If you’re a homeowner in Singapore, understanding glass and glazing specifications is crucial for maintaining the safety, efficiency, and aesthetics of your property. From selecting the right type of glass for your windows to understanding glazing specifications for doors and other fixtures, there are many factors to consider. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential glass and glazing specifications you need to know as a homeowner in Singapore, helping you make informed decisions if you happen to do addition and alterations for your bungalow, semi-detached or terrace house.
PS: the contents in this post may be a bit technical, however these can serve a quick reference when needed.
Common Specifications for Glass
In general, glass that is used should comply with the relevant B.S or S.S codes (British or Singapore Standards). It must be free from blemishes, bubbles, specks, scratches, waves and other defects. All glass should bear the label of its manufacturer especially if procured in bulk.
The shading coefficient and thermal conductance of the glass should be stated in SI units. Where reflective glasses are specified; the reflective coating must comply with the Authorities’ requirement of maximum reflectivity of 10%.
Site dimensions are typically taken before cutting glass. Edges of panes must be clean cut, free from imperfections to accurately to fit frames with necessary clearance and be set to give full bedding on the entire width of frame. Its best that a suitable form of protection is provided to all edges of the glass pane.
Typical Glass Types Used
In general, Float Glass is a commonly used type for architectural and home building purposes with varying thickness and dimensions according to its application. At a minimum, its quality should meet ASTM C1036 standards and the manufacturer’s name be specified/labelled on it. Some of the other commonly used glass types along with their specifications have been enlisted below –
Obscured Glass: should be plain rolled, sand blasted and to be cut and glazed so that the direction and face of the pattern is the same throughout.
Wired Glass: should be Georgian wired glass and where required be “lined up”, it is to be cut so that the wires in adjacent panes line up both horizontally and vertically.
Tinted Glass: should be of approved colour with a shading co-efficient of 0.75 or such minimum standards. The tint for glass should be fast. Deterioration after glazing under normal conditions of use (if any), must be replaced at the Contractor’s expense.
Louvre Blades: Glass louver blades are to have all arises ground down smooth and shall be from an approved manufacturer.
Tempered Glass: should be from an approved manufacturer made from both clear and reflective glass and must bear the label of its manufacturer. Tempered glass must not be cut or worked after toughening. Glass with damaged or chipped edges or scratched surface should be rejected.
Heat Strengthened Glass: must conform to SS341 with identification marks indicating its nature and processor to be located on each panel.
Laminated Glass: must conform to ASTM C1172 and should be made up of two or more layers of tempered glass as specified with polyvinyl butynal film sandwiched. Should the glass be fractured, the glass fragments shall remain adhered to the film. It should bear marks indicating its nature and the laminators. The interlayer must be protected from effects of moisture absorption in service including clouding, shrinking back and de-lamination.
Glazing Recommendations
Glazing requires skills and expertise and is best performed by skilled workmen in accordance with industry best practices without springing or forcing.
In general, instructions from the glass and glazing materials manufacturer must be observed. Common procedures include –
- Tong marks must be concealed within the stile rebate
- All adjoining surfaces that do not receive glazing materials must be protected against staining or damage of any kind
- Glazing rebates need to be clean, dry and free of any materials that might adversely affect the bond and seal of the glazing materials or the proper drainage of the rebate
- All glass and glazing materials should be be suitably primed and sealants must match the colour of the aluminium framing or glass.
- Setting blocks may be 90 durometer neoprene rubber of the full width of the rebate and not less than 10mm thick and placed at the glass quarter points. They should be of a length recommended by the glass manufacturer and be placed in such a way as not to interfere with water drainage of the glazing rebate
- Jamb blocks should be used on each glass unit supported on four sides. The blocks shall be 90 durometer neoprene and placed at the top and bottom of the rebate 3mm clear of the glass edge
- Face spacers should be 60 durometer neoprene rubber, continuously applied around the perimeter of each glazed opening on both inside and outside faces
- Exposed sealants must be tooled smooth and installed so that top surfaces of the sealant beads are sloped to drain water away from the glass
- Sealant tapes or ribbons, where used, should be mitered at each corner
Final Words…
In conclusion, understanding glass and glazing specifications is beneficial to anyone who wants to maintain a safe, efficient, and visually appealing property. By paying attention to factors such as glass type, thickness, and installation methods, one can ensure that windows, doors, and other glass fixtures meet the necessary quality and safety standards. Hire a reputable glass installer who can guide you through the selection process and provide expert installation services. By doing so, you can enjoy the many benefits of high-quality glass products for years to come.