How can fire safety be ensured and compartmentation achieved with a glass curtain wall installation?

Fire safety is a critical consideration in glass curtain wall design because the façade often interfaces with multiple floors and structural components. To ensure compliance, designers incorporate fire-rated spandrel panels, insulated fire barriers, and perimeter fire-stop systems. These components prevent vertical fire spread between floors, a requirement defined by standards such as NFPA 285, ASTM E2307, and EN fire classifications. Fire-rated glass may be required in areas where compartmentation is essential, such as exit routes or adjacent structures with minimal separation distance. Intumescent materials expand during high temperatures, sealing gaps between the curtain wall and concrete slabs. Aluminum frames are engineered with thermal breaks that also slow flame propagation. Smoke ventilation strategies—such as automatic opening vents—are included in high-rise projects to manage smoke movement. Regular inspection of sealants and fire-stop systems ensures performance throughout the building’s lifecycle. Combined, these fire-safety measures ensure the glass curtain wall not only enhances architectural aesthetics but also meets stringent safety regulations required for commercial and public buildings worldwide.