Silicone Structural Glazing Manual - Dow Corning

SILICONE STRUCTURAL
GLAZING MANUAL
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The information contained herein is offered in good faith based on Dow Corning’s
research and is believed to be accurate. However, because conditions and methods
of use of our products are beyond our control, this information shall not be used
in substitution for customer’s tests to ensure that Dow Corning’s products are
fully satisfactory for your specific applications. Dow Corning’s sole warranty is
that the product will meet its current sales specifications. Your exclusive remedy
for breach of such warranty is limited to refund of purchase price or replacement
of any product shown to be other than as warranted.
Dow Corning specifically disclaims any other express or

implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or
merchantability. Unless Dow Corning provides you with
a specific, duly signed endorsement of fitness for use,
Dow Corning disclaims liability for any incidental or
consequential damages. Suggestions of use shall not be
taken as inducements to infringe any patent.
Silicone Structural Glazing Manual
Contents
Introduction........................................... 5 Compatibility Testing..............................9

• Project Review..............................................5 Non-Stain Testing...................................9
Design Review............................................5 Other Laboratory Testing........................9
Substrate and Material Approval................5 Sample Submission.................................9
• Product Quality.............................................5 Warranty..................................................9
Joint Preparation and Sealant Application..5 • Project Workflow Diagram.........................10
Quality Control...........................................5 • Structural Glazing Design..........................11
Documentation............................................5 European Technical Approval (ETA)........11
European SG Project Checklist
Dow Corning Product Offering............ 6 Calculator in COINS.................................11
• Structural Glazing Silicone Sealants............6 • Structural Glazing Joint Dimensioning......12
Dow Corning 993 Structural Glazing Structural Glazing Terminology................12
Silicone Sealant...........................................6 Structural Bite.......................................12
Dow Corning 895 Structural Glazing Thickness..............................................12
Silicone Sealant...........................................6 Structural Glazing Joint Dimensioning
• Insulating Glass Silicone Sealants................6 Guidelines.................................................12
Dow Corning 3362 Insulating Glass Windload and Glass Dimension............14
Silicone Sealant...........................................6 Structural Bite Calculation for
Dow Corning 3793 Insulating Glass Windload and Glass Dimension............14
Silicone Sealant...........................................6 Thermal Dilatation................................14
• Weatherproofing Sealants.............................7 Glueline Thickness Calculation for
Dow Corning 756 SMS Thermal Dilatation................................14
Building Sealant..........................................7 Deadload...............................................15
Dow Corning 791 Silicone Structural Bite Calculation
Weatherproofing Sealant.............................7 for Deadload..........................................15
Structural Glazing System Types. ............16
Dow Corning 757 Si Hybrid based
Weatherproofing Sealant for 4-Sided Structural Glazing....................16
Photocatalytic Clean Glass.........................7 2-Sided Structural Glazing....................16
Dow Corning 797 Silicone Slope Glazing........................................16
Weatherproofing Sealant.............................7 Stepped Glass........................................16
• Cleaners and Primers....................................7 U-Profile Systems.................................16
Dow Corning R-40 Cleaner........................7 Total Vision Systems.............................16
Other System Types..................................17
Dow Corning 3522 Cleaning Solvent
Concentrated...............................................7 Structural Glass Systems.......................17
Dow Corning 1200 OS Primer....................7 Structural Attachment of Non-Glass
Dow Corning Primer C...............................7 Materials...............................................17
Dow Corning Primer P................................7 Protective Glazing.................................17
Substrates and Materials for Structural
Glazing Applications.................................18
Project Review....................................... 8
Dow Corning Europe Adhesion/
• Dow Corning Project Support......................8
Compatibility Guide..............................18
• Product Recommendation............................8
Aluminium Profiles...............................18
Design Review............................................8
Stainless Steel.......................................18
Substrate and Material Approval................8
Laminated Glass....................................18
Adhesion Testing.....................................8
Contents
Coated, Spandrel and Tinted Glass.......18 Sealant Production Quality Control......31

