Technical instructions for the use and installation of glazing

Glass pane wedges may be divided into two main groups:
– supporting/ laying wedges, used to transfer the weight of the glass to the frame;
– positioning/ wedging, without significant load bearing, used to keep the window panes in position, while ensuring there is no contact with the frame (avoiding thermal shock).
These wedges are held in place by gluing them to the inside of the frame. Consider the compatibility between the adhesive and the secondary glazing sealing system.
– All the compatibility between the elements that come in contact will be checked by the installer (e.g. secondary glazing sealant, track, gaskets, adhesives etc.). In sliding systems, all the weight of the moving leaves must be unloaded on the rollers. For this reason, at the lower part of the sash, above the rollers, the supporting tracks are fixed, which will take the weight of the glass. In order to secure the glass against violent uses, fixing wedges are mounted on the perimeter of the sash to prevent the profile from bending. When locking the leaves, it is recommended to install a fastening wedge in the area of the closing point as well.

The procedure for assembly the sliding sashes is as follows:
– assemble the fixed glazing by clipping the rods, starting with the shorter sides and ending with the longer ones, by hitting with a rubber hammer, from the middle to the corners. Any deformations that appear on the sides or long uprights following the clipping of the rods must be removed;
– the sashes are installed and the corresponding glazing are installed in them (in conditions similar to those presented for the fixed ones) and the adjustments necessary for good operation are made;
– re-check the positioning of the carpentry in all planes, mounting elevations, verticality and fix all moving parts in the closed position.

• Assembly the glass panes on walls

The use of protective gloves and protective equipment is recommended. There are two techniques for mounting lacquered glass or mirror panels on the walls: – the fixing method using adhesives: tile adhesives, silicone adhesive, double-sided tape – the mechanical method, using fixing screws, clamps or the direct fixing of the glass on a frame

Fixing method by gluing

General recommendations:

After choosing the fixing method, you must use the most suitable adhesive for the type of glass you are mounting (with or without safety foil on the back).

To ensure compatibility between glass, film coating and adhesives, it is advisable to ask the material suppliers; it is advisable to test the product before use. The amount of adhesive required will depend on the type of adhesive and the weight of the glass panes. The table below shows the specific weights per m2 corresponding to the different glass thickness:

The capacity of the substrate to take over the stresses given by the glass pane must also be tested. If the wall is covered with washable paint, make sure it has good adhesion to the wall. The use of a primer is recommended.

a)Tile adhesive:

This type of adhesive can be used with the lacquered or mirror glass varieties, but not with the safety film versions of these glass panels. Tile adhesives come both as a cement-based powder and as a dispersion-based adhesive.

Cement based adhesive should be used in areas where fire prevention rules apply. Tile adhesives should be applied evenly to both the support surface and the back of the glass pane (especially at the edges).

Before starting work, read the instructions for use provided by the adhesive manufacturer – especially on the amount of adhesive to be applied per m2.

b)Silicone:

Silicone adhesive can be used for most types of lacquered glass and mirrors, but the silicone must be a neutral type.

Acid silicone should not be used for gluing lacquered glass or mirrors. Silicone adhesive should be applied in vertical strips to allow the discharge of water in case of possible condensation on the back of the glass.

Never apply horizontal silicone strips or in any other form than vertical strips. Before starting work, read the recommendations for use provided by the supplier of the silicone adhesive (especially regarding the amount to be used per m2).

In general, for film coated glass, a primer should be applied. Please refer to the drying times for each type of silicone adhesive (which varies from one brand to another).

The glass should be supported until the silicone adhesive hardens and can take over the weight of the pane.

The lacquered glass panes and mirrors may be temporarily fixed, until the adhesive hardens, using adhesive tape.

1. c) Joints:

Sealing joints prevent water ingress behind glass panes and are absolutely vital for highly humid environments. The joints must be at least 3 mm thick.

The compatibility between the sealant and the paint or coating on the back of the glass must be checked.

Fixing by mechanical joints

1. On frames

If you use frames to fix glass, be aware of the following:
– use locking elements and spacers to avoid contact between the glass and the frame,
– avoid contact between the glass panes and hard or brittle materials such as metal or porcelain.

This type of mounting is recommended for ceilings (mandatory to be used in safety versions)

1. Fixing with metal clips

If you use metal clips to fix glass, be aware of the following:
– insert a foam spacer between the clip and the glass
– avoid contact between the glass and hard or brittle materials such as metal or porcelain