Why We're Publishing This
It's the question every architect, contractor, and building manager asks first. And yet, most glass suppliers dodge it. We believe you deserve straightforward information so you can budget properly and avoid nasty surprises on your next project.
The Short Answer
Fire rated glass typically costs between £150 and £800+ per square metre depending on the rating, glass type, and frame system. But that range is so wide it's almost unhelpful — so let's break down what actually drives the price.
What Affects the Price?
1. Fire Rating (EW vs EI)
This is the single biggest factor. EW-rated glass (integrity + radiation control) is significantly cheaper than EI-rated glass (integrity + insulation). EI glass uses multi-layered intumescent technology that expands when heated, forming an opaque insulating barrier. That engineering costs more.
- EW 30 (integrity + radiation, 30 minutes): Lower cost range
- EI 30 (integrity + insulation, 30 minutes): Mid range
- EI 60 (integrity + insulation, 60 minutes): Higher cost range
- EI 90/120: Premium pricing due to thickness and specialist manufacturing
Don't over-specify
Many projects pay for EI-rated glass when EW would meet building regulations. Check with your building control officer before assuming you need the highest rating. We can help you understand which rating your project actually requires.
2. Glass Type and Manufacturer
Different product ranges sit at different price points. Pyroguard Integrity, for example, is a cost-effective integrity-only solution, while Schott PYRANOVA offers premium EI performance with exceptional clarity. The glass you choose affects not just cost but also aesthetics, weight, and maximum panel sizes.
3. Frame System
The frame matters as much as the glass. Aluminium frames are the most popular and cost-effective. Steel frames are required for higher ratings or larger spans. Timber frames suit heritage or residential projects but can be more expensive due to specialist treatments.
4. Panel Size
Larger panels cost more — not just because of material, but because of manufacturing limitations, handling, and the frame engineering needed to support them. Maximum panel sizes vary by product, so an ambitious design may require a premium product range.
5. Volume and Project Scale
A single fire door is priced very differently from 50 fire screens across a commercial building. Volume purchasing reduces the unit cost, and a specialist supplier like We Supply Glass can often source more competitively than a general glazier because of our direct manufacturer relationships.
Where Most People Overpay
The most common way to overspend on fire rated glass is going through too many middlemen. Here's the typical chain:
- Manufacturer sells to distributor
- Distributor sells to glazing company
- Glazing company sells to main contractor
- Main contractor passes cost to client
Every link in that chain adds margin. At We Supply Glass, we work directly with manufacturers like Pyroguard, Schott, and AGC, and supply directly to contractors, architects, and developers. Fewer middlemen means better pricing — typically 15-30% less than going through a traditional supply chain.
How We're Different
- Direct manufacturer relationships — we source from Pyroguard, Schott, AGC, and Vetrotech at trade prices
- Technical guidance included — we help you specify correctly so you don't overspend on glass you don't need
- Supply-only or supply-and-fit — flexibility to suit your project structure
- Nationwide delivery with proper glass handling and packaging
Get a budget price in 24 hours
Send us your drawings or a description of what you need, and we'll give you an honest budget price within one working day. No obligation, no hard sell.
Related Products
Explore our fire rated glazing range:
Fire Rated Screens → Fire Rated Glass Doors →Need a Price for Your Project?
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