Types of Structural Glazing

All-Glass Glazing

• All-glass facades are only possible with a complicated network of steel supports and beams. These beams are generally only visible on the inside of the structure. From the outside, only the glass and a fine line of shadow points are visible. Builders can choose non-transparent glass to ensure that outside viewers cannot see the inside network of steel. This type of glazing uses different colors of glass including yellow, blue or green. Builders used this type of structural glazing to make the Museum of Natural History's Rose Hall in New York City. This type of structural glazing is sometimes referred to as float glass because the glass appears to float on the structure.

Mirror Glazing

• Some architects use mirror rather than transparent windows to glaze the surface of their structure. These mirrors are often less reflective than the mirrors in your home. This is done to limit the reflection of the sun, which could cause safety issues. Less reflective surfaces can also reduce the structure's energy consumption caused by overheating. Architects can use a variety of colored mirrors such as yellow, blue or silver. Inside a structure, mirror glazed walls are commonly found in dance halls and gyms.

Silicone Structural Glazing

• Silicone structural glazing is a process by which glaziers attach a piece of glass or plastic to the structure with silicone. This transfers the impact pressure from wind, heat and cold from the glass through the silicone and to the frame of the structure. Only certain varieties of silicone have suitable adhesive and cohesive properties to supply this bond. In some cases, builders can use structural glazing tape in lieu of silicone as a bonding agent. This type of glazing requires less steel framework and results in a more transparent look.