Consolidated Glass Corporation

Product Summary - Laminated Architectural Glass

Description – Laminated Architectural Safety Glass consists of two or more panes of glass bonded together by tough, durable plastic (polyvinyl butyral pvb) interlayer(s).  When broken by impact, laminated architectural glass tends to remain integral in its frame, minimizing the risk of injury from sharp edges and flying or falling glass particles, and strongly resists penetration by the impacting object or person.

Application – The use of Laminated Architectural Glass minimizes the risk of injury from glass breakage or accidental impact.  Typical applications include residential windows, doors, sliding doors, roof windows and skylights, shower and bath doors and enclosures along with intruder, hurricane and blast resistance, and commercial applications including railings, elevators, exterior curtain walls, office partitions, schools, sports stadiums, airports, hotels, and factories.  Laminated Glass resists fall-out in an earthquake, hurricane, or bomb blast, controls unwanted noise, and helps reduce fading from harmful ultraviolet radiation.  For improved thermal and acoustical performance, laminated glass can be combined into insulating glass units.

Limitations – The glazing contractor/installer is responsible for conducting appropriate sealant compatibility tests prior to use when installing laminated glass.  Generally all sealants have shown incompatibility with the PVB interlayer(s) to varying degrees which cause edge delamination.  Some of these sealants are polysulfides, silicones, butyl or polybutal tapes, and polyurethanes.  It should be noted that the best results are obtained with an autoclaved edge, and field cutting should be avoided to minimize edge defects.  Glazing guidelines, such as those presented in the Glass Association of North America (formerly FGMA) Glazing Manual should be followed to minimize installation problems.  Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 140 degrees F, water, water vapor, solvents, or solvent vapors may cause delamination .  Weep system must be used for all installations, both exterior and interior.

Composition & Methods – Comprised of two or more panes of glass and one or more interlayers of PVB bonded together under heat and pressure.  Annealed, tempered, heat strengthened float or pattern ceramic fritted, wired, tinted, reflective glasses, one-way or transparent mirrors and can be incorporated into the laminated glass.

Technical Conformances – Applicable standards:  The Consumer Product Safety Commission federal standard 16 CFR 1201 regulates the use of glass and glass products in specified locations, such as doors, sidelights, and shower enclosures.  The standard establishes a test method and two levels of performance.  Category 1 glazing must withstand one 150 foot pound impact produced by impacting the Glazing material with 100-pound shot bag from a vertical height of 18 inches or break upon impact in an acceptable pattern as defined in the standard.  Category II glazing must withstand one 400 footpound impact.  CPSC 16 CFR 1201 has been adopted by reference by the three model building codes and the One and Two Family Dwelling Code.  These sections and other safety and quality standards are noted below.

Care & Maintenance – Clean with a soft, grit free cloth, mild soap, detergent, or slightly acidic cleaning solution.  Rinse immediately with water and promptly remove excess rinse water with a clean squeegee.  Avoid application of strong solvents.

Installation – Install on 80-90 Shore A durometer with a minimum thickness of ¼” (6.0 mm) setting blocks, not less than 6 inches long, placed at the quarter points.  Incorporate a weep system into all glazing systems, both exterior and interior.  Setting blocks should not interfere with the proper operation of the “Weep System”.  Verify sealant compatibility by the sealant supplier.  Provide for minimum face and edge clearance, as well as nominal bite.  Make proper allowance for glass, metal and erection tolerance, plus expansion and contraction.

Laminated Glass shall meet the current requirements of the ASTM C-1172 ”Standard Specification for Laminated Architectural Float Glass.”  This product is classified by the Glass Industry for use in “Safety Glazing Applications” and the Laminated Glass shall comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission 16 CFR 1201 and the Safety Glass requirements of ANSI Z97.1 (current editions).  The glass substrate of the Laminated Glass shall conform to the current and appropriate ASTM Standard for Float and Pattern Heat Strengthened or Tempered glass specifications