4.1 Guidelines are provided for the procedures to evaluate existing SSG installations, including two- and four-sided installations. Due to the unlimited range of materials that may be used in a particular building, the information contained in this guide is general in nature. For a discussion of new SSG installations, refer to Guide C1401.

4.2 Typical conditions are listed that might be discovered during, or suggest the need for, such evaluations. Guidelines are also suggested for times to perform evaluations. These guidelines are also necessarily general. Professional judgment of a qualified person should be used in determining the appropriate time to perform an evaluation on a particular building.

4.3 This guide should not be the only reference consulted when determining the scope of a proposed evaluation. For example, the local building code and the manufacturers' product literature for the actual materials used (if known) should also be considered.

4.4 This document is not a substitute for experience and judgment in assessing the condition of the specialized types of construction discussed.

1.1 The existing condition of SSG installations should be periodically evaluated in-situ to detect if problems exist, and if so found, to address them before they become severe or pervasive. Evaluation of existing SSG installations is required by certain building codes and local ordinances. This guide provides a program to evaluate the existing conditions, lists typical conditions that may exist, and suggests times when such evaluations are appropriate. Presently, only a silicone sealant that is specifically formulated, tested and marketed as a structural glazing sealant is allowed for structural sealant glazing. The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by any other organizations.

1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.