Structural Glazing

Product Details

Structural glazing is a building process where the glass itself supports parts of the structure. It is also used to describe glass that is bonded to either a supporting member or surrounding glass.
Glass has the same strength properties as aluminium and can therefore substitute aluminium in a structure. However in comparison to steel the glass will have to be thicker and wider.
If the span of a glass roof exceeds the capability of the glass itself (see SUPPORTED GLASS ROOFS), it will need to be supported on glass beams, curtain-walling sections or steel. The choice of which material to use would be based on aesthetics and cost.
The same applies to a structurally glazed vertical facade, where the thickness of the glass used will be dependent on the height of the panel and the loadings. If the height exceeds the maximum possible, then a supporting frame will have to be incorporated. Once again this can be glass, aluminium or steel.
All these alternatives will involve bonding the glass to the supporting structure. This bonding must be done under strict guidelines for it to be effective and the correct materials have to be used. Our framework, paint finish, cleaning materials and structural silicone are continually tested and all results are recorded. This is critical when the only thing stopping the glass from falling out is the integrity of this bond.