Back to news
Fire-rated glass is a requirement on any rooflight in an area that is part of a fire escape, in line with current building regulations.
The glass sits on a subframe below the skylight, completely out of sight. You can’t tell the difference to the naked eye, but it ticks all the boxes for building control.
Installation of a fire-rated skylight
After deciding that your property needs a fire-rated skylight, the first step is to source a contractor, architect and roof light manufacturer that you feel will suitably protect your home.
Your architect should outline where your skylight will be best placed and what regulations must be considered when making changes to your home. For more information on regulations that could influence your project check out our blog post, ‘Roof windows and planning permission: the ins and outs.’
Once you have a detailed plan of your new skylight and decide which rooflight is best for you (you can do this by speaking to one of our team), a contractor can prepare the opening for the skylight for installation. Please note that after our installation of the product, the frame requires fire retardant plasterboard cladding by the contractor.
Fire-Rated Skylights vs. Non-Fire-Rated Skylights
| Feature | Fire-Rated Skylights (e.g., Independently Tested) | Non-Fire-Rated Skylights |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Resistance & Testing |
EI30/EI60 fire-rated glass, physically tested to ensure performance under real-world conditions. Verified with robust third-party certification (e.g., CERTIFIRE), adding an extra layer of reliability. |
No confirmed fire rating or reliance on theoretical assessments only. Often unproven in actual fire conditions, potentially compromising safety. |
| Compliance with Building Regulations |
Designed to meet or exceed Approved Document B (Fire Safety) and K (Protection from Falling) guidelines. Fully aligned with UK’s phased shift to EN 13501 standards, ensuring continued compliance beyond 2025. |
May not satisfy crucial life safety requirements for fire escape routes or glazing safety, risking issues with building control or insurers. |
| Thermal & Condensation Performance |
Utilises thermally broken frames and high-spec glazing to maintain low U-values and reduce condensation risks. Strong performance in both fire resistance and energy efficiency, optimising occupant comfort. |
Basic frame materials with limited or no thermal breaks, leading to higher U-values and frequent condensation issues—particularly in colder climates. |
| Design Flexibility |
Wide range of configurations—fixed, opening, walk-on, etc.—all backed by rigorous fire-safety standards. Options for anti-slip treatments, bespoke sizes, and shapes to suit various architectural needs. |
Designs are often restricted by lower-grade materials. May not be safe or viable for walk-on or large custom configurations without compromising fire safety. |
| Independent Certification |
Third-party testing provides tangible proof of compliance and performance under real fire scenarios. Recognisable accreditations (e.g., BSI Kitemark, CERTIFIRE) demonstrate quality and safety assurance. |
May rely on manufacturer’s in-house tests or unverified claims, offering less certainty about in-situ performance during a fire. |
| Insurance & Peace of Mind |
Demonstrably reduces insurance risks by meeting high fire-safety benchmarks. Streamlines building approval processes by minimising questions on safety compliance. |
Risk of higher premiums or additional safety measures. Potential delays or complications with building inspections due to insufficient fire protection. |
| Long-Term Value |
Higher initial outlay, but safeguards occupants and property for the long run. Avoids costly retrofits and re-tests as standards evolve. Often produced under strict environmental policies, recycling or reusing the majority of waste materials. |
Lower upfront costs may be offset by frequent replacements, higher energy bills, or inadequate protection. Exposed to future regulatory changes, possibly requiring complete upgrades. |
Understanding the Fire Safety Standards and Regulations in 2025
Understanding the fire safety standards and regulations pertinent to skylights is crucial for ensuring compliance and safety in building design and construction. Below is a detailed overview of each relevant standard and regulation as of 2025:
1. BS 476: Fire Tests on Building Materials and Structures
BS 476 is a comprehensive British Standard that specifies methods for determining the fire resistance and reaction to fire of building materials and structures. It encompasses several parts, each addressing different aspects of fire testing:
- Part 20: General principles for determining the fire resistance of elements of construction.
