AGG IGU Handling, Storage & Installation Guidelines
Australian Glass Group
The insulating and energy saving characteristics of Insulating Glass Units (IGU’s) are well documented, however their handling and installation require careful consideration, over and above those glazing methods often used for single glazed products.
IGU’s can be manufactured in varying forms with a variety of seals and spacer materials. It is vital that these materials are compatible with glazing sealants and setting blocks used, and are glazed in such a manner to ensure they deliver the performance benefits over the life of the windows in which they feature.
The airspace within an IGU is a hermetically sealed cavity (i.e. it is sealed away from outside atmosphere and environment). The perimeter seal of an IGU is the only protection the air space has against outside environmental factors. Framing systems which cater to single glazed window construction may need some modification to ensure that IGU’s are glazed in a way to allow maximum protection of these seals.
Moisture exposure is recognized as a major risk as well as non-compatible sealants and setting blocks.
Glazing systems for IGU’s can be defined into two types, drained and non drained. Glazing recommendations for both will differ.
Please read carefully and follow these basic steps before installation to ensure the IGU’s that you install are both covered by our lengthy warranty (10 years), and given the best environment to survive the life of the window itself. A vital reference for all installers of IGU’s should also be made to the current Australian standard for Insulated Glass Units, AS/NZS 4666-2012, with particular attention to section 3 “Glazing”, and Appendices E – “Principles of Glazing” and F – “Glazing Methods.”
Contents:
Introduction
Handling and Storage
Installation
Environmental Conditions
Disclaimer