Tempered and laminated glass solve different risks. Tempering changes breakage behaviour and strength; lamination retains fragments/interlayers and can provide post-breakage retention depending on build-up.
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GLOBALTEK ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE HUB · ACTIVITY 18
Glass & Aluminium
Glazing and aluminium systems combine brittle glass, flexible seals, metal framing, anchors and building movement. Safety, edge clearances, drainage, structural deflection, thermal movement and hardware loads must be resolved as a system.
GUIDE MAP
Read the discipline visually, then go into the engineering detail.
Every image below is activity-specific. No repeated generic placeholder sheets are used in this guide.
01
System Overview
Glass and aluminium systems combine brittle glass panels with metal framing / hardware. Safety depends on selecting the correct glass type and support system, controlling edge clearances, allowing movement and using compatible gaskets / sealants.
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02
Engineering Fundamentals
Verify openings and supporting substrate before fabrication
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03
Execution Workflow
Measure finished structural / architectural opening and datum
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04
Technical Chapters
27 individual sub-activity drawings with discipline-specific notes and inspection controls.
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05
QA/QC
Glass make-up and thickness match approved shop drawings
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06
Failure Analysis
Ordering glass before final opening verification
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07
Maintenance
Clean with non-abrasive products suitable for coatings
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08
Standards & Brands
Project structural / safety glazing design requirements
Open section →01 · SYSTEM OVERVIEW
What this activity is
What this activity is
Glass and aluminium systems combine brittle glass panels with metal framing / hardware. Safety depends on selecting the correct glass type and support system, controlling edge clearances, allowing movement and using compatible gaskets / sealants.
What to expect
Expect glass dimensions to be finalized only after verified openings / shop drawings. Glass type, thickness, heat treatment, lamination, edge finish, holes and hardware must be confirmed before manufacture because many operations cannot be corrected after tempering.
01Verify openings and supporting substrate before fabrication
02Select glass type/thickness from safety and structural criteria
03Detail setting blocks, edge clearances, gaskets/sealants and drainage
04Coordinate anchors and perimeter movement
05Protect glass edges throughout transport/installation
06Adjust doors/hardware and water/air test where specified
02 · ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS
Understand why the system behaves the way it does.
01
Glass design depends on panel size/aspect ratio, support condition and design pressure; use the selected manufacturer/engineer calculation
02
Thermal movement ΔL = α × L × ΔT for aluminium and other materials; perimeter joints must accommodate movement
03
Sealant joint geometry and adhesion surfaces must follow the selected sealant manufacturer’s design
Do not rigidly trap glass edges. Setting blocks and clearances transfer weight correctly and allow frame/glass movement without edge contact.
Façade/shopfront water performance depends on pressure equalisation, drainage paths, seals and interfaces; cosmetic sealant over a poor drainage design is not a durable fix.
03 · EXECUTION WORKFLOW
Six progressive stages from preparation to verified handover.
Open any plate to read the full-resolution technical notes.
01Survey Shopdrawings
02Fabrication
03Anchors Frames
04Glazing Setting
05Gaskets Sealants Drainage
06Testing Handover
STAGE 01
Survey Shopdrawings
Measure finished structural / architectural opening and datum
Engineering intent
Annealed, heat-strengthened, tempered or laminated selected by risk and design
Inspection / hold point
Glass make-up and thickness match approved shop drawings
Best practice
Never site-modify tempered glass
Failure to avoid
Ordering glass before final opening verification
Handover / maintenance
Clean with non-abrasive products suitable for coatings
STAGE 02
Fabrication
Confirm glass make-up, panel sizes, joints, hardware, frame and interfaces
Engineering intent
Based on panel size, support, load and hardware system—not appearance
Inspection / hold point
Edges / holes / cut-outs are correct and undamaged
Best practice
Use setting blocks and gaskets from the approved glazing system
Failure to avoid
Glass edge touching metal / tile / stone
Handover / maintenance
Adjust door pivots / closers when alignment begins to change
STAGE 03
Anchors Frames
Cut / drill / polish before tempering; laminate / finish as specified
Engineering intent
Prevent glass-to-metal hard contact using setting blocks / gaskets
Inspection / hold point
Frames are plumb, level and securely anchored
Best practice
Protect glass from weld / grinding sparks
Failure to avoid
Drilling or grinding tempered glass on site
Handover / maintenance
Inspect sealants and gaskets for shrinkage / damage
STAGE 04
Glazing Setting
Set plumb / level frames, channels and anchors
Engineering intent
Finalize before tempering; maintain manufacturer minimum edge distances
Inspection / hold point
Glass has correct setting blocks / clearances
Best practice
Coordinate door hardware with floor / ceiling structure
Failure to avoid
Using incompatible sealant
Handover / maintenance
Do not hang loads or signage on glass without designed fixings
STAGE 05
Gaskets Sealants Drainage
Install setting blocks, gaskets, glass and hardware without hard contact
Engineering intent
Use compatible structural / weather / sanitary sealant for the application
Inspection / hold point
Door hardware operates smoothly and closes / latches correctly
Best practice
Check sealant compatibility with laminated interlayers and coatings
Failure to avoid
Undersized hardware for heavy doors
Handover / maintenance
Protect edges during adjacent maintenance works
STAGE 06
Testing Handover
