Architectural glass is one of the most important materials used in accomplishing the vision of today’s architectural design teams. Modern day construction calls for glass to perform major roles in thermal comfort as well as the control of natural daylight. Successfully taking the architect’s vision to the reality of an outstanding building requires protecting the glass through the construction process. 

As design professionals strive to meet building objectives for natural daylight, thermal comfort, safety and protection, as well as aesthetic appeal, today’s high-performance glass provides a multitude of options for glass strength, color tints, metal and metal oxide coatings, surface treatments, protective interlayers, and insulating unit constructions. Fabrication of sophisticated glass constructions requires careful attention to prevent surface or edge damage and proper packaging for delivery to commercial construction sites. Manufacturers and fabricators go to great lengths to protect the materials.

Site Storage
Commercial construction projects often require that cases of glass be delivered to the site and stored for installation at a later date. During storage, architectural glass is often exposed to a variety of conditions and influences that can affect product aesthetics and functionality adversely. Irreparable glass damage can occur from improper storage and handling, exposure to harmful chemicals and leaching agents, prolonged exposure to moisture, mechanical attack and breakage, damage related to adjacent construction activities and improper cleaning methods.

The complex nature of construction projects and site management requires well-planned and executed material delivery and storage to minimize the potential for site damage to architectural glass products. The Glass Association of North America (GANA) has published a glass information bulletin (Construction Site Protection of Architectural Glass, available for free download on the GANA website: www.glasswebsite.com) which includes the following list of recommended practices for site delivery and storage of glass products:

• Glass and glazing system suppliers should be consulted for specific recommendations for on-the-site storage, handling, installation and protection of their materials before any work is started.
  
• Glass deliveries should be coordinated to minimize onsite storage durations to the extent practical.
  
• Site storage should be under a roof and in areas that avoid direct rain and water runoff, work areas of other trades and high traffic, and that minimize movement and handling.
  
• Individual cases of glass should be secured, blocked and braced to prevent materials from falling or being knocked over.
  
• Secure, temporary covering that prevents direct water flow but ensures ventilation and combats condensation buildup should be provided.
  
• Stored materials should not be subjected to corrosive agents, such as concrete and masonry runoff and they should not be exposed to the activities of other trades such as welding, painting, insulating and fireproofing.
  
• A program should be established for daily inspection of stored glass and glazing materials to monitor conditions and ensure prompt corrective action when needed.

Post Installation 
During and after glass installation, all construction trades should be advised that irreparable glass damage can occur if the materials are exposed to welding, paint, plaster, sealants, fireproofing and alkali and chemical attack. Glazing contractors commonly request that the general contractor, architect or building owner inspect glazed materials on a daily basis. If harmful conditions are found, proper documentation should be recorded and, if possible, the glass should be promptly cleaned by a trained professional window cleaner.

Efforts to protect glass during construction will minimize the potential for damage, reduce construction cleanup costs and help ensure the building meets the vision of the design team and the building owners.

USG
© Copyright 2006 Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.