Self-Cleaning and Glass Test............................................32
Easy-to-Clean Glass..............................19 Butterfly Test.......................................33
Gaskets and Rubber Materials..............19 Snap Time Test....................................34
Mixing Ratio Test................................35
Product Quality................................... 20 Adhesion and Cure
• General considerations...............................20 Quality Control Tests............................36
Material storage and handling...................20 Peel Adhesion Test..............................37
Shelf life....................................................20 H-Piece Test........................................38
Factory vs. Site Glazing............................20 Deglaze Test..........................................41
Joint Preparation and • Documentation...........................................42
Sealant Application...................................20 Production and Quality Control Audit......43
Quality Control.........................................20 Maintenance..............................................44
• One-Component Sealants...........................21 European SG Project Checklist.................45
Storage Temperature and Conditions........21 SG Project Testing Submission.................46
Skin-over time/elastomeric test.................21 Sealant Production Quality Control Log...47
• Two-Component Sealants...........................22 Sealant Adhesion Quality Control Log
Storage Temperature and Conditions........22 (Peel Adhesion Test).................................48
Two-Component Dispensing Equipment Sealant Cure Quality Control Log
Guidelines.................................................22 (H-Piece Test & Elastomeric Test)............49
• Surface Preparation and Sealant Adhesion and Cure Quality
• Sealant Application.....................................24 Control Log (Deglaze Test).......................50
Substrate Cleaning Procedure...................25 • Dow Corning Construction Sales Offices...52
Non-Porous Substrates..........................25
Porous Substrates..................................25
Solvent Consideration...........................25
Masking................................................25
Two-cloth cleaning method...................25
Substrate Priming Procedure.....................26
Placing the Panel.......................................27
Site Glazing Considerations......................27
• Sealant Application and Quality Control
• Procedures..................................................28
Sealant Application Procedure..................28
Sealant Cure Requirements.......................28
Site Glazing Cure Requirements...............28
Factory Glazing Cure Requirements.........28
Reglazing Procedures................................29
Reglazing Due to Glass Breakage.........29
Reglazing Due to System Failure.........30
Quality Control Test Procedures...............31
General Considerations.........................31
Introduction
Silicone structural glazing is a method utilizing a The success of every structural glazing project is
silicone adhesive to attach glass, metal, or other dependent on a partnership between the design
panel material to the structure of a building. professional, sealant user and Dow Corning.
Windload and other impact loads on the façade Successful structural glazing projects contain the
are transferred from the glass or panel, through following elements:
the structural silicone sealant to the structure of
the building. The silicone sealant must maintain Project Review
adhesive and cohesive integrity as the façade is
subjected to windload and thermal stresses. Design Review
Dow Corning must review and approve the
Structural glazing (SG) is a high performance structural joint design on every project.
application and not all silicone sealants are
suitable for this application. Only silicone Substrate and Material Approval
sealants which have been developed and tested
Dow Corning must approve all substrates and
specifically for structural glazing applications
materials that contact the structural silicone
should be used. The Dow Corning® structural
sealant. Specific project testing will be required
glazing sealants recommended for this application
by Dow Corning in most cases.
are identified in the next section of this manual.
Each Dow Corning structural glazing sealant has
Product Quality
been granted a “European Technical Approval”
(ETA) through independent testing according to
the current European structural glazing standard: Joint Preparation and Sealant Application
European Technical Approval Guideline (ETAG Dow Corning joint preparation, sealant handling
002). The sealants also have a CE mark which and sealant application procedures must be
indicates conformity to European health, safety completely followed.
and environmental protection legislation.
Quality Control
This manual is intended to give guidance on the Dow Corning quality control procedures must
proper design and use of Dow Corning silicone be followed. Dow Corning will assist the sealant
sealants in structural glazing applications. The user in the development of a comprehensive
recommendations made in this manual are based quality control program.
on the experience of Dow Corning supporting
structural glazing projects for over 30 years. Documentation
Because structural glazing projects differ in Quality control procedures and results must be
building design, environment and customer documented in an easily retrievable fashion.
requirements, this manual cannot address all Quality control log templates are provided in the
possible situations. Dow Corning Technical Documentation section of this manual.
Service Engineers are available to assist you in
your specific project needs. In subsequent sections of this manual, each of
these important elements will be discussed in
greater detail.
5
Dow Corning® Product Offering
Dow Corning offers a full time of high with the current European structural glazing
performance silicone sealants. Each sealant is guideline ETAG-002. The product has been
developed and tested for a specific application granted a CE-label based on this approval.
and should only be used as intended unless
specifically approved by Dow Corning. Insulating Glass Silicone Sealants
Specific product information is available at
www.dowcorning.com. The following Dow Corning Silicone Sealants
are offered for insulating glass applications.
Structural Glazing Silicone Sealants Dow Corning Insulating Glass Silicone Sealants
The following Dow Corning silicone sealants are are recommended for insulating glass units
offered for structural glazing applications: which are structurally glazed with Dow Corning
Structural Glazing Silicone Sealants. Dow Corning
Dow Corning® 993 Structural Glazing Insulating Glass Silicone Sealants are designed
Silicone Sealant and intended for insulating glass applications
Dow Corning 993 Structural Glazing Silicone only and should never be used as structural
Sealant is a two-component, fast cure, neutral- glazing adhesives. For more information on the
curing silicone sealant intended for structural proper use of silicone sealants in insulating glass
bonding of glass, metal and other panel materials. applications, please refer to the “Dow Corning
When compared to conventional one-component Insulating Glass Manual” which is available at
silicone sealants, the fast cure properties of www.dowcorning.com.
Dow Corning 993 allow increased production
of structurally glazed curtainwall units. Dow Corning® 3362 Insulating Glass
Dow Corning 993 is a high modulus sealant with Silicone Sealant
excellent adhesion to a wide range of materials. Dow Corning 3362 Insulating Glass Silicone
Dow Corning 993 has been granted a “European Sealant is a two-component, fast cure, neutral-
Technical Approval” (ETA) based on independent curing silicone sealant intended for use as a
testing in accordance with the current European secondary seal in dual glazed insulating glass
structural glazing guideline ETAG-002. The units. Dow Corning 3362 Insulating Glass
product has been granted a CE-label based on Sealant has been granted a “European Technical
this approval. Approval” (ETA) based on independent testing in
accordance with the current European structural
Dow Corning® 895 Structural Glazing glazing guideline ETAG-002. The product has
Silicone Sealant been granted a CE-label based on this approval.
Dow Corning 895 Structural Glazing Silicone
Sealant is a one-component, neutral-curing Dow Corning 3793 Insulating Glass
®
silicone sealant intended for structural bonding of Silicone Sealant

