Wired glass
Wired glass has a steel mesh embedded in the pane, which helps hold it together if it cracks. Available in clear polished and textured versions for doors, roofs and fire screens.
What is wired glass?
Wired glass is glass with a fine steel wire mesh rolled into it while it is still molten. The familiar square grid is often called Georgian wired glass. When the glass cracks, the mesh helps hold the pieces in place, so the opening is not left fully exposed.
Wired glass comes in two main types. Polished wired glass is ground and polished on both faces, so it is clear to see through apart from the mesh. Textured or cast wired glass has a patterned surface that also gives privacy, which makes it popular for outbuildings, garages and rooflights.
In suitable tested frames, wired glass can provide fire integrity for around 30 minutes. However, wired glass is not a safety glass under impact testing on its own, because the wire can make it easier to break and leaves sharp edges. Where people could walk into it, laminated glass or modern fire-resistant glass is a better choice.
Wired glass specification
- Georgian polished (clear) wired glass
- Textured cast wired glass
- Typically 6 to 7 mm thick
- Cut to size from stock sheets
- Can be laminated for impact safety
How we cut wired glass to size
- Measure the opening. Send the rebate size of the frame and say whether you need polished or textured wired glass.
- Cut. Wired glass is scored and the mesh cut cleanly along the line.
- Finish. Edges are arrissed for safe handling; wired glass cannot be toughened.
- Collect or deliver. Panes are ready for collection or delivered with your order.
When should you use wired glass?
Wired glass is a good like-for-like replacement in older fire doors, rooflights, stores and outbuildings where it was originally fitted, provided the frame is suitable.
For new doors and screens where people could fall against the glass, safety rules call for glass that passes impact tests. In those locations we recommend laminated glass or a modern clear fire-resistant glass instead of plain wired glass.
If your existing wired glass is part of a fire-rated door, check with the door manufacturer or a fire safety professional before changing the glass type.
Typical uses for wired glass
- Replacement panes in older fire doors
- Rooflights and lean-to roofs
- Garages, sheds and workshops
- Stairwells and service areas
- Industrial and agricultural buildings
Wired glass FAQs
Is wired glass a safety glass?
Not on its own. The wire holds broken glass together but wired glass does not pass impact safety tests, so it is not suitable for doors and low-level glazing unless it is laminated.
Is wired glass fire-rated?
Wired glass can provide around 30 minutes of fire integrity when fitted in a suitable tested frame.
Can wired glass be toughened?
No. The wire mesh prevents toughening. For extra safety, wired glass can be laminated.
What is the difference between polished and textured wired glass?
Polished wired glass is clear to see through; textured wired glass has a rough pattern that also adds privacy.
Can you match old wired glass?
Usually, yes. Tell us whether the existing pane is clear or textured and its thickness, and we will supply the closest match.