GLASdek evaporative cooling media is the fire-rated rigid cooling pad from Munters, and Premier Industries has it in stock now. It is built for projects where cooling efficiency, durability, and strict fire code compliance all matter at once. GLASdek is a single-coated pad that is fire rated to UL 900 and ULC-S111 and GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions.
If GLASdek is specified for your project, timing matters. New factory orders are currently running approximately 29 weeks, so pads on the shelf can keep an installation on schedule. Request GLASdek availability, sizing help, and a quote before your installation window closes, and the Premier team will confirm which sizes are on hand and whether a custom cut is needed.
GLASdek is the fire-rated choice when strict adherence to fire codes is required, with high evaporative efficiency and low pressure drop.
Why Specify GLASdek Evaporative Cooling Media for Fire-Rated Projects
Munters invented structured evaporative media and has produced it for more than 50 years. GLASdek is made from a flame-retardant material fortified with special rigidifying agents, which gives the pad high strength and durability under constant water saturation. For buyers who must follow fire codes to the letter, that combination is hard to beat.
Key Performance and Compliance Features
UL 900 and ULC-S111 for projects with strict fire codes
High evaporative efficiency with a low pressure drop
GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions
Algae and weather resistant, and scrubbable with the optional TUFedg coating
Where Fire-Rated Cooling Pads Are Commonly Specified
Munters developed GLASdek for applications that call for a UL 900 Class II rating or NFPA code compliance, according to HVAC trade coverage of Munters GLASdek applications. Typical uses include:
- Schools and other buildings where fire-rated cooling media is required
- Humidification downstream of gas-fired furnaces
- Pre-cooling at large natural gas compressor stations
- Data center and other mission-critical evaporative cooling systems
The same pad can serve plants, warehouses, and processing facilities that run industrial evaporative coolers, which makes GLASdek a practical upgrade when an owner or insurer asks for fire-rated media.
How GLASdek Evaporative Cooling Media Performs
GLASdek is designed to spread water evenly across the pad, which supports efficient cooling and humidification. The Munters product sheet lists a maximum face velocity of 738 feet per minute (3.75 m/s) with DropSTOP and a carry over limit of 689 feet per minute (3.5 m/s) at laminar airflow, which helps keep water out of the airstream at high airflow.
GLASdek GX30 specifications. Source: Munters GLASdek GX30 product sheet.
Cooling efficiency and pressure drop change with pad depth, and the Munters performance curves compare 4, 8, and 12 inch GX30 pads across face velocities. To size a pad against your airflow and static pressure targets, review our evaporative cooler performance graphs and specifications before you finalize a depth.
GLASdek vs CELdek: Which Cooling Media Fits Your Project
GLASdek and CELdek are both structured media from Munters, and they look similar at a glance. The deciding factor is usually fire code. CELdek is a low-cost cellulose pad used across a wide range of cooling applications, while GLASdek is the fire-rated option built from a flame-retardant, rigidified material.
| Consideration | GLASdek GX30 | CELdek |
|---|---|---|
| Base material | Flame-retardant material with rigidifying agents | Cellulose |
| Fire rating | UL 900 and ULC-S111 | Standard media, not the fire-rated option |
| Best fit | Projects with strict fire code requirements | General cooling projects without a fire-rating requirement |
| Budget | Higher investment for fire-rated performance | Lower cost |
If your project does not require a fire rating, CELdek cellulose cooling media may meet your needs at a lower price. Not sure which one your specification calls for? Premier can help you compare the two against your code requirements.
GLASdek Stock, Lead Times, and Custom Pad Cutting
Demand for evaporative media has climbed along with data center construction. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that U.S. data center electricity use rose from 58 TWh in 2014 to 176 TWh in 2023, and projects 325 to 580 TWh by 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That surge in cooling demand is a major reason factory lead times for GLASdek have stretched to approximately 29 weeks.
U.S. data center electricity use. Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory via the U.S. Department of Energy report on data center electricity use.
How Premier Industries Protects Your Project Schedule
- GLASdek is in stock now, so you are not locked into a 29 week wait
- Pads can be cut to custom dimensions on demand, an uncommon service that has earned same-day orders from buyers who could not find a cut-to-spec pad elsewhere
- Orders can be booked ahead to lock in pricing for upcoming installations
- Sizing and specification support is available before you order
Standard GLASdek GX30 Pad Sizes
| Dimension | Standard Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 12″, 24″ | Custom widths available on request |
| Depth | 4″, 6″, 8″, 12″ | Depth affects cooling efficiency and pressure drop; custom depths up to 24″ on request |
| Height | 24″, 36″, 48″, 60″, 72″ | Pads can be cut to any divisor of the standard heights; odd heights are charged at the next larger standard size |
Retrofitting a specific cooler model instead of a built-up system? Premier also offers rigid replacement cooling media sized for popular units.
TUFedg Edge Treatment for Longer Pad Life
TUFedg is an optional coating that Munters applies to the face of a GLASdek pad. It is non-porous and quick drying, so algae and minerals cannot anchor into the pad. Everything can be cleaned off without damaging the pad itself, and the coating also protects against severe weather and long exposure to UV light.