- Part 21: Methods for determining the fire resistance of load-bearing elements.
- Part 22: Methods for determining the fire resistance of non-load-bearing elements, such as doors and partitions.
- Part 7: Method for classification of the surface spread of flame of products.
Historically, BS 476 has been instrumental in assessing the fire performance of construction products in the UK. However, a transition is underway to align with European standards. The UK government has announced the phased withdrawal of BS 476 references in Approved Document B (Fire Safety):
- From 2 March 2025: References to BS 476 concerning reaction to fire and roofs will be removed. Only classifications according to BS EN 13501 will be accepted.
- By 2 September 2029: All references to BS 476 related to fire resistance will be fully withdrawn from Approved Document B. This marks a complete transition to the European classification system.
2. EN 12101-2: Smoke and Heat Control Systems – Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilators
EN 12101-2 is a European Standard that specifies requirements and testing methods for natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (NSHEVs). While not directly applicable to skylights, it becomes relevant when skylights are designed to function as smoke and heat exhaust ventilators in the event of a fire. Key aspects include:
- Performance Requirements: Ensuring that NSHEVs operate reliably under fire conditions to aid in smoke control and facilitate safe evacuation.
- Testing Methods: Standardized procedures to assess the operational reliability, aerodynamic free area, and response times of the ventilators.
- Durability: Assessment of the ventilators’ ability to withstand environmental conditions over time without degradation of performance.
3. EN 13501-2: Fire Classification of Construction Products and Building Elements – Part 2: Classification Using Data from Fire Resistance Tests
EN 13501-2 is part of the European classification system that provides a harmonised approach to determining the fire resistance of construction products and building elements, including:
- Classification Criteria: Defines criteria such as load-bearing capacity (R), integrity (E), and insulation (I) to classify fire resistance.
- Application: Applicable to various building elements, including walls, floors, roofs, and doors, ensuring a consistent approach to fire resistance across different construction products.
- Testing Standards: Relies on data from standardized fire resistance tests, such as those specified in EN 1364 (non-load-bearing elements) and EN 1634 (doors and shutters).
The UK’s transition to EN 13501-2 aims to harmonise fire safety standards with European practices, enhancing consistency and safety in construction. By 2 September 2029, EN 13501 will be the sole recognised standard for fire safety classification within Approved Document B.
4. Approved Document B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations
Approved Document B provides guidance on meeting the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations in England. It covers various aspects, including means of escape, fire spread, structural fire protection, and access for firefighting. Key updates include:
- Sprinkler Systems in Care Homes: From 2 March 2025, the provision of sprinklers will be extended to all new care homes, irrespective of height, enhancing fire safety for vulnerable occupants.
- Second Staircases in Residential Buildings: By 30 September 2026, new guidance will require second staircases in residential buildings over 18 meters in height, improving evacuation routes during emergencies.
- Transition to European Fire Standards: As previously mentioned, the document will phase out references to BS 476, fully adopting the BS EN 13501 series for fire classifications by 2 September 2029.
5. Approved Document K (Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact) of the Building Regulations
Approved Document K offers guidance on preventing injuries caused by falls, collisions, and impacts in buildings. While not exclusively focused on fire safety, it is relevant to skylights in terms of:
- Glazing Safety: Ensuring that glazing used in skylights is designed to reduce the risk of injury upon impact, which is crucial during emergency evacuations.
- Barrier Design: Providing guidelines on the design of barriers and guarding to prevent falls through skylights, especially in accessible roof areas.
Compliance with Approved Document K ensures that skylights contribute to the overall safety of building occupants by mitigating risks associated with falls and impacts.
In summary, the landscape of fire safety standards and building regulations in the UK is evolving, with a clear shift towards harmonisation with European standards. Staying informed about these changes is essential for professionals involved in building design, construction, and maintenance to ensure compliance and enhance occupant safety.
