STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

Newer laminates are available that manufacturers claim are compatible with silicone
material. Such compatibility should be a clear specification requirement, or measures should
be taken to treat the edge to isolate the silicone from the interlayer laminate. Coatings are
available for this purpose, and inquiry should be made with the manufacturer of the
interlayer.
2.4.1.7 Insulating Glass
Unit (IGU)
Insulating glass is comprised of two glass
components separated by an air spacer and
hermetically sealed. Inherently, insulating glass
increases a window's thermal performance. (Viracon
2008)
Figure 2.27 Diagram of insulated glass
unit (IGU) (Viracon 2006).
Alvar Alto was the first to use multiple-glazed panels
in 1930, and by mid-century they had become a
standard industry product (Wigginton 1996, p.97). The primary reason for using multipleglazing,
or insulated glass units (IG’s) as they are often referred to, is their enhanced thermal
performance. The air cavity trapped between the sheets of glass acts as an effective
insulator. IG’s are most frequently double-glazed panels, but triple-glazed panels are
becoming increasingly frequent, and more layers are possible.
Early problems encountered with multiple-glazed panels primarily having to do with moisture
entering the air cavity because of a compromised seal, have been largely eliminated. The
fabrication process is completely automated for a wide range of configurations, which has
improved quality and reduced cost. The process involves the bending of an aluminum
spacer bar to match the panel shape, pressing pre-cut and cleaned glass sheet on each side
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