Types and features of glazing of building facades

We install facade glazing in Moscow using different methods of fixing translucent elements.

engages in the design, production and installation of aluminum facade glazing. Our production facilities are equipped with modern computerized equipment, which allows us to implement non-standard and unique architectural solutions. Installation work is carried out by certified high-level specialists, who have built dozens of translucent fences throughout Moscow and the region.

Purpose of façade glazing

The main purpose of facade glazing is to implement original architectural projects and give the building a stylish appearance. Even a multi-storey building with facade glazing looks light and airy, which is why glass facades are often used for any buildings in metropolitan areas to revitalize the overall infrastructure. Facade glazing is used for buildings for a wide variety of purposes. The main purpose of glazing is to add natural light to a room, expand it visually and turn an ordinary construction project into an architectural work of art.

Office real estate is a popular area for technology use. Facade glazing makes the room lighter and airier, and at the same time maintains coziness and comfort inside the room. In addition to their aesthetic appearance, these structures provide light penetration, reducing energy costs. If the bright light of the sun interferes, a mirror coating is used, thanks to which there will be light inside, but there will be no exposure to the sun.

Modern façade systems are made of durable glass that can withstand heavy loads and is resistant to the external environment. It is not subject to damage or mechanical shock, which makes the structure more reliable and durable.

Rice. 2. Purpose of facade glazing.

Cable-stayed

This is a version of spider glazing. They are distinguished only by nuances in the fastening system. The basis for the frame is a system of tension cables.

Cable-stayed glazing is more difficult to design. The difficulty of calculating the frame lies in the fact that it must hold the double-glazed window and withstand various types of loads.

Types of façade glazing structures

Façade systems can vary in type of construction. Glass can be installed in a profile or installed without it. Profileless systems are used only as decorative structures, since they do not have heat and sound insulation properties. Profiles can be made from various materials, mainly wood and aluminum. In addition to the material, there is a classification according to the level of thermal protection. This criterion is used to evaluate cold and warm glazing. The standard classification takes into account the following types of facade glazing:

• Classical.
• Planar.
• Structural.
• Semi-structural.
• Spider (spot).
• Combined.
• Stained glass.

Rice. 3. Types of glazing.

Classic façade glazing system

The classic type is distinguished by the use of an aluminum frame, which is connected on the inside by a frame, and a decorative covering on the outside. Between the frames there is a double-glazed window. Glass thickness can be from 5 to 50 mm. The advantages of the classic type are ease of installation and reliable thermal insulation properties. Heat and sound insulation is achieved thanks to a sealant that is pressed against the glass. In appearance, this glazing looks like a continuous glass surface divided by narrow connecting strips.

Rice. 4. Classic facade glazing system.

Structural façade glazing system

Structural glazing of a facade is a complex type of glass cladding, which consists of attaching double-glazed windows to the facade with a sealant that acts as a load-bearing structural element. The seams and glass are the same color, so the glazing looks like a single piece. Sealant for structural type is characterized by high strength and anti-corrosion properties. The glass for this type of glazing is edge-treated to reduce the load on the structure. The system is heat-resistant, waterproof and soundproof. Among the advantages of this tweed cladding: the aesthetic appearance of a solid mirror sheet, the absence of additional profiles, and the reliability of the system in all functional properties. Structural glazing can be non-thermally insulated (without external strips) and thermally insulated, with increased thermal insulation properties.

Rice. 5. Semi-structural façade glazing system.

Semi-structural façade glazing system

The semi-structural system is something between the previous two types of façade glazing. For a semi-structural system, ordinary double-glazed windows or mirror glass can be used. To secure the glass, thin profiles are used that imitate structural seams. A semi-structural glazing system is used to create a continuous surface. The advantage of the system is the installation of hidden doors that open from the outside. Windows for installing a semi-structural facade are connected at the factory, so there is no need to adjust the fittings for installation.

Rice. 6. Semi-structural façade glazing system.

Application area

Large windows for glazing facades.

Increasing the strength and stability of load-bearing structures.

Verandas and terraces, balconies and loggias, cottages and private houses, winter gardens, detached extensions.

Glazing of facades of business centers, shop windows for creating objects in high-tech style (for example, business).

