What to Consider When Specifying Architectural Glazing Systems
When specifying architectural glazing systems, architects must consider various factors. They must make sure that all building rules and regulations, such as those regulating energy efficiency and safety, are followed. It is necessary to address functional requirements like exposure to sunlight, heat control, sound insulation, privacy, and security. Considerations for the climate include things like solar exposure, wind loads, and condensation control. Low U-values and high solar heat gain coefficients should be prioritised in order to maximise energy efficiency. Aesthetics, safety, and noise insulation are all important. Architects must consider maintenance, longevity, cost, and supplier collaboration. Architects can make well-informed choices that satisfy the project’s requirements by taking these factors into account.
Glass Design and Specification
Glazing has many design choices to consider when specifiying architectural glazing systems. The most common design choice that is made first of all is the framing. Some projects may require no framing, or special coating framings or simply RAL colour framing. Depending on the desired outcome, these choices are carefully considered.
Glass size is also a highly important part of the specification process. Glazing can be made to nearly any size required in 99% of projects. The size of the glazing can change the way the frame or structure needs to be designed. If the glazing is at a size of 10ft high then the system could bend during installation and under heavy wind loads. This is why all glazing is hurricane tested. The size goes hand in hand with the thickness and colour of the glass. Depending on the climate, double or triple glazing will be specified. As well as this colour of the glass can be a very important factor when specifying architectural glazing systems. Low iron glass can be specified instead of clear glass which has a natural green tint/hue, if the viewing through the glass is of high importance this will be considered.
Glazing Performance
It is important to know that architectural glazing is not just installed and specified for looks and aesthetics. While that is of course a large factor, the most important things to design the glazing for are:
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and Low U-Values
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U-values of glazing go hand in hand. SHGC measures how well the glazing blocks heat caused by the sun, the goal is to have minimal SHGC for very small amounts of heat that transfers from the outside of the glass to the inside of the building. This ensures that the occupants are comfortable. A good SHGC rating also helps keep cold air inside the building which is cost effective for air-conditioned buildings. This then gives the glazing a u value which is a measurement of the thermal performance of the glass. IQ products achieve values of 1 or 1.1 (the lower number the better the performance).
Other factors can affect the glazing performance as well such as if the glass is double or triple glazed. Depending on the building needs the architect will specify if double or triple glazing is needed.
The Building
The main structure that the architectural glazing system is installed plays a huge role in making decisions about what glazing is needed.
One of the main factors that can lead to various decisions is the building orientation. The way the sun arcs across the sky means that depending on where the building is facing, it will get more or less direct sunlight. If the main façade is facing north the building will have direct sunlight all day. If facing south, then solar exposure throughout the day will be constant. And both east facing and west facing buildings will have direct sunlight at low angles in the morning/afternoon.
While specifying architectural glazing systems can be a technical nightmare, the visual impact and design is extremely important. During the sampling process various types of glazing with different specifications will be tested. Some glazing will be highly reflective and therefore needs to have a similar effect to a mirror, during the production process small imperfections could appear which is why it is important to test the glazing.
Specifying architectural glazing systems can be a long and difficult process. At IQ International our design team will work with architects to ensure that the glazing is perfect for its needs. Contact the team today to get your project started.