Fire Rated Tapes
Sealing That Performs When It Matters Most
Intumescent glazing tape sits quietly in a window or door frame doing nothing at all, right up until it's exposed to heat. At that point it expands rapidly, filling gaps and forming a char barrier that helps stop fire and smoke passing through the joint. It's a critical component in fire rated glazing systems, used to bed glass into frames in a way that maintains the fire integrity of the whole assembly, not just the glass itself.
Where Fire Rated Tape Is Specified
You'll find intumescent tape wherever fire performance is a design requirement rather than an afterthought:
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Fire rated glazing systems in doors, screens, and partitions
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Timber and steel fire door glazing
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Communal areas, stairwells, and escape routes
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Commercial and public buildings with fire compliance obligations
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Retrofitting older glazing to meet current fire regulations
Because fire door and screen assemblies are tested as a whole system, the tape used has to match what was specified in the original test evidence. Swapping it for something similar but untested can invalidate the fire rating entirely.
Getting the Specification Right
This is one area where guessing isn't really an option. Fire rated tape comes in different thicknesses and expansion rates depending on the fire rating required, typically 30, 60, or 90 minutes, and the specific frame and glass combination being used.
Before ordering, it's worth confirming:
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The fire rating required for the application (FD30, FD60, etc.)
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Compatibility with the specific glass and frame system
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Whether the tape has third-party certification or test evidence to support the rating
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Storage and shelf life, since intumescent material can degrade if stored incorrectly
Why Certification Matters Here
Unlike general sealing tapes, this isn't a product where "close enough" is acceptable. Building control and fire risk assessments rely on documented evidence that the glazing system, including the tape, performs as tested. Using an uncertified or mismatched product creates liability that falls back on the installer, not just the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does intumescent glazing tape actually do?
It expands when exposed to heat, sealing gaps around the glass and frame to help stop the spread of fire and smoke through the joint. - Can any fire rated tape be used in any fire door?
No. The tape needs to match what was used in the tested assembly for that specific fire rating. Using an unapproved substitute can invalidate the door or screen's certification. - How do I know what fire rating tape I need?
This depends on the required fire resistance period for the door or screen, usually specified as FD30, FD60, or similar. Check the building's fire strategy or ask a specialist if you're unsure.