Various types of facades

Facade glazing systems come in cold and warm types. Cold facade glazing is installed with one double-glazed window. The main difference between this glazing is the installation of profiles with a width of at least 50 mm. The profile is installed on 3-4 chambers and insulating contours are not used. This system is used for façade cladding and provides protection from precipitation. Cold glazing is cheaper than warm glazing.

To install warm facade glazing, double-glazed windows with several contours are used for sealing. For warm glazing, profiles with a width of 100 mm or more are used. Window systems contain 3-4 cameras. Aluminum profiles are equipped with a thermal break. Warm systems are installed in office and shopping centers.

Also, facade glazing can be framed or frameless.

Depending on the type of glazing used, there are:

• false glazing system;
• stained glass type;
• planar;
• jumbo.

Rice. 7. “Warm” facade glazing.

Our production

Find out more about the plant

Vinchelli production is equipped with a large fleet of modern equipment, which guarantees premium quality of facade glazing. For example, the woodworking center Conturex 114 (only 5 factories in Russia have) provides careful processing of wooden parts from all sides, allows you to configure and adjust fittings immediately in production, and not on site.

Window units created using high-tech equipment are distinguished by the best quality of grinding, assembly, and painting.

Facade glazing installation technology

The installation technology of different types of facade glazing is carried out differently. The structure is installed in stages:

1. Glass partitions are installed. The optimal width for roofing and partitions is 60 mm. Double glazed windows are used for the facades.
2. Aluminum profiles are installed in the frame. Aluminum is a lightweight and reliable material, so aluminum profiles are used to install most types of glazing.
3. You need to start installing glass behind the wind so that gusts do not interfere with the installation of double-glazed windows.
4. Self-adhesive rubber profiles or sealant are glued to aluminum profiles.
5. For multi-story structures, PVC profiles can be used to lighten the weight of the structure.
6. Wooden beams can be used as a supporting base.

Before glazing begins, an estimate for glass and other consumables is drawn up.

Rice. 8. Aluminum glazing.

Expert advice

In facade glazing, the use of heated glass on the roof is popular. This will solve the problem of ice freezing, as well as the occurrence of streaks from precipitation. It is worth considering that the delivery and installation of large structures for glazing facades is carried out using expensive professional equipment. If a manufacturer offers you suspiciously low-cost and efficient facade glazing, this may mean saving on materials for facade glazing or non-compliance with manufacturing technologies in production. A reduced price will affect quality and durability.

Types of spider facade glazing

Spider facade glazing differs from the classic type in that aluminum profiles are not used for cladding, and the entire structure consists of a solid sheet of tempered glass, which is attached to the building with stainless steel fasteners. Such fasteners are called spider, hence the name of the glazing. The types and sizes of spiders are selected based on the size of the glass sheets. The spider system is used not only for glazing walls, but can also cover the roof. For spider glazing, light-heat-protective glass, energy-saving and multi-layer double-glazed windows are used. Despite the fact that the design has a smooth mirror appearance, it is highly durable and reliable. From the outside, such glazing looks like a solid glass surface that has no visible joints or fasteners. This glazing has high noise insulation and thermal insulation properties.

There are several types of spider glazing:

• Crossbar systems. To install structures, connecting elements are used, as well as profiles of different sections. The price of this option is the lowest of all spider systems.
• Cable-stayed systems. This type uses glass ribs onto which the spiders are attached. This type requires more glass consumption, but the strength of the structure does not decrease.
• Cable or rod system. This is the most difficult system to install, but the most mobile. Rod and cable elements are used for glass installation. In this case, the load is evenly distributed throughout the structure.

The spider system can be a decorative finish or the main glazing. Spider glazing of all types has a smooth surface with minimally noticeable seams.

Rice. 9. Types of spider facade glazing.

Entrance groups made of glass

Entrance groups made of glass are part of the exterior decoration of the building. As a rule, their frame can be: wooden, aluminum or PVC. For them, it is important to have high strength glass, so one of the options is usually chosen:

• Triplex is a very reliable option, but it also costs a lot.
• Tempered glass - can often be found in entrance devices where automatic doors are used.
• Multi-chamber double-glazed windows are considered perhaps the most basic option in terms of price/quality ratio.

