Akron Fire Rated Glass Certified for Ohio Building Code and UL Standards

In Akron, Ohio, commercial construction and renovation projects must adhere to the stringent requirements of the 2020 Ohio Building Code (OBC), which is based on the 2018 International Building Code (IBC). For passive fire protection systems, including glazed assemblies, the local code mandates that all fire-resistance-rated openings comply with UL 263 or NFPA 257 standards. Antifires provides a comprehensive range of fire rated glass and door systems that are fully certified to meet these rigorous Akron fire safety regulations. The City of Akron Fire Prevention Bureau enforces strict third-party listing requirements for all fire-rated glazing, particularly in egress pathways and smoke containment barriers. By utilizing products that carry UL 10C and ASTM E119 certifications, architects and contractors can ensure their projects pass local inspections without delay. Antifires’ solutions are engineered to provide both integrity (E) and insulation (I) performance, meeting the localized demands for fire separation in high-occupancy structures. For further details on the official code, consult the IBC Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features.

Akron Ohio Fire Code Compliance for Commercial Glazing and Partition Systems

Akron’s enforcement of the OBC Section 715 requires that all glazed assemblies in fire-resistance-rated walls be tested to UL 263 or NFPA 257. Antifires ensures compliance by supplying systems that have undergone positive pressure testing as per NFPA 80, a critical requirement for local commercial projects. The following table outlines key compliance criteria for Akron projects:

StandardApplicationAkron Requirement
UL 263Fire-resistance-rated wallsMandatory for all openings
NFPA 80Fire doors and windowsPositive pressure testing required
ASTM E119Structural fire enduranceThird-party listing for inspections

For smoke containment in egress pathways, Antifires provides 60 minute fire rated glass systems that maintain insulation (I) performance, preventing heat transfer that could compromise safe evacuation. These assemblies are designed to integrate seamlessly with steel framing and intumescent seals, ensuring compliance with Summit County inspection protocols.

Fire Rated Glass Selection Criteria for Akron Industrial and Educational Facilities

Selecting the appropriate fire rated glass for Akron’s industrial and educational facilities, such as those near the FirstEnergy Stadium complex, requires careful evaluation of occupancy loads and fire hazard classifications. The City of Akron Fire Prevention Bureau mandates third-party listing for all fire doors and windows in high-occupancy structures. Antifires carries UL 10C and ASTM E119 certifications, which are essential for passing local plan reviews. Key selection criteria include:

  • Integrity (E) Duration: For stairwell enclosures, E90 or E120 ratings are commonly specified to ensure containment during evacuation.
  • Insulation (I) Performance: In settings like school corridors, EI60 glass prevents radiant heat from igniting adjacent materials.
  • Frame Compatibility: G.M.S. hollow steel sections with ceramic wool and intumescent seals are required for positive pressure compliance.

These criteria align with OBC Section 715 and ensure that glazed partitions in high-traffic areas maintain fire separation without compromising visibility.

Akron Building Application Scenarios for Fire Rated Doors and Windows

Akron’s diverse building stock demands fire rated solutions tailored to specific project scenarios. High-demand applications include Akron Children’s Hospital corridor separations, where EI60 glazed panels provide both fire containment and thermal insulation to protect sensitive medical equipment. At the John S. Knight Center, atrium glazing requires EW120 systems that control radiant heat transmission while maintaining aesthetic transparency. For warehouse-to-office conversions in the Northside District, Antifires supplies fire partition solutions that integrate with existing steel structures. Each application requires:

  • Positive pressure testing per NFPA 80 to ensure door and window assemblies seal effectively under fire conditions.
  • Expansion gaps of 3–5mm filled with ceramic fiber to accommodate thermal movement.
  • M6/M8 anchor bolts spaced at 300–600mm intervals for secure frame installation.

These specifications ensure that every assembly meets Akron’s localized fire safety demands.

Why Akron Contractors and Architects Trust Antifires for Fire Rated Assemblies

Akron contractors and architects consistently choose Antifires for fire rated assemblies due to our localized engineering support for OBC Section 715 compliance. Our pre-approved UL listings streamline the Akron building department review process, reducing approval times for downtown redevelopment projects. Key advantages include:

  • Climate-Adapted Inventory: Fire rated glass units are sized and sealed for Ohio’s seasonal temperature variations, preventing condensation and thermal stress.
  • Reduced Lead Times: Stocked EI60 and EI120 panels are available for immediate shipment to Akron job sites.
  • Technical Support: Our team provides submittal packages that include ASTM E119 and UL 10C certification data, directly aligning with Summit County inspection protocols.

By integrating 120 minute fire rated glass systems, Antifires ensures that Akron’s commercial projects achieve maximum fire safety without sacrificing design flexibility.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, Antifires fire rated glass meets the specific UL certification required by the Akron Fire Prevention Bureau. All our glazed assemblies are tested to UL 263 and UL 10C standards, which are explicitly referenced in the 2020 Ohio Building Code (OBC) for fire-resistance-rated openings. These certifications ensure that our products comply with the third-party listing mandates enforced by local inspectors. For projects in Akron, Antifires provides documentation for integrity (E) and insulation (I) ratings, including EI60 and EI120 panels, which are critical for corridor separations and stairwell enclosures. Contractors can request a compliance submittal package that includes ASTM E119 test reports to facilitate plan reviews.

For stairwell enclosures in Akron commercial buildings, the most commonly specified fire rating durations are E90 and E120 for integrity, with EI60 frequently required where insulation is critical. The 2020 Ohio Building Code (OBC) mandates that stairwells serving floors above 75 feet in height have a minimum fire resistance rating of 2 hours (E120). For buildings with lower heights, E90 assemblies are often sufficient. Antifires supplies 10mm FPOS glass (integrity up to 135 minutes) and 28mm EI60 panels (insulation up to 64 minutes) to meet these requirements. These products are tested per UL 263 and NFPA 80, ensuring compliance with Akron’s positive pressure testing protocols.

To obtain a compliance submittal package for Antifires fire doors and windows tailored to an Akron project address, contact our technical support team via the Request a Quote page on our website. Provide the project address, applicable OBC Section 715 requirements, and desired fire rating (e.g., EI60 or E120). Our team will compile a package including UL 10C and ASTM E119 certification data, frame specifications (e.g., G.M.S. hollow steel sections), and installation guidelines for ceramic wool and intumescent seals. This package is designed to streamline the Akron building department review process and ensure compliance with Summit County inspection protocols.