When glass is being used in a structural capacity all of the bonding, between units and framework, must be done using a structural silicone.
The adhesion of the silicone will be continuously monitored and tested by Cantifix as the work progresses. In addition to this the stability of the surfaces being bonded together must also be tested and checked.
There are many critical stages in the application of structural silicone, such as the cleaning of the surfaces, that it should only be carried out by experienced and trained personnel. When it has been applied correctly it is an extremely strong bond, which is capable of resisting very high forces.
The thickness of a structural joint should not be less than 6mm wide and is most usually black to match the spacer in the double glazed unit.