels, institutions, and routes to fire escapes. This type of glass helps increase evacuation time in emergency situations such as fires by allowing escape routes to be easily accessed.
Additionally, wired glass is often used due to its strong resistance against burglary attempts and accidental impact damage.
As a result, it is highly recommended for locations that require an extra level of security or safety measures taken in order to protect those within the structure.
What Is The Difference Between Wired And Non-Wired Glass?
Wired glass is made by embedding a wire mesh in between two layers of molten glass. This gives it a much higher resistance to heat and fire in comparison to non-wired glass (float glass).
That is why wired glass is often labeled as fireproof or fire rated and thus it is preferred to be installed in areas that are prone to fire.
Unlike float glass, wired glass does not break instantly when exposed to fire, providing more time for an evacuation before any further damage occurs.
What Is Wire Glass Made Of?
Wire glass is made of a simple design, which consists of wire mesh (often farmyard chicken wire) embedded in a plate glass sheet during the manufacturing process.
This type of glass is often used in windowpanes, storefronts, and other areas where safety is a priority and protection from high-impact objects or violent weather conditions is needed.
It offers more security than regular plate glass because it will not break into dangerous shards if broken under normal circumstances.
How Thick Is Wire Glass?
Wire glass, also known as WireLite®, is a fire-rated glazing material that measures 17/64” (6.8mm) in thickness. It is certified to be used safety in openings without any additional impact safety requirements and is designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through walls, floors, and ceilings.
Its construction consists of randomly arranged glass wires embedded into a ceramic matrix during the manufacturing process to give it excellent heat resistance.
Why Is Wired Glass Banned In Some Countries?
Wired glass, commonly referred to as Georgian Wired Glass has been banned in several countries due to its potential danger. Upon impact, the glass can shatter into sharp fragments that get caught up in the wire meshing and lacerate anything (or anyone) going through it.
This presents a serious risk of injury and explains why many countries have chosen to ban wired glass from being used in public buildings. By avoiding the use of Georgian Wired Glass, people can be protected from any potential harm that could arise from this type of glass.
Is Wired Glass Fire-Resistant?
Yes, wired glass is fire resistant to some extent as it can provide good resistance to the passage of flames and smoke. However, it is much weaker than other types of tempered or laminated glasses and can be more hazardous upon impact.
Therefore, despite being fire-resistant, it does not provide the same amount of safety that other glasses might offer if a fire were to occur.