What TUFedg Does for Service Life
- Prevents algae and minerals from anchoring, so they dry and slough off instead of embedding
- Allows the pad to be scrubbed clean to remove dirt and mineral deposits
- Protects the pad from UV exposure and harsh weather
- Extends service life compared with an uncoated pad in similar conditions
Because TUFedg is optional, confirm it when you request a quote, especially for outdoor installations, dusty sites, or facilities with mineral-heavy water.
The optional TUFedg coating keeps algae and minerals from anchoring and protects the pad from UV and weather.
Water Distribution and Maintenance for GLASdek Pads
GLASdek performs best when the water system is sized correctly. Undersupplying the pad reduces evaporation, while neglecting bleedoff lets minerals build up and shortens pad life. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that evaporative coolers use water continually and need regular upkeep, so plan a regular cleaning routine from day one.
Water Distribution Requirements
- Flow rate: 1.5 gallons per minute per square foot of horizontal (top) pad surface area
- Intense evaporation loads or pad walls taller than 72 inches may need additional flow
- The gutter and sump should handle maximum flow without overflow when the system shuts down
Managing Mineral Deposits
Mineral buildup can be reduced with a continuous bleedoff from the sump or by dumping the sump periodically. The right bleedoff rate depends on the pH and hardness of your water, and Munters can recommend a rate from local water quality data.
Controlling Algae Growth
Unchecked algae can clog the media passages, raise static pressure, and cut cooling efficiency. Early and consistent maintenance keeps it under control, and GLASdek can usually be serviced in place while the system keeps running. When a whole section needs a refresh, replacement wet sections can speed up the work.
Distribution Pads
Distribution pads are available as an accessory. They spread water laterally and evenly across the top of the GLASdek pad for more consistent saturation, and they can carry the same TUFedg edge treatment as the primary media.
Energy Efficiency of Evaporative Cooling With GLASdek
Choosing high-efficiency media pays off most when the whole system is efficient. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that evaporative coolers cost about half as much to install as central air conditioners and use about one-quarter as much energy. Pairing that efficiency with a durable, fire-rated pad protects your investment for years.
Relative energy use and installation cost. Source: U.S. Department of Energy guidance on evaporative coolers.
Evaporative cooling does have limits. It works best in hot, dry air, and the air temperature delivered at different humidity levels shows how performance drops as humidity rises. For facilities in dry regions, though, evaporative coolers built for hot, dry climates paired with the right media remain one of the most cost-effective ways to cool large spaces.
Matching GLASdek to Your Full Cooling System
GLASdek is a media product, so results depend on the system around it, including pad depth, airflow design, water management, and equipment selection. Premier Industries supports the full project, from media selection through complete evaporative cooling equipment, and brings decades of evaporative cooling experience to every specification.
For retail, school, and office projects, GLASdek fits into commercial evaporative coolers that need fire-rated media. If you are still comparing pad materials, the full lineup of cooler pad options explains how each option performs, and Premier also carries KUUL evaporative cooling pads for projects with different requirements.
Need replacement components to finish the job? Browse cooler parts and accessories to complete the installation. Premier serves customers across the country, so project location is rarely a barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions About GLASdek Evaporative Cooling Media
What is GLASdek evaporative cooling media used for?
GLASdek is a fire-rated rigid evaporative cooling and humidification media made by Munters. It is used in evaporative coolers, air washers, and humidification systems where high efficiency and strict fire code compliance are required, including schools, commercial and industrial buildings, gas compressor stations, and data center cooling.
What fire ratings and certifications does GLASdek GX30 carry?
According to the Munters product sheet, GLASdek GX30 is fire rated to UL 900 and ULC-S111 and is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions. Always confirm the rating required by your local code official before you specify media.
Does Premier Industries have GLASdek in stock?
Yes. Premier Industries has GLASdek in stock now, which matters because new factory orders are currently running approximately 29 weeks. Contact the team to confirm which sizes are on hand and whether a custom cut is needed.
Can GLASdek pads be cut to custom dimensions?
Yes. Premier Industries can cut GLASdek pads to non-standard dimensions on demand. Munters also lists custom widths, depths up to 24 inches, and custom heights on request, and pads can be cut to any divisor of the standard heights.
What is the difference between GLASdek and CELdek?
Both are structured media from Munters. CELdek is a cellulose pad used broadly across cooling and humidification, while GLASdek is the fire-rated option built from a flame-retardant, rigidified material. Choose GLASdek when your project requires a fire-rated pad, and CELdek when it does not.
Is TUFedg included on every GLASdek pad?
No. TUFedg is an optional coating applied to the face of the pad. It is non-porous and quick drying, so algae and minerals cannot anchor, and it allows the pad to be cleaned and scrubbed to extend service life. Ask for it when you request a quote.
What water flow rate does GLASdek require?
A common design guideline is 1.5 gallons per minute per square foot of horizontal (top) pad surface area. Installations with intense evaporation loads or pad walls taller than 72 inches may need more flow, and the gutter and sump should handle maximum flow without overflowing when the system shuts down.
Do GLASdek pads work in humid climates?
Evaporative cooling works best in hot, dry air. The U.S. Department of Energy advises against evaporative coolers in humid climates because they add humidity, so review local conditions before choosing evaporative cooling and GLASdek media for your facility.