glass, metal and other materials. Dow Corning 895 Dow Corning 3793 Insulating Glass Silicone
is a high modulus sealant with excellent adhesion Sealant is a one-component, neutral-curing
to a wide range of materials. Dow Corning 895 has silicone sealant intended for use as a secondary
been granted a “European Technical Approval” seal in dual glazed insulating glass units.
(ETA) based on independent testing in accordance
6
Dow Corning Product Offering
Weatherproofing Sealants Cleaners and Primers

Dow Corning offers a full line of high performance
sealants for weatherproofing applications. Following Dow Corning offers a line of cleaners and primers
is a brief description of Dow Corning Weatherproofing that are developed specifically for use with
Sealants. These sealants are designed and intended to Dow Corning sealants. In some instances, a
weatherseal building joints and should never be used as specific cleaner or primer will be required for the
structural glazing adhesives. For more information on silicone sealant to achieve optimal adhesion to a
the proper use of silicone sealants in weatherproofing specific substrate. For general substrate cleaning
applications, please refer to the “Dow Corning and priming recommendations, please refer
Building Envelope Weatherproofing Manual” which to the “Dow Corning Europe Adhesion/
is available at www.dowcorning.com. Compatibility Guide” which is available at
www.dowcorning.com.
Dow Corning® 756 SMS Building Sealant
Dow Corning 756 SMS Building Sealant is a one- Dow Corning® R-40 Cleaner
component, low modulus, and neutral-curing silicone Dow Corning R-40 Cleaner is a specially formulated
sealant designed specifically for weathersealing solvent blend designed to clean glass and metal
of sensitive substrates such as natural stone and profiles used in structural glazing applications.
aluminium panels systems where the aesthetic
performance of the sealant is important. This sealant Dow Corning® 3522 Cleaning Solvent
is designed to be non-staining on natural stone and Concentrated
to attract less dirt and atmospheric contaminantsDow Corning 3522 Cleaning Solvent Concentrated
than conventional silicone building sealants. is a cleaner designed for the solvent purging of two-
component meter mix equipment used in structural
Dow Corning 791 Silicone
®
glazing and insulating glass production. This product
Weatherproofing Sealant does not contain halogenated solvent and has been
Dow Corning 791 Silicone Weatherproofing Sealant specifically developed to digest cured silicone
is a one-component, low modulus, neutral-curing sealant present in equipment hoses and mixers.
silicone sealant with a faster skinning time for
general weathersealing applications. Dow Corning® 1200 OS Primer
Dow Corning 1200 OS Primer is a one-part
Dow Corning 757 Si Hybrid based
® chemical treatment primer designed for use with
Weatherproofing Sealant for Dow Corning sealants in a variety of applications.
Photocatalytic Clean Glass
Dow Corning® Primer C
Dow Corning 757 Si Hybrid based Weatherproofing
Dow Corning Primer C is a one-part chemical
Sealant is a one-component, low modulus sealant
treatment primer designed for painted and
designed for weather sealing of hydrophilic and
plastic surfaces to promote sealant adhesion
photocatalytic clean glasses.
development.
Dow Corning® 797 Silicone
Dow Corning® Primer P
Weatherproofing Sealant Dow Corning Primer P is a one-part film forming
Dow Corning 797 Silicone Weatherproofing Sealant primer designed for use on porous substrates in
is a one-component, low modulus, neutral-curing weathersealing applications.
silicone sealant with a longer tooling time for
general weathersealing applications.
7
Project Review
Dow Corning Project Support

