Knowledge Articles

All insulated glass units that are used as part of a structurally glazed façade system must be manufactured with a silicone secondary sealant that conforms to EOTA ETAG 002 and EN 15434. Silicone sealants have excellent resistance to ultra-violet light, meaning the energy from sunlight is insufficient to significantly break down the silicone polymers.

Sealants play a pivotal role in adding to glass capabilities and can provide added strength and value to complex glass creations. Structural silicone glazing is a technique of attaching glass to a metal frame using structural silicone sealants and gives the architectural design freedom for commercial building structures. However, choosing the right sealant and ensuring compatibility can affect the total outcome of the structural glazing system.

For every structurally glazed facade, it is critical to request project-specific substrate adhesion testing, in advance of any bonding taking place. Sika offer this service to support their customers.

For every structurally glazed project, calculations for bonding the glass to the subframe must be undertaken in advance of any production and installation work taking place. These calculations must be based on the information provided by the curtain walling façade contractor.

The Sika Bonding Excellence Platform is a free online, cloud-based project management tool that enables anyone to log and monitor all their own structural glazing façade projects, step by step throughout the whole project workflow. From the design stage to “pre-application” adhesion, compatibility testing to façade production with adhesive application and quality control.

Bonded windows can have a significant influence on a building’s thermal performance. It’s a simple, yet inspired method of insulation with proven energy-saving credentials – but how does it work?

Complex sustainable design is increasingly driving emerging new glass and glazing technologies.

It stimulates the eye and mind, it enhances well-being, is free and doesn’t require electricity. There is no denying that natural light is a fundamental element of contemporary architecture. From energy savings and improved occupant comfort to greater productivity in commercial applications, the positive effect of daylight is a widely acknowledged fact across the construction industry.

This year has seen events that have re-shaped the world we live in. The world around us has seen generational shifts, with rapid transformations in IT, and advances in technology. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) continues to move towards the heart of our construction industry in the UK. We understand that, for the offsite constructor, finding ways to increase PMV for the client, but keeping the manufacturing process as efficient as possible, can be challenging. We believe that it is the responsibility of key suppliers to assist this process, in whichever way possible. At Sika, we have the technology to support all areas of manufacture.

There is a great deal of conversation in the media relating to offsite construction, modular buildings and modern methods of construction - the success of this approach is key to the future success of our construction industry. The challenge for component or material suppliers is to be able to transfer their ideas and knowledge to the specifiers and manufacturers.

Façades are the most important part of a building. They can considerably affect the lighting, heating and ventilation and as a result they can account for up to 35% of a building’s overall build costs.