Difference Between 2-Sided Structural & 4-Sided Structural Glazing With Opaci-Coat Spandrel Products

Most are aware that there is a glazing method called structural glazing. There are many who do not realize there are two types of structural glazing, two-sided and four-sided. In general, structural glazing is where two or more sides of a glass unit are held in a building by sealants approved to be used to provide strength in holding the glass.

In two-sided structural glazing, two sides of the unit are held mechanically while the other two are held by applying a structural sealant (remember, not all sealants are approved to be structural sealants). In four-sided structural glazing, all four sides of the unit are held in the building via the sealant.

In both cases, each sealant manufacturer recommends having the drawings of the project approved via a "Project Review." This is quite critical for architects and contractors to ensure the review has been done. The type of sealant used, ways of mechanically fastening, and compatibility between sealants and other components must be checked and approved.

One note on compatibility, it is important that everyone knows that compatibility is usually a product to product test and not a complete test and approval of all components in the glazing. A complete approval can be sought and in going through a project review on either two-sided or four-sided can lead to a complete compatibility check. Knowing if it is being done is so very important. Why? Because not all sealants play well together, nor do other components in glazing with each other.

OPACI-COAT-300® is only approved for two-sided structural glazing. A plan review must be submitted to ICD and the sealant manufacturer, for final approval, before any warranties will be applied. The process is simple, and we have a team of people who are very good at reviewing plans and ensuring project success. For over 30 years OPACI-COAT-300® has been an outstanding two-sided structural glazing choice.

So, get out there, decide on your color of choice, submit plan review and begin your product use journey! Use OPACI-COAT-300® on your 2-sided structural glazing projects and have zero cares when approved.

3 Reasons Why You Should Use OPACI-COAT-300® For 2-Sided Structural Glazing

1. When applied at 13 mils on 6mm tempered glass, you gain fallout protection in case of breakage.
2. OPACI-COAT-300® does not weaken glass.
3. Virtually unlimited colors available.