Dow Corning professionals are available to assist All non-standard SG joint designs must beprovided
you with questions about the design and proper electronically using .jpeg, .pdf, .doc, .dwg or
use of Dow Corning Structural Glazing Sealants .tiff formats to coins.europe@dowcorning.com.
for your project. All structural glazing projects Design details may also be faxed to the following
must be reviewed and approved by Dow Corning E-fax number: +32 27 06 50 59.
on a project-by-project basis. Only through
completion of the procedures recommended in Dow Corning will review your SG Project
this manual will Dow Corning issue a Structural Checklist and SG joint dimensioning within three
Adhesion Limited Warranty for your project. For (3) working days if provided electronically and in
an overview of the process steps, please refer the manner described above.
to the Dow Corning Project Workflow Diagram
later in this section. Substrate and Material Approval
Dow Corning must approve all substrates and
Product Recommendation materials which contact the structural silicone
Dow Corning will make a project specific product sealant. In some instances, materials may be
recommendation once the following steps have tested through the system or component supplier
been taken: and project specific testing is not required for
approval. For current recommendations please
Design Review refer to the Dow Corning Europe Adhesion/
Dow Corning must review the structural glazing Compatibility Guide which is available at
joint design for every project. A European SG www.dowcorning.com.
Project Checklist should be completed for each
project. A joint dimensioning calculator and SG Adhesion Testing
Project Checklist are available at Dow Corning Sealant adhesion is one of the most critical
COINS which can be accessed through components of a successful structural glazing
Dow Corning Premier. Please contact your local project. Dow Corning must approve every
Dow Corning Construction Office for more substrate before any sealant application
information. A European SG Project Checklist occurs. Dow Corning will typically require
is provided in the Documentation section of this that representative samples of each substrate
manual. (aluminium profile, enameled glass, coated
glass, etc.) be provided to the Dow Corning
Dow Corning must review a detail of each SG Sealant Testing Laboratory for adhesion testing.
joint dimensioning. If a standard aluminium A “representative” substrate sample should be
profile manufacturer system is used, the system produced in a manner identical to substrates
name alone can be provided. Dow Corning has used in the actual structural glazing production.
access to the design details of most common It is the responsibility of the SG applicator to
profile manufacturers. ensure that representative samples are sent to
Dow Corning for testing. Upon completion of
testing, Dow Corning will provide a written
product recommendation, surface preparation and
priming recommendations. Testing takes four (4)
weeks from receipt of samples.
8
Project Review
Compatibility Testing Sample Submission

Incompatible glazing accessories may cause For prompt processing of all testing requests,
sealant discoloration and/or sealant adhesion enter materials for testing through Dow Corning
loss. Dow Corning must approve all glazing COnstruction INdustry System (COINS) which
accessory materials before any sealant application can be accessed through Dow Corning Premier
occurs. Dow Corning will typically require that website. Please contact your local Dow Corning
representative samples of each material (gaskets, Construction Office for more information. A
spacers, backer materials, setting blocks, Structural Glazing Project Testing Submission
etc.) be provided to the Dow Corning Sealant Form is available in the Documentation section
Testing Laboratory for compatibility testing. of this manual. Testing samples should be sent to
It is the responsibility of the SG applicator to the following location:
ensure that representative samples are sent to
Dow Corning for testing. Upon completion of Dow Corning S.A.
testing, Dow Corning will provide a written Parc Industriel
product recommendation. Testing takes four (4) Zone C
weeks from receipt of samples. B-7180 Seneffe
Attention: Sealants Testing Lab
Non-Stain Testing
Dow Corning will test all porous substrates Warranty
to determine if its sealants will cause staining Dow Corning offers a project specific Structural
resulting from the migration of fluids into the Adhesion Limited Warranty for projects using
substrate. Dow Corning will require that a either Dow Corning 993 Structural Glazing
representative sample of the porous substrate Silicone Sealant or Dow Corning 895 Structural
(granite, marble, limestone or sandstone) be Glazing Silicone Sealant. Please contact your
provided to the Dow Corning Sealant Testing Dow Corning Construction Office for more
Laboratory for non-stain testing. Upon completion information on the warranties available. To
of testing, Dow Corning will provide a written obtain a warranty, the following steps must be
product recommendation. Testing takes six (6) completed:
weeks from receipt of samples.
1. Dow Corning must approve in writing all
Other Laboratory Testing materials which contact the Dow Corning
Dow Corning may provide non-standard testing Structural Glazing Sealant for adhesion and
such as analytical testing or H-piece testing of compatibility
production samples. In such cases, a service
fee may be charged. Prior to beginning the 2. Dow Corning must approve in writing the
project, please contact your local Dow Corning structural glazing joint design
Construction Office for a service fee schedule.
3. All daily quality control logs must be
submitted and approved by Dow Corning.
4. The sealant user must request the warranty

through Dow Corning COINS.
9
Project Review
Project Workflow Diagram
SG Applicator completes SG Project

