What types of façade systems do you install?

We install rainscreen cladding, metal facades, composite panels, decorative façade systems, and fire-safe cladding solutions.

Do you offer fire-safe cladding replacements?

Yes, we provide certified fire-safe cladding solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings according to UK regulations.

Fire-Rated Glass Doors - Facade Creations

Fire-Rated Glass Doors

Engineered for Safety. Designed for Architectural Excellence

The Definitive Technical Compendium of Fire-Rated Glazing Systems

At Façade Creations, fire-rated glazing is defined as the critical intersection of life safety, structural engineering, and high-end architectural design. We do not view fire protection as a limitation, but as a specialized engineering challenge. Our systems act as high-performance thermal shields, meticulously designed to protect occupants and assets while maintaining the transparency and light transmission of modern building envelopes.

From technical specification and precision UK manufacturing to specialized site execution, we provide a comprehensive compliance solution for the most demanding projects in the commercial, healthcare, and public sectors.

All systems are fully compliant with EN 13501-2 fire testing standards, and incorporate reinforced aluminium frames with internal steel cores for superior durability.

Section 1: The Material Science of Fire Resistance

To specify fire-rated glazing effectively, one must understand the complex physics involved when materials are subjected to extreme thermal stress. Our systems are tested in furnaces reaching temperatures in excess of 1000°C, where we monitor for structural integrity and heat transfer.

The Three Pillars of Protection

Integrity (E):
This is the fundamental requirement. Systems rated for Integrity are designed to act as a physical barrier against the spread of flames, hot gases, and toxic smoke. We utilize high-grade intumescent gaskets and specialized steel-reinforced profiles to ensure the glass remains securely seated even as the frame expands under heat. Intumescent seals expand when exposed to heat, maintaining glass positioning and structural integrity.

Radiation Control (EW):
Beyond stopping flames, EW systems reduce the amount of radiant heat passing through the glass. This is critical in narrow escape routes, as it prevents the “auto-ignition” of combustible materials (like wooden furniture or carpets) on the protected side

Thermal Insulation (EI):
The gold standard of fire protection. Façade Creations’ EI systems utilize multi-layered glass with clear, intumescent gel interlayers. During a fire, these layers undergo a chemical reaction, turning the glass opaque and forming a rigid insulation board. This blocks almost 100% of heat transfer, allowing for safe evacuation immediately adjacent to the fire. Fire ratings for our systems range from EI15 to EI120, suitable for walls, doors, partitions, and windows.

Section 2: Fire-Rated Window & Vision Systems

Our window systems provide the slim sightlines of standard architectural glazing while delivering protection ratings from EI30 up to EI120.

Thermally Broken Engineering:
Every frame utilizes high-density polyamide thermal breaks. This prevents the “cold-bridge” effect, ensuring the windows contribute to the building’s thermal envelope and prevent internal condensation while providing a fire-safe barrier.

Frames are constructed from reinforced aluminium to combine fire resistance with structural strength.

Fixed Lights & Ribbon Windows:
We can create expansive horizontal runs of fire-rated glazing. By utilizing specialized expansion joints, we can couple window units together to form continuous “ribbon” glazing that satisfies both aesthetic and fire-compartmentation requirements.

Expansion joints also allow for thermal movement without compromising fire integrity.

Openable Fire Windows:
We manufacture certified opening windows (top-hung, side-hung, or tilt-and-turn). These are equipped with fail-safe, heat-activated actuators linked to the Building Management System (BMS), ensuring they lock into a fire-sealed position the moment an alarm is triggered.

BMS integration ensures windows respond immediately to fire events, even during power failures.

Acoustic & Impact Performance:
Due to the density of the specialized glass we use, our windows naturally provide high levels of sound insulation (up to 47dB).

Every unit is also toughened or laminated to satisfy Class 1 impact safety, making them ideal for high-traffic corridors and public lobbies.

Section 3: Fire-Rated Doors & Entrance Solutions

Façade Creations’ doors are engineered for durability, accessibility, and absolute safety. They are endurance-tested for hundreds of thousands of cycles to ensure they remain functional throughout the life of the building.

Hinged & Pivot Doors:
Available in single or double-leaf configurations with oversized capabilities. We use heavy-duty stainless steel hinges and internal steel reinforcement cores to prevent the door from warping or dropping over time. Reinforced aluminium doors ensure structural integrity under high-heat conditions.

Automatic Sliding Fire Doors:
A specialist solution for hospital corridors and high-end retail. These operate as high-speed sliders for daily convenience but feature a mechanical fail-safe back-up that ensures the door closes and seals hermetically when power is lost or a fire signal is received.

Panic & Exit Hardware:
Our doors are integrated with slimline touch-bars, multi-point locking systems, and electromagnetic hold-open devices. We offer concealed overhead closers to maintain a minimalist look without sacrificing the required closing force needed to overcome air pressure during an alarm.

