Large Glass: An Evolving Choice for Quality, Stunning Facades and Interiors

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Sponsored by the National Glass Association

By Jessica Jarrard

SUCCESS WITH LARGE GLASS

Of Glass Magazine’s Top Glass Fabricators, 64% fabricated jumbo glass in 2020 and 38% of fenestration manufacturers plan to focus on larger windows and doors in 2021. (Window + Door Magazine’s Top Manufacturers Report)

This is because there is an increase in demand for all-glass design architecture in both indoor and outdoor applications. In both residential and commercial settings, all glass balconies and railings and/or large bi-folding or sliding doors can easily open up a space or transform indoor/outdoor square footage into another space to enjoy. Large glass installations are also being specified in modern shower enclosures, in both walk-in applications and in applications with sliding doors.

Specify New Generation Glazing Systems

New generation, high-quality glazing systems help ensure successful specifications and installations of large glass applications. Hardware plays a vital role in allowing glass panels to grow in scale. Occupants rely on this hardware and its effectiveness to operate large systems.

How does the industry manage larger glass sizes while also providing smaller, more discreet hardware that meets ever-changing building code requirements? Technology advancements in new generation door and wall glazing systems provide increased functionality while also being able to carry heavier loads, addressing acoustical concerns, and providing beautiful aesthetics.

When specifying the systems, look for hardware that Is minimalistic, but structurally sound and tested. You can also partner with a custom designer and develop a glazing system that is tailored to fit the project’s specific needs. Large bottom rollers are one discreet option that can be used in heavy sliding doors, and luxury shower door hinges can be used to carry higher loads. Involve a structural engineer for any systems that need additional testing.

Glaziers provide value to installations because they have the knowledge and experience to accommodate larger glass and to explore new opportunities.

Rethinking Installations

In many cases, installations need to be reconsidered with larger glass sizes. Glaziers, architects, and installers must consider hardware from the very beginning. Size and weight must be considered in all cases. For example, will the selected hardware support a 200-pound glass lite? Does a floor closer or hydraulic hinge also need to be considered?

In addition to hardware, large, heavy-duty suction cups are very important, especially when installing tempered glass that can weigh nearly 7 pounds per square foot. Size and weight help determine the right suction cups to use rather than relying on manpower and training to move large, heavy pieces. Professionals can select and take courses through The Door and Hardware Institute to ensure all personnel are trained.

Another alternative is to specify and install unitized, or prefabricated, systems and send them to a job site for easy installation. These installations often do not require additional onsite tools.

Ensuring Sustainability

As glass panels get larger, it’s only natural that glass will flex, which can have an impact on thermal properties and deflection. Energy efficiency and environmental concerns are still high priority when it comes to building codes, creating complexities for all-glass building designs. The National Glass Association’s 2020 update to the Heavy Glass Door Design Guide is a great resource, providing information on glass and hardware capabilities, and how they work together.

Preparing for the Future

As technology improves, we’ve seen glaziers consider thicker exterior glass to withstand wind loads. Adding framing or spacers can give the glass more rigidity and adding foam inside of thermal extrusions or a film on top of the glass can provide additional thermal support.

Testing has improved as well, including panic handles that can bend with a glass panel.

In future, we’ll also see more planning to include ADA compliance in both design and installation. Challenges will continue to arise and glass sizes continue to increase, however, glass industry partners keep innovating to ensure that glass remains a popular material in future building specifications.

AESTHETICS

Large glass is aesthetically pleasing in commercial and residential settings, both in exterior and interior applications. Choosing the appropriate glass for the setting, plus the coating, color or tint, allows architects flexibility and creative license to create stunning facades and inviting indoor spaces.

Exteriors

In exterior window and door applications, colored glass is not only decorative, but can also help with shading for occupants, especially in areas with direct sun exposure. Window tinting can be added to glass to lower visible light transmission (VLT).

Designers of large glass exteriors can specify impact-resistant glass to reduce glass breakage, thus protecting occupants in the event of adverse weather and/or forced entry situations.

Interiors

Large glass is not just for exterior windows and doors. It can also be specified and installed in various indoor applications.

Room Dividers and Walls

In large commercial buildings, there are often spaces that do not have access to an outside wall and, therefore, do not have direct access to natural light. Large glass room dividers and walls offer a modern appearance in both commercial and residential settings while allowing occupants to see into multiple spaces and have access to natural light.

Access to natural light can lower energy bills by reducing the need for extra lighting in interior spaces. It also improves occupant health, especially in office settings, by providing personnel with adequate daylight throughout the day.

Large glass interior walls provide occupants with additional comforts by physically dividing spaces without visually closing them off, thus allowing each space to have its own climate control.

Additionally, large glass walls and dividers can be specified to protect occupants against pathogens and intruders. Large glass can be tested and certified as safety glass for installation in areas subject to accidental human impact.

Skylights and Ceilings

Large glass skylights and ceilings can transform a space, providing natural sunlight and a unique facade. Large glass panels must be fully supported, but may require less framing, thus not adding any limitations to visibility or surface area.

This large glass application can be utilized in atriums and greenhouses as well as in residential settings. Large glass can be fabricated to be flat or curved and can be tinted to further enhance the interior and facade.