Typically used for ground-level applications that do not rise more than two stories, transparent glass storefronts can provide a high-degree of visibility into retail or commercial spaces. They can help bring in business, connect occupants to their surroundings and increase access to daylight. But can storefronts be fire-rated?
Like curtain walls, storefronts can incorporate a variety of glazing materials—including fire-rated ones. As a result, they can help meet fire- and life-safety code requirements without compromising design intent.
Storefronts can be specified in both exterior and interior applications. Exterior storefronts generally do not need a fire rating. However, certain return conditions, as well as distance between buildings or the property line, may necessitate a fire rating. Once the occupancy type and load capacity as well as the fire separation distance have been determined, specifiers in jurisdictions that have adopted the 2024 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) can refer to section 705 to determine the performance requirements of exterior walls. It is important to note that local codes can vary significantly, so it is encouraged to consult with the codes specific to a project’s location and verify rating requirements with an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
It is more common that interior storefront applications will need a fire rating. They may be located along paths of egress or be crucial to compartmentalization efforts. As such, fire-rated storefronts may be required by code in many interior applications. Because storefronts include entryways, it is important for this part of the assembly to be fire-rated as well.
Storefront glazing frequently exceeds 25 percent of the wall area. As a result, most fire-rated storefront applications will often require the use of fire-resistive glazing and framing, such as Pilkington Pyrostop® and Fireframes® Heat Barrier Series. Such products are tested to the stringent ASTM E-119/UL 263 standard and effectively protect against the transfer of radiant and conductive heat to ensure occupants have time to safely exit the building. They also maximize views into and out of the store to pique interest and provide occupants with daylight.
For both interior and exterior applications, fire-rated storefronts can be directly adjacent to non-rated systems. Cold-rolled steel framing systems can achieve thinner profiles with crisp edges that provide a close-visual match to neighboring non-rated assemblies. In addition, narrow-profile, fire-rated steel frames can also be used to support large glazing areas to maximize daylight access.
Fire-rated aluminum storefront assemblies are another material possibility. Utilizing narrow-profile steel sub-frames covered in extruded aluminum, fire-rated aluminum storefronts support code-compliant designs and a close-visual match to non-rated systems. Further, steel sub-frames can also incorporate wood veneer cover caps without significantly increasing the framing size for a crisp, modern and code-compliant storefront solution.