Checklist via DC COINS to Dow
Corning for approval.
SG Applicator identifies aluminum
system name or provides SG joint
details electronically or via E-fax to
Dow Corning reviews SG design and
Dow Corning.
dimensioning. Dow Corning approval
letter is provided to SG Applicator
within three (3) business days for all
SG Applicator completes submission requests submitted via DC COINS
of SG Sample Submission via DC
COINS. Representative substrate
samples are submitted to
Dow Corning for adhesion,
compatibility and non-stain testing Dow Corning tests substrates for
adhesion, compatibility and non-
staining. Dow Corning provides an
approval letter to the SG Applicator
SG Applicator fabricates SG units within four (4) weeks with specific
in compliance with Dow Corning surface preparation procedures
Europe SG Manual. Recommended
surface preparation and sealant
application procedures are followed
during production.
Dow Corning provides periodic
training and/or auditing of SG
Applicator’s sealant production and
SG Applicator completes Sealant quality control procedures to ensure
Production, Adhesion and Cure compliance with DC requirements.
Quality Control Procedures as
outlined in SG Manual. Results are
documented in Quality Control and
Traceability Logs
DC reviews documentation and

SG Applicator completes warranty warranty request and issues warranty
request via DC COINS. Completed to SG Applicator if the warranty
QC logs are submitted to DC. requirements are satisfied.
10
Project Review
Structural Glazing Design European SG Project Checklist Calculator

in COINS
Guidelines for the design of structural glazing Available through Dow Corning Premier
joints are provided in this section. The guidelines Website is the project management system
provided are based on Dow Corning extensive called “COnstruction INdustry System”
experience in structural glazing. Not all design (COINS). Within COINS is a European SG
variables are reviewed in these guidelines. Project Checklist calculator which can be used
Dow Corning Technical Service Engineers are to calculate and submit an SG joint design for
available to help the design professional and approval from Dow Corning. Design variables
sealant user in proper SG joint design. such as glass dimension, windload, and glass
type are entered into the calculator. The calculator
It is the responsibility of the design professional will provide immediate confirmation if the
and sealant user to confirm that the information specific design parameters entered comply with
provided to Dow Corning is accurate and Dow Corning SG guidelines. The calculator will
complete. Dow Corning will review details and also help determine whether a design meets EOTA
make project recommendations only as they relate Guidelines. Once the information is confirmed
to the structural silicone sealant. Other factors as “OK”, the project parameters can be submitted
beyond the control of the sealant manufacturer, to Dow Corning for formal approval. A written
such as performance of the glass or rigidity of approval will be provided by Dow Corning
the frames, are the responsibility of the systems within three (3) working days. For access to
designer and systems fabricator. Dow Corning Premier and more information on
COINS, please contact your local Dow Corning
European Technical Approval (ETA) Construction Office.
Dow Corning intends to comply with current
European Guidelines as described in relevant
European Standards or Technical Guidelines e.g.
(ETAG 002 Guidelines for European Technical
Approval for Structural Sealant Glazing Systems
(SSGS) Part 1.) For situations that fall outside of
these guidelines, Dow Corning will make specific
project design recommendations. If the systems
manufacturer seeks compliance with ETAG 002
or other relevant standards, Dow Corning can
provide recommendations on the steps which
are necessary to satisfy those guidelines or
standards.
11
Project Review
Structural Glazing Joint Dimensioning • The structural bite must be equal to or greater
than the glueline thickness.
A structural glazing joint must be properly
designed for the sealant to function as intended. • The bite-to-thickness ratio should be between
If a joint is improperly designed, the sealant 1:1 and 3:1.
stresses may be excessive potentially causing
failure. Therefore, all SG joint dimensioning • The SG joint must be able to be filled using
must be approved by Dow Corning. standard sealant application procedures.
Structural Glazing Joint Dimensioning • The SG joint design must allow the sealant
Guidelines exposure to air so that it can cure and achieve
full physical properties.
Following are guidelines that apply for all
Structural Glazing projects. Dow Corning must
• The above guidelines are minimum
review and approve all SG joint dimensioning.
requirements and exclude any application
Any exceptions to these guidelines can only be
tolerances.
made by your Dow Corning Technical Service
Engineer. Structural Glazing Terminology
• The minimum structural joint bite shall be as
Structural Bite
determined by the Structural Bite Calculation
for Windload and Glass Dimension. Structural Bite is the minimum width or contact
surface of the silicone sealant on both the glass
• The minimum structural joint thickness shall panel and the frame. The design windload, glass
be as determined by the Glueline Thickness panel dimensions, impact loads, dead load and
Calculation for Thermal Dilatation. thermal dilatation stresses must be considered
in the determination of the structural bite
• The minimum structural bite shall be as dimension
determined by the Structural Bite Calculation
Thickness
for Deadload.
Thickness is the distance from the panel to the
• The structural bite must be a minimum of 6 frame. Proper thickness facilitates the installation
mm regardless of other calculations. of the sealant and allows reduced sealant stress
from differential thermal movement between the
• The glueline thickness must be a minimum of glass panel and frame. Thickness in a structural
6 mm regardless of other calculations. silicone joint is often referred to as glueline
thickness.
12
Project Review
GLASS STEPPED
INSULATING GLASS
SILICONE UNIT
GASKET SPACER WITH
DESSICANT
POLYISOBUTYLENE
SILICONE PRIMARY SEAL
SETTING
SILICONE
BLOCK
SECONDARY
SEAL
CLOSED CELL DOUBLE-SIDED
POLYETYLENE ADHESIVE FOAM
BACKER MATERIAL TAPE
ALUMINIUM SILICONE
PROFILE WEATHERSEAL
SEALANT
STRUCTURAL
SILICONE
SEALANT
STRUCTURAL
CONVENTIONAL
BITE
INSULATING
GLASS UNIT
THICKNESS GLASS
Typical Structural Glazing Detail
13
Project Review
Windload and Glass Dimension

