Gulf Construction Online - Pyroshield can take the heat

Fire Protection

Both sides of a hotel fire door pictured after a fire.

Pyroshield can take the heat

01 MARCH 2001

Pilkington Pyroshield, a low-cost, widely-tested and commonly-used fire glazing material, enjoys a virtually unshakable following amongst specifiers in this sector and is used extensively in the UAE, says its UK-based manufacturer Pilkington.

Through its Dubai-based agent Interglass, Pilkington Pyroshield is supported throughout the UAE.

''Pilkington Pyroshield is the most widely used fire-resistant glass. Across a huge range of applications, in both timber and steel frames, it is relied upon to save lives,'' says a spokesman for Pilkington.

Pyroshield is a specialist architectural glass product which, in the event of fire, can provide an effective barrier to smoke and hot gases (integrity).

''These unique properties are obtained through sandwiching an electrically-welded steel wire mesh centrally between two layers of molten glass in one continuous rolling process,'' the spokesman explains. ''On exposure to fire, the glass fractures but is held in one piece by the wire mesh, thus maintaining integrity by preventing collapse and the passage of smoke and flames.

''When installed, Pyroshield has the advantage of being visually identifiable as fire-resistant glass. The use of this glass can also act as a deterrent to would-be intruders.

''Unlike other non-insulating or integrity only fire-resistant glasses, minor accidental or malicious damage resulting in glass fracture does not prevent it from maintaining a fire barrier. The glass maintains its integrity when fractured or sprayed with water. In most cases of breakage, the glass retains its integrity and pieces of glass do not fall out or become dislodged.

''The ability of Pyroshield to provide a fire barrier in the most demanding of circumstances is supported by extensive fire test evidence and real fire experience. Consequently, these glass products are increasingly used in buildings throughout the world when cost-effective fire-resistant glazing is required in windows, partitions and doors.

''More people trust it because of the thoroughness with which we test it. Pilkington Pyroshield is tested repeatedly in the widest range of framing materials and at the largest sizes. It is frequently the product of choice for schools, hospitals and other public institutions.''

Pilkington Pyroshield provides up to 120 minutes integrity in steel frames and 60 minutes in softwood frames - an accomplishment that is unequalled, he claims.

''Most importantly, it has a proven track record in real fires, saving lives over many years,'' he emphasises.

The glass is available in two forms - clear for visual clarity and texture when obscuration is required. It is suitable for internal and external applications.