Smoke Control:
Every door system is fitted with dual-action seals. Cold smoke seals prevent the passage of smoke in the early stages of a fire, while intumescent seals expand at high temperatures to create a gas-tight barrier

Section 4: Structural Curtain Wall & Façade Glazing

For building envelopes and high-span stairwells, our curtain wall systems offer a lightweight alternative to traditional masonry with fire ratings up to EI60.

Ideal Integration:
We can transition from a fire-rated zone to a standard non-fire-rated zone within the same continuous curtain wall grid. This allows architects to maintain a perfectly uniform exterior aesthetic across the entire building façade.

Sloped Glazing & Roof Lights:
We provide fire-rated overhead glazing (EI30) essential for protected light wells and corridors. These systems are engineered to withstand the weight of snow and wind loads while preventing fire from breaking through vertically

Silicone-Pointed Aesthetics:
For a modern “frameless” look, we offer silicone-pointed fire glass. This removes the need for external aluminium capping, providing a sleek, contemporary finish while maintaining a rigorous fire seal. Curtain walls are engineered for vertical and horizontal smoke and heat management, ensuring fire containment in high-rise façades.

Section 5: Interior Partitions & Atrium Walling

Maximize natural light and maintain “open-plan” feels while strictly adhering to fire compartmentation laws.

Silicone Butt-Jointed Glass:
For an uninterrupted panoramic view, we provide butt-jointed glass walls (up to EI60). This technology removes the need for vertical metal mullions between panes, creating a continuous wall of fire-rated glass.

The Slim-Line “Industrial” Range:
We offer bespoke internal partitions with surface-mounted bars to achieve a heritage or “Crittall-style” look. This allows for modern EI120 safety in converted warehouses or luxury office fit-outs.

Privacy & Smart Glass:
Our systems are compatible with integral blinds (motorized or manual) and switchable privacy glass, which can be integrated into the fire-rated units without affecting their safety certification.

Recessed Framing:
For the most minimalist installations, our head and base tracks can be recessed into the floor and ceiling, making the fire-rated barrier almost invisible to the naked eye.

Partitions allow natural light penetration while maintaining full compliance with fire compartmentation laws, and smart glass integration does not reduce fire rating.

Section 6: Automatic Opening Vents (AOV) & Smoke Extraction

Proper smoke ventilation is as critical as fire containment. Our fire-rated AOVs are designed to exhaust heat and toxic gases to keep escape routes clear.

Dual Functionality:
Under normal conditions, these act as standard high-spec windows. In a fire event, they open automatically to a programmed angle to facilitate natural smoke ventilation.

BMS Integration:
Our AOVs are fully compatible with fire alarm systems and feature battery back-ups to ensure operation even if the building’s power fails.

Dual-function design ensures life safety while maintaining architectural functionality during normal operations.

Section 7: Precision Manufacturing & The Golden Thread

Quality at Façade Creations is never left to chance. Every system we produce follows a strict compliance lifecycle.

UK-Based Fabrication:
All systems are cut, machined, and assembled in our controlled UK facility. We use advanced CNC technology to ensure that intumescent seals, thermal breaks, and glass rebates are manufactured with millimetre-perfect accuracy.

Frames and profiles are fabricated from fire-resistant aluminium alloys with internal steel reinforcement for maximum strength and longevity.

The Building Safety Act & Traceability:
We provide a comprehensive documentation pack for every project. This includes glass etchings for traceability, independent test evidence, and detailed installation reports. This ensures the “Golden Thread” of safety information is maintained for the building’s life.

All products carry EN 16034 and EN 13501-2 certification for fire resistance and self-extinguishing performance.

Consultancy & Support:
Our technical team assists architects and Tier 1 contractors with specifications, CAD details, and models to ensure the system is integrated correctly into the structural design.

Our team provides design review, thermal simulations, and fire strategy integration support at early design stages.

Section 8: Rigorous Testing & Quality Assurance

Beyond standard compliance, Façade Creations subjects every product line to an exhaustive internal quality regime. We ensure that every component – from the heavy-duty stainless steel fixings to the specialized gel interlayers of the glass – is optimized for longevity and performance. Our commitment to quality means our systems do not just pass tests; they set the standard for what is possible in passive fire protection.

All glazing systems undergo mechanical endurance testing, impact tests, and thermal shock assessments to confirm performance under extreme fire scenarios.

Section 9: Regulatory Framework, Certification & Compliance Assurance

Fire‑rated glazing is only as reliable as the standards it is tested against and the way those standards are interpreted on site. Every Façade Creations system is developed to align with UK and European fire‑testing methodologies that assess performance under fully developed fire conditions, including sustained exposure, pressure differentials, and structural movement.

By providing traceable test evidence, clearly defined scope of application, and installation‑specific certification, we ensure that the specified fire performance on paper is exactly what is delivered on site – without ambiguity, substitution risk, or compliance gaps.

All installations comply with EN 1364-1 for wall systems and EN 1634-1 for doors and windows, providing documented performance for insurers and regulators.