The structural bite requirement is directly The controlling variables which affect the
proportional to the windload on the building and structural bite requirement are the maximum
the dimension of the glass. The higher the windload short span dimension of glass and the design
and the larger the dimensions of the glass are, the windload that the structural glazing system must
greater the amount of structural bite required. be designed to accommodate.
Structural Bite Calculation for Windload and Glass Dimension
Minimum Structural Bite (m) = Glass Short Span Dim. (m) x Windload (Pa) x 0.5
140,000 Pa
• Glass Short Span Dimension (SSD) is the shorter of the two dimensions of the rectangular glass
panel. For example, on a 1.5 m by 2.5 m glass panel, the SSD is 1.5 m.
• Windload is the maximum wind pressure in Pascal for a return period of 10 years based on
EUROCODES and local regulations. This value is provided by the design professional to Dow
Corning. 1 Pa = 1 N/m2
• 140,000 Pa (0.14 MPa) is the Maximum Allowable Design Stress for both Dow Corning® 993
and Dow Corning® 895.
• Maximum allowable design stress is based on the Ru,5 value with a safety factor of 6. The Ru,5
value is the probability at 75% that 95% of the population will have a breaking strength above
this value.
Thermal Dilatation
The differential thermal movement between the and metal (aluminium or stainless steel), maxi-
glass and frame will impose upon the structural mum temperature change and design of the SG
sealant joint a shear stress that must be considered system. There will be greater movement if the
during the design of the SG joint. The amount of aluminium frame is exposed to the exterior.
differential movement will depend on the glass
Glueline Thickness Calculation for Thermal Dilatation
Minimum Glueline Thickness (m) = Thermal Dilatation (m) x E Young (Pa)

3 x Max Allowed Stress in Shear
• Thermal Dilatation is the amplitude of differential thermal movement between the glass and
frame.
• E Young is Young modulus as determined by Dow Corning. Dow Corning 993 has a
Young modulus of 1.4 MPa and Dow Corning 895 has a Young modulus of 0.9 MPa.
• The Maximum Allowed Stress in Shear is determined by Ru,5 value as determined in shear.
For Dow Corning 993 this value is 105,000 Pa. For Dow Corning 895 the value is
140,000Pa.
14
Project Review
Deadload
In unsupported SG designs, the deadload weight Provided the horizontal frame members are as
of the panel is supported by the structural silicone rigid as the vertical members, Dow Corning will
joint. This situation commonly occurs when consider both the vertical and horizontal or long
structural glazing is used on monolithic glass. edges of the frame in the deadload calculation. If
Dow Corning Structural Glazing Silicone Sealants the horizontal frame members will not support the
can support the weight of the glass provided glass under windload, only consider the vertical
stresses do not exceed the allowed design stress frame members in the calculation.
for deadload.
Structural Bite Calculation for Deadload
Min. Bite (m) = 2,500 kg/m3 x 9.81 m/s2 x Glass Thickness (m) x Glass Dim (m2)
[2 x Height (m) + 2 x Width (m)] x Allowable Design Stress for DL
• 2,500 kg/ m3 is the specific mass of float glass corresponding to approximately 25,000 N/m3
of specific weight.
• 9.81 m/s2 is a factor for gravity
• The Allowable Design Stress for Deadload (DL) for Dow Corning® 993 is 11,000 Pa. The
Allowable Design Stress for Deadload for Dow Corning® 895 is 7,000 Pa.
• If calculation should be compliant with ETAG002 or if the horizontal frame members will not
be supporting the glass or will deflect under the deadload of the glass, just consider 2 x Height (m)
in the denominator of the calculation.
15
Project Review
Structural Glazing System Types Slope Glazing