If you have rather unusual and complex ideas for the construction of an unusual and beautiful facade, then glass is considered the best option for choosing the main facade material. But you should not forget that for a high-quality facade you should not save money and choose only high-quality components. It is better to leave the work associated with installation to professionals, so you will get a truly beautiful facade, and most importantly, reliable and durable.

Spider structures for façade glazing

The spider system is a modern option for cladding. It makes the building look light and airy. This type of glazing is fastened with single-point glass units, which allows you to create a smooth and solid surface in which the frame is not visible. Using spider technology, you can turn an ordinary house into an architectural work of art. Thus, it is possible to design buildings not only of any layout, but also of any shape. To secure glass using technology, hinges, beam-shaped brackets and sealant are used. Particular attention is paid to spiders, which are made from extremely durable material.

Rice. 10. Spider structures of facade glazing.

Price overview

You can separately assemble a frame from aluminum studs or buy a ready-made kit for glazing facades; its price depends on the material of the studs and their size. For example, this could be a set from Hueck/Hartmann (made in Germany), Schuco:

April 7, 2016 Author: Vladimir Bakaev

Advantages of spider facade glazing systems

This type of glazing is very popular and in demand not only because it allows you to create an original building, but also because this technology is one of the most budget-friendly and has many advantages:

• using spider glazing you can realize any design ideas;
• all structural elements are much lighter, which allows you to create a safe structure;
• All elements are quite easy to install and the glazing period using this technology is shorter;
• the design is resistant to various negative factors and can withstand even the worst weather conditions;
• a small number of elements of the supporting structure are used for cladding, so less material is needed, and the structure itself will not be so heavy, and the foundation of the house will not sag;
• this design has a long service life, more than 50 years;
• glazing does not require additional maintenance;
• the glass for the spider system is covered with a special reflective coating, so that the sun's rays remain perfectly lit;
• you can easily replace damaged structural elements and do not need to change a large volume of surface;
• from the outside, the structure looks like one piece, since with the spider system no seams are visible, which gives the building an aesthetically attractive appearance.

Rice. 11. Advantages of spider facade glazing systems.

Strength

Spider glazing, despite its fragile appearance, is very reliable and can withstand loads of several tons without deformation or damage to the appearance of the surface. This is due to the fact that the design uses heavy-duty glass and reliable fastening systems that do not put pressure on the frame, but distribute it over the entire surface.

Rice. 12. Spider system fastening system.

Versatility

Using the spider glazing system, you can create a house of any shape and height. To create the canvas, small double-glazed windows are used, which are connected to each other with sealant. Thus, it is possible to create creative buildings of different architectural forms, without losing the quality of the design. You can also cover not only the walls with this type of cladding, but also the roof and make interior partitions.

Rice. 13. Universal scope of application of spider glazing.

Easy to use

Installation work does not take much time, so even a large amount of work can be completed in the shortest possible time. At the same time, the company that will install this system will be able to translate all the client’s ideas and wishes into the form and appearance of the building. Also, the finished design does not require maintenance and is easy to use.

Rice. 14. Spider glazing installation system.

Durability

The design is durable, since the construction uses durable double-glazed windows and fastening systems that are not subject to loads and are resistant to the impact of the entire mass of the building. The finished system will last more than half a century and will not require repair or replacement of structural elements.

Rice. 15. An example of a spider façade glazing system.

Aesthetics

The finished building, covered with a spider glazing system, looks like a real work of art. This type of cladding looks very modern, which is why this type of façade covering is often used for office buildings of large companies and shopping complexes. You can also use it for cladding a house with panoramic windows.

Rice. 16. Spider glazing looks aesthetically attractive.

Environmental friendliness

For glazing, environmentally friendly materials are used that do not emit toxins and are resistant to the external environment. The finished building is safe not only in terms of structural reliability, but also in terms of the absence of toxic impurities in the glazing materials. Therefore, spider glazing is increasingly being used for residential buildings and cottages.

Rice. 17. The spider system allows you to implement original glazing solutions.

Semi-structural

This is also transom and mullion glazing. Semi-structural glazing is distinguished by the fact that the glass or double-glazed unit is attached to the facade structure using small beads.

The outer frame of semi-structural glazing is much thinner, which creates the impression of unity of the entire structure of the glass sheet. Clamps surround the perimeter of the cast. Next, they are painted black, imitating structural glazing.