Align doors, locks / closers, clean glass and issue care / hardware information
Engineering intent
Plumb / level opening and allow glass installation clearance
Inspection / hold point
Sealant / gaskets are continuous and neat
Best practice
Use templates / jigs for repetitive hardware alignment
Failure to avoid
Allowing construction sparks to permanently pit glazing
Handover / maintenance
Replace cracked / chipped safety glass after specialist assessment
04 · TECHNICAL CHAPTERS
27 detailed sub-activities for Glass & Aluminium.
The file naming and page mapping are one-to-one: each technical subject has its own individual high-resolution image.
01Safety Glass02Tempered Heat Treated03Laminated Glass04Insulated Glass Units05Low E Solar Control06U-value SHGC07Aluminium Profiles08Thermal Break Frames09Curtain Wall10Shopfronts11Windows12Glazed Doors13Frameless Partitions14Shower Enclosures15Balustrades Handrails16Setting Blocks Clearances17Gaskets Weatherseals18Structural Silicone19Weather Sealants20Drainage Weep Holes21Anchors Brackets22Wind Load Deflection23Acoustic Glazing24Fire Rated Glazing25Aluminium Finishes26Hardware Fittings27Site Survey Tolerances
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 01
Safety Glass
Safety Glass: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for safety glass before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Glass make-up and thickness match approved shop drawings
Failure to avoid
Ordering glass before final opening verification
Maintenance / long-term performance
Clean with non-abrasive products suitable for coatings
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 02
Tempered Heat Treated
Tempered Heat Treated: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for tempered heat treated before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Edges / holes / cut-outs are correct and undamaged
Failure to avoid
Glass edge touching metal / tile / stone
Maintenance / long-term performance
Adjust door pivots / closers when alignment begins to change
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 03
Laminated Glass
Laminated Glass: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for laminated glass before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Frames are plumb, level and securely anchored
Failure to avoid
Drilling or grinding tempered glass on site
Maintenance / long-term performance
Inspect sealants and gaskets for shrinkage / damage
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 04
Insulated Glass Units
Insulated Glass Units: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for insulated glass units before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Glass has correct setting blocks / clearances
Failure to avoid
Using incompatible sealant
Maintenance / long-term performance
Do not hang loads or signage on glass without designed fixings
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 05
Low E Solar Control
Low E Solar Control: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for low e solar control before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Door hardware operates smoothly and closes / latches correctly
Failure to avoid
Undersized hardware for heavy doors
Maintenance / long-term performance
Protect edges during adjacent maintenance works
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 06
U-value SHGC
U-value SHGC: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for u-value shgc before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Sealant / gaskets are continuous and neat
Failure to avoid
Allowing construction sparks to permanently pit glazing
Maintenance / long-term performance
Replace cracked / chipped safety glass after specialist assessment
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 07
Aluminium Profiles
Aluminium Profiles: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for aluminium profiles before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Glass make-up and thickness match approved shop drawings
Failure to avoid
Ordering glass before final opening verification
Maintenance / long-term performance
Clean with non-abrasive products suitable for coatings
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 08
Thermal Break Frames
Thermal Break Frames: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for thermal break frames before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Edges / holes / cut-outs are correct and undamaged
Failure to avoid
Glass edge touching metal / tile / stone
Maintenance / long-term performance
Adjust door pivots / closers when alignment begins to change
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 09
Curtain Wall
Curtain Wall: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for curtain wall before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Frames are plumb, level and securely anchored
Failure to avoid
Drilling or grinding tempered glass on site
Maintenance / long-term performance
Inspect sealants and gaskets for shrinkage / damage
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 10
Shopfronts
Shopfronts: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for shopfronts before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Glass has correct setting blocks / clearances
Failure to avoid
Using incompatible sealant
Maintenance / long-term performance
Do not hang loads or signage on glass without designed fixings
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 11
Windows
Windows: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for windows before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Door hardware operates smoothly and closes / latches correctly
Failure to avoid
Undersized hardware for heavy doors
Maintenance / long-term performance
Protect edges during adjacent maintenance works
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 12
Glazed Doors
Glazed Doors: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for glazed doors before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Sealant / gaskets are continuous and neat
Failure to avoid
Allowing construction sparks to permanently pit glazing
Maintenance / long-term performance
Replace cracked / chipped safety glass after specialist assessment
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 13
Frameless Partitions