There are many different types of structural Slope glazing is when structural glazing is
glazing systems available. Common to all of these applied on a façade that is not vertical. Typical
systems is that structural silicone sealant is used slope glazed SG systems are skylights. In such
to structurally attach glass or another material to cases, the weight of the glass is considered in
the building structure. Some of the more common the SG joint dimensioning calculations. For
types of systems are discussed in this section. slope glazing applications, European regulations
require the use of laminated safety glass. Inverted
4-Sided Structural Glazing slope glazing has also been used successfully on
4-sided structural glazing is the most common numerous projects.
and usually most cost efficient type of structural
glazing system used in European countries. Stepped Glass
Glass is supported on all four edges of the glass Many SG systems install the SG joint on the
with structural silicone. 4-sided SG systems are internal surface of the outboard pane. In these
typically fabricated in a production facility and systems, the insulating glass units are produced
erected at a jobsite. in a step fashion which allows glazing to the
outboard pane. More traditional SG systems
install the structural joint to the internal surface
of the inboard pane of the insulating glass unit.
Please refer to “Typical Structural Glazing
Detail” on page 13 for an example of a typical
stepped glass SG system.
U-Profile Channel Systems

There are many proprietary systems that allow
insulating glass units to be attached mechanically
2-Sided Structural Glazing to the structure by a U-profile in the cavity
2-sided structural glazing systems use structural between the two panes of glass. Depending on
silicone on two of the four sides of the glass. The the nature of the system, the silicone sealant may
other two sides of the glass are either mechanically or may not be performing as a structural glazing
supported or are not structurally supported by a sealant in the design. These unique systems must
frame. 2-Sided SG systems are fabricated in a be approved by Dow Corning Technical Service
production facility or at the jobsite. Engineers on a system specific basis.
Total Vision Systems

Total vision systems, which are commonly used
at the front of a building to maximize vision area,
use a glass fin to structurally support the vision
glass. In such cases, the 2-sided SG system may
use the structural silicone in shear from the glass
edge to the glass fin. Dow Corning permits shear
beads to perform structurally provided they are
independent of a tension bead.
16
Project Review
Other System Types
Structural Glass Systems Structural Attachment of Non-Glass

Structural Glass Systems, often called “Spider Materials
Systems” or “Bolted Systems”, have been used on Structural silicone sealant can be used to attach
many high profile buildings. Holes are typically materials other than glass. Dow Corning must
drilled in each corner of each glass pane and the test and approve these materials on a material
glass is attached mechanically with stainless specific basis. Examples of such materials include
steel “spiders”. These systems are not structural aluminium composite materials, metal panels and
glazing although they have a similar appearance epoxy-backed thin stone panels.
from the exterior. In certain designs, the “spider”
only attaches to the internal pane of an insulating Protective Glazing
glass unit. In such designs, the insulating glass Structural silicone sealants are commonly used in
sealant will have a structural function. In all window systems which are designed to mitigate
types of Structural Glass Systems, silicone the effects of bomb blasts or storms. In some
sealants play an important role in maintaining a cases, these systems are also structurally glazed.
watertight weatherseal and in the performance of The use of structural glazing in bomb blast
the insulating glass units. protective window designs is appropriate and has
been done successfully on numerous projects.
In these designs, the sealant is only one element
of a complex glazing system which includes the
frame, glass and laminate. The structural silicone
sealant plays an important role by “anchoring” the
laminate glass in the frame during a bomb blast
or missile impact. Due to the unique physical and
chemical properties of silicone (i.e. viscoelastic
properties, long term adhesion and durability)
which organic sealants do not provide, high
performance structural silicone sealants are the
material of choice for these applications. For
assistance in protective glazing designs, please
contact your Dow Corning Technical Service
Engineer.
17
Project Review
Substrates and Materials for Structural Laminated Glass

