What Is Glazing In Construction? Types Of Glazing Methods
What Is Glazing In Construction
Glazing is an important part of the construction process, as it involves the installation of glass within a building’s windows, doors, or any other fixed openings. This can include the entire project and all the pieces of glass within it, or a specific piece such as the sash or frame.
Depending on the situation, glazing can be referred to in different ways – whether that is referencing an individual piece of glass or a larger project which may involve many pieces.
With proper glazing techniques such as weatherproofing and correct mounting methods, buildings can not only look great but also stay safe and secure for years to come.
Types Of Glazing Methods
Glazing is an important aspect of building construction, and there are several methods to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Dry glazing involves using rubber gaskets or structural tapes to compress the glazing element in place. The panels are then installed from the interior or exterior depending on the system used.
Wet glazing involves applying an adhering agent such as structural silicone, to the aluminum frame before the window panel is installed. This creates a bond between the panel and the frame, but the work must be done inside where dust is minimized to prevent the adhesive from not working effectively.
The pointed support glass system has been used since the 1960s with some adjustments over time. Tempered glass with holes is used to attach bolts through, but this method can obstruct the view with bolts and is not visually appealing.
The cable net method is an expensive and time-consuming glazing method, but it offers a luxurious look and amazing views.
The double skin wall is a complex glazing method that involves two layers of glass or facade using the energy from the sun to create warm air that is ventilated throughout the building.
Types Of Glazing
Glazing refers to the process of making windows or doors by fitting them with glass. There are different types of glass that can be used in glazing, each with its own unique properties and advantages.
Float glass is created by floating molten glass on a sheet of tin, resulting in a large and thin flat panel with a consistent thickness.
Annealed glass is created by slowly cooling the float glass, reducing the internal stress and making the glass stronger. However, if it breaks, it shatters into large and dangerous jagged pieces.
Heat strengthened glass is annealed glass that has been reheated to a high temperature and cooled down slowly, resulting in a glass that is twice as strong as annealed glass. To prevent injuries, it may still need to be laminated. Fully tempered glass is created by quickly cooling annealed glass, which makes it four times as strong as annealed glass. This type of glass is often used as safety glass as it shatters into small pieces.
Laminated glass is created by fusing two or more layers of glass together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral, making the glass more resistant to breaking. Wired glass uses a wire mesh between the layers of glass to keep them together, and is often considered fire resistant.
Low emissivity glass, also known as low-e glass, has a coating of tin or silver that reflects long wave infra-red radiation, helping to keep the building temperature consistent. Self-cleaning glass has a transparent coating that reacts to sunlight, breaking down any dirt on the outside of the window, which is then washed away during rain.
What Is The Purpose Of Glazing?
Glazing is an important part of maintaining the integrity of older window sashes and serves a dual purpose. By using glazing compound, air drafts can be prevented from penetrating the space between the glass and sash while also providing an effective sealant to hold the glass in place.
This can help improve energy efficiency by holding more heat or cold inside reducing energy costs in the winter and summer. Glazing compound is not typically needed for modern windows due to more advanced design elements that prevent drafts without having to create a seal with a putty material.