Frameless Partitions: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for frameless partitions before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Glass make-up and thickness match approved shop drawings
Failure to avoid
Ordering glass before final opening verification
Maintenance / long-term performance
Clean with non-abrasive products suitable for coatings
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 14
Shower Enclosures
Shower Enclosures: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for shower enclosures before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Edges / holes / cut-outs are correct and undamaged
Failure to avoid
Glass edge touching metal / tile / stone
Maintenance / long-term performance
Adjust door pivots / closers when alignment begins to change
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 15
Balustrades Handrails
Balustrades Handrails: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for balustrades handrails before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Frames are plumb, level and securely anchored
Failure to avoid
Drilling or grinding tempered glass on site
Maintenance / long-term performance
Inspect sealants and gaskets for shrinkage / damage
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 16
Setting Blocks Clearances
Setting Blocks Clearances: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for setting blocks clearances before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Glass has correct setting blocks / clearances
Failure to avoid
Using incompatible sealant
Maintenance / long-term performance
Do not hang loads or signage on glass without designed fixings
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 17
Gaskets Weatherseals
Gaskets Weatherseals: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for gaskets weatherseals before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Door hardware operates smoothly and closes / latches correctly
Failure to avoid
Undersized hardware for heavy doors
Maintenance / long-term performance
Protect edges during adjacent maintenance works
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 18
Structural Silicone
Structural Silicone: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for structural silicone before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Sealant / gaskets are continuous and neat
Failure to avoid
Allowing construction sparks to permanently pit glazing
Maintenance / long-term performance
Replace cracked / chipped safety glass after specialist assessment
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 19
Weather Sealants
Weather Sealants: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for weather sealants before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Glass make-up and thickness match approved shop drawings
Failure to avoid
Ordering glass before final opening verification
Maintenance / long-term performance
Clean with non-abrasive products suitable for coatings
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 20
Drainage Weep Holes
Drainage Weep Holes: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for drainage weep holes before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Edges / holes / cut-outs are correct and undamaged
Failure to avoid
Glass edge touching metal / tile / stone
Maintenance / long-term performance
Adjust door pivots / closers when alignment begins to change
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 21
Anchors Brackets
Anchors Brackets: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for anchors brackets before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Frames are plumb, level and securely anchored
Failure to avoid
Drilling or grinding tempered glass on site
Maintenance / long-term performance
Inspect sealants and gaskets for shrinkage / damage
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 22
Wind Load Deflection
Wind Load Deflection: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for wind load deflection before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Glass has correct setting blocks / clearances
Failure to avoid
Using incompatible sealant
Maintenance / long-term performance
Do not hang loads or signage on glass without designed fixings
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 23
Acoustic Glazing
Acoustic Glazing: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for acoustic glazing before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Door hardware operates smoothly and closes / latches correctly
Failure to avoid
Undersized hardware for heavy doors
Maintenance / long-term performance
Protect edges during adjacent maintenance works
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 24
Fire Rated Glazing
Fire Rated Glazing: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for fire rated glazing before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Sealant / gaskets are continuous and neat
Failure to avoid
Allowing construction sparks to permanently pit glazing
Maintenance / long-term performance
Replace cracked / chipped safety glass after specialist assessment
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 25
Aluminium Finishes
Aluminium Finishes: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for aluminium finishes before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Glass make-up and thickness match approved shop drawings
Failure to avoid
Ordering glass before final opening verification
Maintenance / long-term performance
Clean with non-abrasive products suitable for coatings
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 26
Hardware Fittings
Hardware Fittings: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for hardware fittings before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Edges / holes / cut-outs are correct and undamaged
Failure to avoid
Glass edge touching metal / tile / stone
Maintenance / long-term performance
Adjust door pivots / closers when alignment begins to change
TECHNICAL CHAPTER 27
Site Survey Tolerances
Site Survey Tolerances: Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Design intent
Define the performance and construction intent for site survey tolerances before fabrication or installation. Read the drawing together with the approved project specification, manufacturer data and adjoining details.
