Key Takeaways:
- Glass Doesn’t Weaken Fire Doors – Special fire-rated glass (like ceramic or laminated) keeps protection intact.
- Style Choices Galore – From French doors to barn doors, glass adds light without losing safety.
- Heat Blocking Too – Advanced glass reduces heat transfer, helping with thermal performance.
- Myths Debunked – Fire-rated glass can be large, clear, and stylish—not just industrial.
- Expert Matters – Euroline Steel Windows and Doors ensures doors meet building codes and design needs.
When people think about fire-rated steel doors, they often imagine heavy, solid metal slabs. But what if you want natural light and style without losing protection? Good news—you can have glass in fire-rated doors and still meet strict building codes.
At Euroline Steel Windows and Doors, we specialize in steel windows and doors that balance safety and design. Whether you need French doors for an office or bi-fold doors for a restaurant, our fire-rated assemblies use special fire-resistant glass to keep spaces safe and beautiful.
How Fire-Rated Glass Works in Steel Doors
Regular glass shatters under high heat, but fire-rated glass is different. It’s designed to:
- Resist breaking during extreme heat
- Block flames and smoke for a set time (like 60-90 minutes)
- Meet ASTM E119 and other code requirements
There are a few types of glass used in fire-rated doors:
- Wired Glass – Classic choice with metal mesh inside to hold glass together if it cracks.
- Ceramic Glass – Clear, stronger than wired glass, and blocks more heat.
- Laminated Glass – Multiple layers with a fire-resistant interlayer for extra protection.
The right glass depends on your door’s resistance rating and how much visible light you want.
Popular Glass Door Styles That Stay Fire-Safe
Just because a door has glass doesn’t mean it’s weak. Here are some stylish options:
1. Steel-and-Glass French Doors
Perfect for offices or homes wanting elegance, our French doors combine slim steel frames with fire-rated glass panels. They let in natural light while keeping the compartments fire-sealed.
2. Modern Pivot Doors with Glass
For a high-end look, pivot doors with large glass panels make a statement. We use ceramic glass or laminated glass to ensure safety isn’t sacrificed for style.
3. Space-Saving Bi-Fold Doors
Need a bi-fold door for tight spaces? Our bifold doors with fire-resistant glass fold neatly while meeting code requirements for corridors or kitchens.
4. Industrial-Chic Barn Doors
Love the timeless beauty of barn doors? Our steel versions with wired glass add rustic charm to cafes or offices—no safety trade-offs.
Do Glass Doors Block Heat Too?
Yes! Fire-rated glass isn’t just about flames—it also reduces heat transfer. Some advanced options (like ceramic glass) have a low solar heat gain coefficient, meaning they help regulate room temperature too.
For exterior doors, this means better thermal performance year-round.
Common Myths About Glass in Fire Doors
Myth #1: “Glass makes fire doors weaker.”
Not true. When properly tested, fire-rated glass and complete assemblies (frame + glass) meet the same resistance rating as solid doors.
Myth #2: “You can’t have large glass panels.”
With advances like laminated glass, even big glass doors can be fire-rated.
Myth #3: “They look industrial.”
Our steel doors come in finishes like matte black or stainless steel, and glass options range from clear to decorative.
Where Glass Fire-Rated Doors Work Best
- Commercial doors in offices, hotels, or hospitals need light + safety
- Double doors for grand entries in luxury homes
- Swing doors in restaurants where staff need visibility
- Exterior doors where natural beauty and protection matter
Why Choose Euroline Steel Windows and Doors?
We don’t just sell doors—we ensure they’re right for your space:
- A broad range of fire-rated assemblies (from pivot doors to double-swinging doors)
- Glass options for max light transmittance without sacrificing safety
- Frames built for structural integrity, with mortise locks for security
- Our fire-rated steel doors with glass are tested to perform—no compromises.
Adding glass to fire-rated steel doors doesn’t mean losing protection. With the right fire-resistant glass and frame design, you get safety, natural light, and style all in one.
Ready to explore options? Euroline Steel Windows and Doors offers steel windows and doors that meet code requirements while looking stunning.