Fire-Rated Glass in Idaho Falls
Over 50 Years of Commercial Glazing Experience in Eastern Idaho
Fire-rated glass is engineered to contain flames and smoke for a defined period, giving building occupants time to evacuate safely. Standard glass typically fails around 250 degrees Fahrenheit; fire-rated glazing is designed to withstand temperatures exceeding 1,600 degrees. For commercial projects in Idaho Falls and eastern Idaho, Cherry Glass & Aluminum installs fire-rated glass as part of our storefront, curtain wall, and entrance system work.
Fire-rated glazing isn’t a separate specialty order for us. It’s part of the same commercial glazing package we deliver on every project.
Reach our team at (208) 551-5095 or use the contact form on this site to discuss your project’s fire-rated glazing requirements.
Why Commercial Clients Work with Cherry Glass & Aluminum
We’ve served eastern Idaho and western Wyoming since 1968, bringing over 50 years of commercial glazing experience to every project. As a multi-generational, locally owned company, we pair that history with partnerships with established glass and aluminum manufacturers, so the products we install meet the performance, safety, and design standards your project requires. Our commercial installation team is fully insured.
Fire-Protective vs. Fire-Resistive Glazing
Fire-rated glass falls into two categories, and the distinction matters for code compliance and opening sizing.
Fire-Protective Glazing
Blocks the spread of flames and smoke for its rated duration but doesn’t stop radiant heat transmission. Because of this limitation, codes restrict how much of a rated wall opening it can fill. Fire-protective glazing is commonly tested to NFPA 252, NFPA 257, UL 9, and UL 10C.
Fire-Resistive Glazing
Blocks flames, smoke, and radiant heat, allowing it to be used in larger openings and full rated-wall assemblies. It’s tested to ASTM E119 and UL 263 standards.
Fire ratings across both categories typically range from 20 minutes to 180 minutes, depending on the product and where it’s installed in the building.
Where Fire-Rated Glass Is Used in Commercial Buildings
The International Building Code and International Fire Code specify where fire-rated glazing is required based on occupancy type, construction classification, and building location. Common applications include:
- Door vision lites, sidelites, and transoms
- Borrowed-lite windows
- Egress corridor separations
- Stairwell enclosures
- Occupancy separation walls
These locations require glazing that maintains a fire barrier without sacrificing visibility or natural light. Because our commercial work already covers aluminum storefront systems, curtain walls, entrance systems, windows and doors, we install fire-rated glazing as part of those assemblies rather than routing it through a separate subcontractor.
Why Choose Cherry Glass & Aluminum?
-
Custom Projects Made EasyShare your vision and CGA will craft tailored solutions to bring your glass and aluminum projects to life.
-
Professional & Prompt ServiceMulti-generational, locally owned, and committed to delivering quality work on time with a focus on customer satisfaction.
-
Wide Range of ExpertiseSpecializing in both commercial and residential projects, CGA handles everything from storefronts and mirrors to windows, doors, and shower enclosures.
-
Decades of Local ExpertiseServing eastern Idaho and western Wyoming since 1968, CGA brings over 50 years of trusted experience to every project.
Fire-Rated Glazing Requirements Under Idaho Building Code
Idaho has adopted the 2018 International Building Code, with state amendments, as its statewide commercial construction standard. The International Fire Code is also adopted at the state level. In practice, the city or county building department typically serves as the Authority Having Jurisdiction for building code compliance, while a local fire district enforces fire code requirements. Local jurisdictions may adopt their own amendments, but those amendments can’t fall below the state’s baseline level of protection.
For most commercial projects in our area, fire-rated glazing selections need to satisfy both the building department and the fire district before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
Eastern Idaho Commercial Service Area
We serve commercial customers throughout Bonneville, Bingham, Jefferson, Madison, Fremont, Teton, and Caribou counties, including Idaho Falls and communities such as Rexburg, Pocatello, Blackfoot, Chubbuck, Rigby, Shelley, Driggs, Victor, St. Anthony, and Soda Springs.
Hear From Our Happy Customers
At Cherry Glass & Aluminum, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.
-
"They are always my recommendation for a glass company."The service was always very nice over the phone with quotes and helping me get what I need.Ethan B.
-
"I would give them 10 Stars!!"From the first call all the way through to installation these people are above and beyond all others.Kenny J.
-
"I am very happy with Cherry Glass's quality, price, and service."These guys are great! They did some shower doors for me and they look amazing.Weston D.
Talk to Our Team About Your Fire-Rated Glazing Project
Whether you’re an architect specifying a commercial build, a general contractor coordinating a tenant improvement, or a property owner replacing glazing in an existing fire-rated opening, we can help. Our team assists both English- and Spanish-speaking customers.
Call us at (208) 551-5095 or use the contact form on this site to start the conversation.