News

What Is A Glazing System?

28.10.22

Nowadays, it is almost impossible to find a building that isn’t made without glass in some way or another.

Glazing systems have become hugely popular over the last couple of decades, largely because glass is always evolving and enabling better performance and impressive new applications.

And the more adventurous these glazing systems become, the more we are being graced with impressive architecture and finding that glass has a whole range of benefits for designers, builders, owners and even the planet.

But if you’re new to the world of glazing, let us guide you. Below, we’re going to look in more detail at what glazing systems are, the different types and the key benefits of choosing glass.

So what is it?

The term glazing itself refers to the glass components that are found on a building’s facade or internal surfaces. A glazing system is made up of multiple panes of glass and is a type of curtain walling used on the exterior of buildings.

Glazing systems are typically bonded or anchored to a structure with lightweight aluminium and silicone sealants, though this can vary.

Just as there are different types of glass (tinted, tempered, laminated, etc.), there are also different types of glazing systems available. We are now going to look at these different systems and how they are used.

Different types of glazing system

Different types of glass and glazing systems will be better for certain properties or to serve a particular purpose. This is why there are so many options when it comes to glazing. Although we won’t cover every type of glazing system available, we will look at some of the most popular systems right now.

Fire-rated glazing

Fire-rated, or fire-resistant, glass is the type of specialist glass that has been created to withstand high levels of heat for a longer period of time. Fire-rated glazing systems are used to provide a period of protection against fire within a building

Acoustic glazing

As the name suggests, acoustic glazing systems are used to reduce noise pollution and create a healthier sound environment inside the building. Often, this consists of two laminated panes of glass and the use of an acoustic membrane.

Spandrel glazing

Spandrel glazing uses a type of opaque glass panel which is used between areas of normal glass to cover construction elements that you don’t want to see.

Structural glazing systems

When glazing is integral to the design of the building and actually bears some weight within the structure, this is known as a structural glazing system. There are several different types of structural glazing systems, and these include:

  • Four-sided framed glazing
  • Two-sided framed glazing
  • Unitised curtain-wall system
  • Frameless glazing
  • Stick glazing
  • Fin supported glazing
  • Tension systems
  • Bolted glazing

Any of these types of structural glazing can be applied to create glass installations with minimal obstruction. This is why they are increasingly favoured by architects and designers.

The benefits of using glazing systems

There are a number of reasons why glass and glazing systems have become so popular in recent years, and this is because they come with so many benefits. One of the top reasons you might opt for a glazing system on your property is because glass can be far more energy efficient, helping to cut down on your bills.

It can also be used to reduce noise pollution, as well as dampness and condensation inside and out. Choosing glazing systems can add value to any property and increase its longevity as the materials used are long-lasting and free from corrosion.

Glass also lets plenty more natural light into a building and is much easier to maintain and clean. Modern technology means it is possible to do amazing structural work with glass, and having less metal or wood on the exterior makes the building more visually pleasing and removes visual interruptions.

You can also stay up-to-date with the latest works in design and architecture to create a truly beautiful property.

So there you have it; these are just some of the reasons why more people are increasingly moving towards glazing systems for their buildings. As new techniques and production methods emerge, it’s likely that we’ll see even more properties designed in this way using glass as one of the key components.