Section 10: Real‑World Applications in Life‑Critical Environments

Fire‑rated glazing must perform reliably in environments where human behaviour, movement, and pressure conditions are unpredictable. Our systems are routinely specified for locations where failure is not an option.

In protected stairwells and escape cores, fire‑rated glass allows daylight penetration while preserving compartment integrity, reducing panic during evacuation and improving visibility in emergency conditions. In healthcare and mental‑health facilities, glazing solutions must balance fire resistance with impact safety, observation requirements, and privacy – all without compromising certification.

Educational buildings and public institutions present another unique challenge. High footfall, constant door cycling, and long operational hours place significant mechanical stress on doors and partitions. Our fire‑rated doors and screens are engineered to maintain alignment, closing force, and seal performance even after years of intensive daily use.

Transport hubs, commercial headquarters, and civic buildings benefit from fire‑rated façade and curtain wall systems that manage smoke spread vertically and horizontally while preserving architectural openness. In these environments, glazing becomes an active component of the building’s fire strategy, not merely a passive barrier.

Systems are rated for combined smoke and fire protection (S/EI), ensuring both life safety and structural performance during multi-story fire events.

Section 11: Installation Precision & Interface Management

Even the highest‑performing fire‑rated glazing system can be compromised by poor installation. Façade Creations places exceptional emphasis on interface control – the junctions between glazing, structure, and adjacent fire‑stopping systems.

Our designs account for structural deflection, slab movement, and thermal expansion, ensuring that fire performance is maintained under real building conditions. Detailed installation methodologies define acceptable tolerances, fixing strategies, and seal continuity to prevent micro‑gaps that could invalidate certification.

We work closely with principal contractors and site teams to ensure correct sequencing with other trades, particularly where glazing interfaces with dry‑lining, concrete, steelwork, or fire‑stopping contractors. This coordinated approach eliminates common on‑site conflicts and preserves the integrity of the tested system.

Installation guides include digital 3D interface models and thermal expansion allowances for high-rise buildings.

Section 12: Lifecycle Performance, Inspection & Maintenance

Fire‑rated glazing is a long‑term safety asset, not a fit‑and‑forget product. Over time, building movement, environmental exposure, and daily use can affect seals, hardware, and alignment if not properly managed.

Our systems are designed to allow for inspection and maintenance without compromising fire certification. Components such as hinges, closers, and locking mechanisms can be serviced or replaced using approved methods, ensuring continued compliance throughout the building’s operational life.

We provide clear guidance on inspection intervals, visual checks, and maintenance responsibilities, supporting facilities managers in meeting their legal duty of care. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of latent non‑compliance being discovered during audits, refurbishments, or post‑incident investigations.

Recommended inspection includes thermal imaging of seals, BMS actuation testing, and mechanical cycle testing every 12 months.

Section 13: Sustainability, Daylight & Long‑Term Value

Fire‑rated glazing plays a critical role in sustainable building design when engineered correctly. By allowing natural light to penetrate deep into protected areas, our systems reduce reliance on artificial lighting and contribute to occupant wellbeing

Thermally broken frames and high‑performance glazing configurations support energy‑efficient building envelopes, while the inherent durability of fire‑rated systems reduces the need for premature replacement. This longevity lowers material consumption over time and supports responsible lifecycle planning.

Rather than treating fire protection and sustainability as competing priorities, Façade Creations integrates both into a single, cohesive design philosophy.

All frames are recyclable aluminium, and glazing uses low-E coatings to improve energy performance while maintaining fire ratings.

Section 14: Fire Strategy Collaboration & Early‑Stage Design Support

The most successful fire‑rated glazing solutions are developed early in the design process. We actively collaborate with architects, fire engineers, and project consultants from concept stage through to technical design, ensuring glazing systems align seamlessly with the overall fire strategy.

Early engagement allows us to identify potential compliance risks, rationalise fire ratings, and avoid costly late‑stage design changes. By resolving technical challenges upfront – such as oversized glazing, complex geometries, or mixed‑performance zones – we help projects progress smoothly through approval and construction.

This consultative approach transforms fire‑rated glazing from a regulatory obligation into a strategic design asset, delivering safety, clarity, and confidence at every stage of the project.

Early-stage design includes fire simulation modelling, integration with smoke control, and façade energy performance assessment.

Conclusion: Setting the Standard in Fire Safety

Façade Creations stands at the forefront of glazing innovation, proving that the most stringent fire safety standards can coexist with breathtaking architectural design. We understand that our products are more than just building components; they are the primary line of defense for the people inside the structures we help build. By combining technical expertise with a passion for architectural clarity, we provide solutions that protect without obscuring, and endure without compromise.

Whether you are designing a high-span atrium for a commercial headquarters or retrofitting a life-critical escape route in a major hospital, our team provides the engineering certainty and technical depth your project deserves.

Are you ready to elevate the safety and aesthetic of your next project?

Contact Our Technical Advisory Team Today
Let’s discuss how Façade Creations can integrate high-performance fire protection into your architectural vision.

T: +44 (0) 116 289 3343 | E: info@facadecreations.co.uk