Guide To Avoiding Glass Failure
Condition of Glazing Materials
When examining a window system, it is important to review and
determine the condition of the glazing materials. This should be from the interior and
exterior of the building. When the glazing materials are not functioning adequately or
have failed, the possibilities of thermal stress fracture and/or seal failure of
insulating glass are drastically increased. The site inspection should include close
examination to see if the glazing gaskets, sealants or tapes are of the type that are
shown on the drawings or as called out in specifications. When written documentation is
not available, the glazing materials should still be carefully observed to determine if
deterioration or lack of functionality is occurring. When sealants have lost adhesion to
joining material or show splitting and cracking, most likely the material is not doing the
specified job anymore. This can allow water into the frame or cause loss of thermal
isolation.
Gaskets and tapes can be disengaged or squeezed out of the
original position. This can cause glass-to-metal contact and allow a metal frame to be in
direct contact with glass which will worsen thermal stress conditions.
Check the dimensional thickness of the glazing material around
the perimeter of the frame for uniformity. Inconsistent glazing material will lead to
conditions of inadequate support, poor thermal isolation and can allow air and water
infiltration. Be aware that when the glazing materials fail it can usually lead to other
problems that either impact the glass performance immediately or in due time.
Guide
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