Hurricane Resistant StormGlass™

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® offers a comprehensive line of laminated glazing solutions including security glazing. The glass types listed below are included in the Laminated Glass offering. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® offers a variety of glass products to meet your architectural glazing design needs. Please contact Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® for product availability and performance data as this information is subject to change without notice.

Laminated architectural glass can be fabricated using various glass types, including low-e, clear, low-iron, tinted, reflective, patterned or wired glass to achieve desired aesthetics or to improve solar control and thermal performance. Mass pigmented and decorative interlayers can also be used to provide a wide range of effects.

For monolithic, laminated or insulating glass unit performance data, please go to SystemSelect^™, our on-line glass performance calculator.

The tables below include a selection of the most common colors available. For full details of the decorative interlayers including Vanceva^® Color, Pattern, Metallic and Image see the decorative section

Assistance Options:

1. Call toll-free, 866-653-2278.
2. Send e-mail to Technical Support.

These guidelines are to be used in addition to, and in conjunction with, the guidelines in the latest edition of the Glazing Manual published by the Glass Association of North America and Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® Glazing Instructions. These should be included as part of the glazing specifications. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in voiding of the warranty.

Setting Blocks

All laminated glass should be installed on setting blocks positioned on the lower edge at the quarter points. The setting block should have a Shore A durometer of 85±5, support the entire thickness of the glass and be 0.1″ long, per square foot of glazing, but not less than 4″ in length. Ensure that the setting blocks are manufactured from Santoprene, Silicone, EPDM or any other material compatible with silicone and the rest of the glazing components. Pay particular attention to compatibility when the laminated glass contains a polycarbonate.

Clearances

Adequate clearances must be maintained to prevent glass damage or breakage as a result of glass-to-metal contact. A minimum of a 1/8″ face clearance should be maintained using a cushioning material.

Edge Engagement

Edge engagement to be as specified by hurricane framing supplier. Clearances and setting block allowances are in addition to this engagement. Any reduction in this edge engagement can cause the performance of the product to be reduced.

Weep System

The edges of laminated glass must not be exposed to standing water. All framing systems must be designed to accommodate a reliable weep system, as no cap seal is 100% reliable. In addition, it is extremely important that any cleaning solutions used on either face of the glass be allowed to drain out of the frame. It is the responsibility of the designer and the installer to ensure that the weep system works correctly. Do not glaze any laminated glass in a system without adequate drainage.

Sealants and Caulking

An appropriate sealant should be used to seal the glazing to the frame. Sealant and caulking manufacturers regularly change their products’ raw materials. Therefore, it is essential that the installer checks with the appropriate manufacturer for compatibility of any product, before use. This is particularly important for security glazing containing polycarbonate, as some solvents used in sealants can cause crazing and ultimate failure of the product. This warning also applies to any varnishes, primers or paints used on the framing system. These finishes should be allowed to fully dry before glazing commences.

Storage

Shipments should be scheduled so that glass is stored on the site for a maximum of 30 days. If the glass is to be stored for longer than this, it should be removed from the construction site to a controlled environment. When on the site, store crates indoors and keep them dry. Ensure that the stored glass remains above the dew point at all times; otherwise, condensation and staining can occur. Protect the crates from exposure and possible damage from the practices of other construction trades.

Handling

Only remove the glass from the crates when it is ready to be installed. Remove glass from the front of the crate–never by sliding to the side. Never allow anything to rest against the glass. DO NOT install any glass that has been damaged, however slightly. Even small cracks at the edges can ultimately “run” due to thermal expansion while in service. Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope^® does not warrant glass breakage.

Cleaning

Do not expose the edges of any laminated glass to organic solvents, acids or any cleaner containing ammonia, which can react with the plastic components. Once the glazing is installed, the glazing contractor should ensure that the glazing is protected from possible damage caused by the construction practices of other trades. Take particular care during the initial cleaning, especially if the surfaces are severely soiled. Never attempt to remove dry deposits. NEVER use a sharp blade or scraper to remove deposits or clean the glass.

First flush with water to soften and remove as many contaminants as possible. Then use a clean squeegee to remove excess water, ensuring that abrasive deposits do not get trapped between the squeegee and the glass surface. Then use a mild nonabrasive, nonalkaline cleaner and a soft, grit-free cloth to clean the glass. Rinse immediately with water, removing excess water with a squeegee.

For routine cleaning, a mild soap or detergent, with lukewarm water, can be used with a clean, grit-free cloth. Dry the surface immediately and never allow metallic or hard objects, such as razor blades or scrapers, to come into contact with the glass.

*Notes: For hurricane-resistant glazing applications, StormGlass™ should be used as a component in a tested system. The actual glass thickness and the maximum size is determined by this system testing. When insulating glass is required, StormGlass™ should preferably be used as the inboard lite of the unit.

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The speeds of windborne debris and the peak wind pressures in tornadoes can, in many cases, be much higher than those specified in ASTM E1996. FEMA document specifies a 15 lb. wood 2×4 fired at 100 mph. This has approximately 14 times the energy of the large missile used in Wind Zone 4 of ASTM E1996. Glass and glazing designed and tested to resist hurricane-impact and cyclic pressure loads can, however give considerable resistance and protection against lower categories of tornadoes.