What are the options for fire-rated skylights?
Alongside our extensive range of sizes and shapes of standard skylights, our fire-rated skylights can also be integrated with a variety of upgrades to level up your home or office building.
Engineered Assessments vs. Independent Fire Testing: What’s the Difference?
Some manufacturers rely on engineered assessments to determine fire ratings. This method involves computer-generated simulations and calculations to predict product performance in fire scenarios. While this approach may save time and costs, it falls short of replicating real-world conditions.
At Sunsquare, we believe fire safety can’t be left to chance. That’s why we invest in physical, third-party testing, ensuring our products meet the most stringent standards through real-life assessments.
Real Testing, Real Certifications
Sunsquare skylights are certified to achieve fire ratings of EI30 or EI60 for both integrity and insulation, meaning they can prevent fire and heat transfer for 30 or 60 minutes. These certifications are independently verified by CERTIFIRE, one of the industry’s most trusted accreditation bodies. This level of certification is a rarity in the skylight market, setting Sunsquare apart as a leader in safety and quality.
Real-life testing is crucial for skylight safety and reliability. Through physical testing that simulates actual fire conditions, we ensure our skylights will perform as designed when it matters most. This testing is independently verified, giving architects and customers confidence in our compliance with UK and international standards.
Why Real-Life Testing Matters
By choosing Sunsquare products, you get skylights that are proven to protect lives and property – not just meet minimum requirements. Our rigorous testing gives architects the assurance they need when specifying our products in their designs.
Walk-on skylights
Using the very latest glass technology as well as a unique internal fire frame, Sunsquare interior walk-on glass floorlights are designed to fit flush with the floor, so you maintain full function of the floor while the space below is illuminated with natural light.
Optional anti-slip treatments available
At Sunsquare we understand that interior glass floors must be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. That’s why we offer clients the option to add an anti-slip treatment to the product. Our floorlights are perfect in busy living areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, where they are more likely to get wet, as our anti-slip specification can provide the ultimate safety and style.
Available in multiple configurations
Whether it’s a stock size or made-to-measure multi-pane rooflight, we can provide you with a design to meet your individual requirements. No matter how unique the project, Sunsquare can help you to find the perfect product for you and your budget.
Outstanding thermal and practical performance
Sunsquare’s own extruded aluminium profile is thermally broken using two polyamide insulating sections and is factory-glazed with a 24mm argon-filled and soft coat low-E insulating glass unit. All external glass edges are also protected by polyester powder flashings.
A laminated inner pane is fitted as standard in Sunsquare skylights. This provides a safer and more secure rooflight with the added benefit of filtering out 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Section details of Sunsquare Skyview 75mm rooflight with fire-rated glass 60/60.
Why choose Sunsquare for your fire-rated skylight?
Our interior floorlights are the only internal glass floor panels which surpass the BSI’s rigorous Kitemark standards.
Our team works closely with architects to ensure that every skylight is not only functional and aesthetically stunning but also certified to deliver superior fire performance. Sunsquare’s innovation and engineering excellence make us the trusted choice for high-specification projects.
Nothing matters more than the safety of your family and home. Sunsquare’s independently certified skylights ensure peace of mind, knowing they’ve been rigorously tested to withstand the most demanding fire scenarios.
Choose Sunsquare products for:
- Value for money
- Outstanding thermal performance
- Unrivalled safety and security
- Design innovation recognised by the BRE
- Fast and efficient lead times
- Strict environmental policies – recycling or reusing 97% of our waste
Fire safety is not the place to cut corners. Sunsquare’s skylights are independently certified to deliver unparalleled fire resistance and insulation, providing architects and homeowners with products they can trust. With our commitment to real-life testing, rigorous certifications, and continuous innovation, Sunsquare remains the first choice for those who demand the very best.
Ready to exceed your expectations? Explore our range of fire-rated skylights or contact our team today to learn how Sunsquare can elevate your project’s safety and design.
