5.1 The old saying “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” is very applicable to a SSG system. In reality, a SSG system, to be successful, must establish and maintain a chain of adhesion. For example, a factory applied finish must adhere adequately to a metal framing member, a structural glazing sealant to that metal finish, that structural glazing sealant to a reflective coating on a glass lite, and lastly, that reflective coating to a glass surface. This guide will assist in the identification and development of, among others, performance criteria, test methods, and industry practices that should be implemented to obtain the required structural glazing sealant adhesion and compatibility with other system components.

5.2 Although this guide has been arranged to permit easy access to specific areas of interest, it is highly recommended that the entire guide is read and understood before establishing the requirements for a particular SSG system.

5.3 This guide should not be the only criteria upon which the design and installation of a SSG system is based. The information herein is provided to assist in the development of a specific program with a goal of achieving a successful SSG system installation. Information and guidelines are provided for the evaluation, design, installation, and maintenance of a SSG system and many of its various components. Considering the range of properties of structural glazing silicone sealants, as well as the many types of framing system designs, material combinations that can be used, various material finishes, and the many types and varieties of accessories, the information contained herein is general in nature.

5.4 Generally, the design, fabrication, and installation of a SSG system requires more technical knowledge and experience then is required for a conventionally glazed window or curtain wall system. To ensure the success of a SSG system, it is important that suppliers, fabricators, and installers of materials and components have a sound knowledge of SSG system requirements and become involved in the design and planning for each application. Suppliers of, among others, sealants, framing finishes, glazing materials and components, and various accessories should review and agree with the developed SSG system plans, requirements, and quality control program.

5.5 The results of not planning for and implementing quality control programs during at least the design, testing, fabrication, and installation phases of a SSG system's development can result in less than desirable results, which can include nuisance air or water leakage or catastrophic failure where life safety of the public can be at risk (1, 2).8

1.1 Structural sealant glazing, hereinafter referred to as SSG, is an application where a sealant not only can function as a barrier against the passage of air and water through a building envelope, but also primarily provides structural support and attachment of glazing or other components to a window, curtain wall, or other framing system.

1.2 This guide provides information useful to design professionals, manufacturers, contractors, and others for the design and installation of a SSG system. This information is applicable only to this glazing method when used for a building wall that is not more than 15° from vertical; however, limited information is included concerning a sloped SSG application.

1.3 Only a silicone chemically curing sealant specifically formulated, tested, and marketed for structural sealant glazing is acceptable for a SSG system application.

1.4 The committee with jurisdiction for this standard is not aware of any comparable standard published by other organizations.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard. SI units in this guide are in conformance with IEEE/ASTM SI 10.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 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.