Winnipeg Fire Rated Glass & Certified Fire Doors Engineered for NBCC and ULC Compliance

Winnipeg’s building sector operates under the stringent requirements of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) 2020, enforced locally by the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) Manitoba. For architects, specifiers, and general contractors, ensuring that glazed assemblies meet the prescribed fire-resistance ratings (FRR) is non-negotiable for permit approval. Antifires provides a comprehensive range of fire rated glass and certified door systems engineered specifically to comply with these mandates. All products are tested to the rigorous standards of CAN/ULC-S101 and CAN/ULC-S104, ensuring they deliver verified fire endurance and can withstand the critical hose stream test required for Canadian building applications. This dual compliance is essential for vertical shafts, exit enclosures, and floor separations in Winnipeg’s diverse construction landscape, from downtown high-rises to suburban institutional facilities. By integrating certified fire-rated glazing solutions, projects achieve both life safety and seamless code compliance. For further reference on the specific code requirements, the National Building Code of Canada 2020 provides the official framework for fire protection mandates across the country.

Winnipeg Fire Safety Compliance Under Manitoba Building Code and NBCC 2020 Fire Protection Mandates

Winnipeg’s building sector follows the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) 2020, enforced locally by the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) Manitoba. These regulations mandate specific fire-resistance ratings (FRR) for critical building elements, including vertical shafts, exit enclosures, and floor separations in multi-story residential and commercial projects. Antifires supplies fire-rated glazing assemblies that have been rigorously tested to meet these exacting standards, ensuring seamless permit approval for local developments. The product range includes systems achieving integrity-only ratings such as E60 and E90, as well as combined integrity and insulation ratings like EI60 and EI120, as defined by standards like BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN 1634-1. For instance, a 28mm EI60 panel delivers verified integrity for 66 minutes and insulation for 64 minutes, making it suitable for applications where thermal protection is critical. By specifying these certified assemblies, project teams in Winnipeg can confidently address the fire protection mandates outlined in the NBCC 2020, avoiding costly redesigns and delays during the permitting process. Each system is supported by comprehensive documentation, including stamped shop drawings for submission to the OFC.

Fire Rated Glass Grade Selection for Winnipeg’s Commercial and Industrial Glazing Applications

Winnipeg’s extreme freeze-thaw cycles place unique demands on building materials, particularly for glazing systems that must maintain both fire resistance and structural integrity. Antifires addresses this challenge by supplying fire rated glass products that satisfy CAN/ULC-S101 and CAN/ULC-S104 standard testing for fire endurance and hose stream impact. This dual compliance is critical for commercial and industrial applications where thermal shock from cold exterior temperatures could compromise standard glazing. The glass composition, such as the 21mm FPOS multi-layer composite insulated structure, provides verified integrity for 120 minutes and insulation for 30 minutes, ensuring reliable performance under fire conditions while resisting the stresses of Manitoba’s climate. The selection of the appropriate grade depends on the specific project requirements, including the required FRR and the environmental exposure. For example, a 10mm FPOS assembly offers integrity for 135 minutes, making it suitable for applications where insulation is not the primary concern. Antifires provides detailed technical guidance to help specifiers choose the optimal product for their project, balancing fire safety with thermal performance in Winnipeg’s demanding environment.

High-Rise Residential and Institutional Fire Door & Window Demands in Winnipeg’s Urban Core

Winnipeg’s downtown revitalization projects, including mixed-use towers near Portage Avenue and institutional expansions at the University of Manitoba, require fire-rated door and window systems that integrate seamlessly with automatic closing devices and smoke control systems. These assemblies must meet the rigorous fire-resistance ratings (FRR) specified in the NBCC 2020 for exit enclosures and floor separations. Antifires supplies complete assemblies—including frames, glazing, and hardware—that are pre-tested for ULC compliance, ensuring that every component works together under fire conditions. For high-rise residential applications, a 26mm glazed door glass system provides integrity for 89–90 minutes and insulation for 68 minutes, making it suitable for use in exit stair enclosures where both fire containment and thermal protection are required. These systems are designed to integrate with smoke control strategies, using intumescent seals and ceramic wool to maintain compartmentation. The frames, constructed from G.M.S. hollow steel sections, are engineered to accommodate the thermal expansion and deflection observed during testing, where maximum deflection can reach up to 152mm toward the furnace. By specifying complete, pre-tested assemblies, project teams in Winnipeg’s urban core can ensure reliable performance and code compliance for their most demanding applications.

Why Winnipeg Architects and General Contractors Trust Antifires for Fire Rated Building Envelope Systems

Antifires offers direct factory technical support for Manitoba projects, including stamped shop drawings for permit submission and on-site glazing consultation. This support is critical for Winnipeg architects and general contractors who require precise documentation to satisfy the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) Manitoba. The local warehouse in Western Canada ensures reduced lead times for Winnipeg’s construction schedule, with full ULC traceability for every fire partition glass unit. This traceability is backed by rigorous testing, including furnace tests with Type K thermocouples and unexposed surface monitoring using 10 to 55 thermocouples, ensuring that each product meets the certified performance claims. The company’s expertise extends to installation guidance, specifying the use of ceramic wool (3mm–6mm, density 210 kg/m³) and intumescent fire seals (20mm × 4mm) to achieve the required fire resistance. By partnering with Antifires, project teams gain access to a reliable supply chain and technical expertise that reduces risk and accelerates project timelines. This commitment to quality and local support makes Antifires a trusted partner for fire-rated building envelope systems in Winnipeg.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, all Antifires fire rated glass products carry ULC listing in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101 and CAN/ULC-S104 standards, which are accepted by the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) Manitoba for building permit applications. Each unit is tested under rigorous conditions, including furnace temperatures monitored by Type K thermocouples and hose stream impact tests, to ensure compliance with the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) 2020. The ULC listing provides verifiable documentation that the glazing assembly meets the required fire-resistance rating (FRR) for the intended application, whether for integrity-only or combined integrity and insulation performance. This certification is essential for permit approval in Winnipeg’s commercial, residential, and institutional projects.

Under the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) 2020, exit stair enclosures in high-rise residential buildings typically require a fire-resistance rating (FRR) of 1.5 hours (90 minutes) for integrity. For projects where insulation is also required, an EI60 or EI120 rating may be specified depending on the building height and occupancy classification. Antifires supplies glazed door systems, such as the 26mm door glass, which provides integrity for 89–90 minutes and insulation for 68 minutes, making it suitable for these applications. The specific FRR required should be confirmed with the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), such as the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) Manitoba, based on the building’s design and use.

Yes, Antifires can provide fire rated glass cut to size for retrofit projects in older Winnipeg commercial buildings. Each unit is fabricated to meet the exact dimensions required for the existing frame, ensuring a proper fit and maintaining the certified fire-resistance rating. The glass is supplied with full ULC traceability and documentation, which is critical for permit approval in retrofit applications. Antifires also offers on-site glazing consultation to assess the existing frame condition and recommend appropriate installation materials, such as ceramic wool and intumescent seals, to ensure the assembly meets the required fire performance standards under the NBCC 2020.