Coordination
Coordinate glass make-up, aluminium profiles, wind/thermal/acoustic performance, setting blocks, gaskets, structural/weather seals, anchors, drainage, movement, hardware and testing.
Inspection / QA
Frames are plumb, level and securely anchored
Failure to avoid
Drilling or grinding tempered glass on site
Maintenance / long-term performance
Inspect sealants and gaskets for shrinkage / damage
05 · QA/QC
Inspect before concealment and before handover.
01Glass make-up and thickness match approved shop drawings
02Edges / holes / cut-outs are correct and undamaged
03Frames are plumb, level and securely anchored
04Glass has correct setting blocks / clearances
05Door hardware operates smoothly and closes / latches correctly
06Sealant / gaskets are continuous and neat
06 · COMMON FAILURES
Recognise the failure mechanism—not only the visible defect.
Failures to avoid
×Ordering glass before final opening verification
×Glass edge touching metal / tile / stone
×Drilling or grinding tempered glass on site
×Using incompatible sealant
×Undersized hardware for heavy doors
×Allowing construction sparks to permanently pit glazing
07 · MAINTENANCE & AFTERCARE
Design for access, repair and long-term performance.
Maintenance controls
✓Clean with non-abrasive products suitable for coatings
✓Adjust door pivots / closers when alignment begins to change
✓Inspect sealants and gaskets for shrinkage / damage
✓Do not hang loads or signage on glass without designed fixings
✓Protect edges during adjacent maintenance works
✓Replace cracked / chipped safety glass after specialist assessment
08 · STANDARDS & MANUFACTURER REFERENCES
Use the latest approved project documents and tested systems.
• Project structural / safety glazing design requirements
• Relevant EN / ASTM / BS glass standards referenced by specification
• Local authority / building requirements for safety glazing / guards where applicable
• Manufacturer tested hardware load / glass-thickness requirements
• Approved sealants compatible with glass coating / interlayer / frame finish
• Project wind / barrier / impact criteria where applicable
Technical guidance is educational and indicative. Final design, dimensions, materials, installation details and acceptance criteria must follow the approved project documents, manufacturer instructions and the latest requirements of the relevant UAE authority, landlord, consultant and specialist engineer.
09 · COMPLETE IMAGE LIBRARY
40 high-resolution visuals assigned to this activity.
Each file remains separate and is mapped directly to its relevant section. Click any image to inspect it at full resolution.
HeroOverviewFundamentalsQA/QCFailuresMaintenanceStandards & Brands Stage 01 · Survey ShopdrawingsStage 02 · FabricationStage 03 · Anchors FramesStage 04 · Glazing SettingStage 05 · Gaskets Sealants DrainageStage 06 · Testing Handover 01 · Safety Glass02 · Tempered Heat Treated03 · Laminated Glass04 · Insulated Glass Units05 · Low E Solar Control06 · U-value SHGC07 · Aluminium Profiles08 · Thermal Break Frames09 · Curtain Wall10 · Shopfronts11 · Windows12 · Glazed Doors13 · Frameless Partitions14 · Shower Enclosures15 · Balustrades Handrails16 · Setting Blocks Clearances17 · Gaskets Weatherseals18 · Structural Silicone19 · Weather Sealants20 · Drainage Weep Holes21 · Anchors Brackets22 · Wind Load Deflection23 · Acoustic Glazing24 · Fire Rated Glazing25 · Aluminium Finishes26 · Hardware Fittings27 · Site Survey Tolerances