Glass

Figure 4-26.-Typical use of stationary window in combination with other types. STATIONARY WINDOWS Stationary windows, used alone or in combination with double-hung or casement windows (fig. 4-26), usually consist of a wood sash with a large single pane of insulated glass. They are designed to provide light, as well as be attractive, and are fastened permanently into the frame. Because of their size (sometimes 6 to 8 feet wide), stationary windows require a 1 3/4-inch-thick sash to provide strength. This thickness is required because of the thickness of the insulating glass. Other types of stationary windows may be used without a sash. The glass is set directly into rabbeted frame members and held in place with stops. As with all window-sash units, back puttying and face puttying of the glass (with or without a stop) will assure moisture- resistance windows (fig. 4-27). GLASS LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Upon completing this section, you should be able to identify the different types of glass, glazing materials, and describe procedures for cutting, glazing, and installing glass. It is surprising how many types of glass and glass- like materials are used in construction. Each has its own characteristics, advantages, and best uses. In this section, we’ll cover the various types of glass and materials, and the methods used in assembling glass features (“glazing”). TYPES The “Glass and Glazing” section of construction specifications contains a wide range of materials. These may include sheet glass, plate glass, heat- and glare-reducing glass, insulating glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, and various transparent or translucent Figure 4-27.-Fixed glass in wood stops. plastics. Also included may be ceramic-coated, cor- rugated, figured, and silvered and other decorative glass. Additional materials may include glazier’s points, setting pads, glazing compounds, and other installation materials. Sheet/Window Sheet or window glass is manufactured by the flat or vertically drawn process. Because of the manufacturing process, a wave or draw distortion runs in one direction through the sheet. The degree of distortion controls the usefulness of this type of glass. For best appearance, window glass should be drawn horizontally or parallel with the ground. To ensure this, the width dimension is given first when you are ordering. Plate Plate glass is similar to window and heavy-sheet glass. The surface, rather than the composition or thickness, is the distinguishing feature. Plate glass is manufactured in a continuous ribbon and then cut into large sheets. Both sides of the sheet are ground and polished to a perfectly flat plane. Polished plate glass is furnished in thicknesses or from 1/8 inch to 1 1/4 inches. Thicknesses 5/16 inch and over are termed “heavy polished plate.” Regular polished plate is available in three qualities: silvering, mirror glazing, and glazing. The glazing quality is generally used where ordinary glazing is required. Heavy polished plate is generally available in commercial quality only. 4-19