Glazing Applications Some laminated glass which utilizes polyvinyl
It is important in the design of an SG system butyral (PVB) may delaminate up to 6 mm when
that the proper materials be used. Although in contact with a neutral cure silicone sealant.
Dow Corning requires approval of substrates and This phenomenon is only an aesthetic concern and
materials on a project by project basis, certain does not affect the performance of laminated glass
general recommendations can be provided during in structural glazing applications. For specific
the design phase of the project. compatibility results and recommendations,
please refer to the Dow Corning Europe Adhesion/
Dow Corning Europe Compatibility Guide which is available at
Adhesion/Compatibility Guide www.dowcorning.com or contact your laminated
glass supplier..
Available at www.dowcorning.com is the
Dow Corning Europe Adhesion/Compatibility Coated, Spandrel and Tinted Glass
Guide. This guide summarizes cleaning and
There are many types of coated, spandrel
priming recommendations for Dow Corning
and tinted glass materials available to the
Sealants on a variety of common construction
systems designer. There are many important
materials. There are also surface preparation
considerations for the selection of glass. For more
recommendations for specific aluminium profile
specific recommendations, please refer to the
manufacturers and coated, spandrel and tinted
Dow Corning Europe Adhesion/Compatibility
glass products. Also included are general and
Guide or contact your Dow Corning Technical
specific compatibility recommendations on
Service Engineer. Following are a few of the
laminated glass products, gaskets, tapes and other
general recommendations:
extrusions. This guide is periodically updated
with new materials and recommendations.
• Soft coating must be completely removed
Aluminium Profiles from all glass surfaces to receive structural
silicone sealant. These coatings do not provide
Dow Corning works closely with most of the
adequate strength and durability for long term
major aluminium profile manufacturers in Europe
stability of the structural bond. Soft coatings
to qualify their systems. Dow Corning has an
are often very difficult for silicone sealant to
extensive database of adhesion testing to the
adhere to. Residual soft coating on the glass
profiles from these manufacturers. Aluminium
surface may cause sealant adhesion failure
profiles, whether anodized or painted with a
initially or after ageing (silver corrosion).
polyester powder coating (PPC), must be of an
architectural grade quality (QUALANOD or
• Hard coatings are acceptable surfaces for
QUALICOAT).
structural glazing if these products have
Stainless Steel demonstrated long term stability and sealant
adhesion has been verified through testing by
Stainless Steel has been used successfully as a Dow Corning.
structural glazing substrate. The stainless steel
must be of an architectural grade quality and
should be submitted to Dow Corning for adhesion
and compatibility testing.
18
Project Review
• Ceramic enameled spandrel coatings • A structural spacer material in direct contact

which are baked onto the glass during glass with the structural silicone must be fully
production and which meet required surface compatible. Materials such as silicone
quality criteria are acceptable surfaces for extrusions, polyurethane or polyethylene
structural glazing. Some patterned glasses are foam tape as well as certain high quality
difficult to adhere to and must be submitted vinyl and PVC materials have been tested and
for laboratory testing by Dow Corning prior found to be acceptable for this application.
to use. 100% silicone polymer extrusions and gaskets
provide the best overall compatibility with
• Tinted glass, like clear float glass, tempered silicone sealants.
glass and heat strengthened glass, is acceptable
for structural glazing. Sandblasted or acid- • Gaskets and setting blocks made of neoprene
etched glass may be difficult to adhere to and or EPDM typically discolor lighter colored
must be submitted to Dow Corning for testing silicone weatherseal sealants. These
prior to use. materials should not be used in full contact
with the structural silicone but may have
Self-Cleaning and Easy-to-Clean Glass incidental contact without having an impact
These newer glass types provide lower on the performance of the sealant. Project
maintenance solutions for the building owner specific compatibility testing will determine
and have grown in popularity in recent years. For the suitability of these materials for the
current recommendations on these glass types, application.
please ask the glass manufacturer and refer to the
Dow Corning Europe Adhesion/Compatibility • Highly plasticized gaskets and extrusions
Guide or contact your Dow Corning Technical which cause sealant adhesion loss will not be
Service Engineer. approved for any contact with Dow Corning
Structural Silicone Sealants.
Gaskets and Rubber Materials
There are many types of rubber materials that are
available for use in a window design and some
may not be appropriate for structural glazing
applications. An incompatible rubber material
may be formulated with excessive levels of
plasticizers that may leach into the structural
silicone and cause discoloration, softening and
potentially sealant adhesion loss to a substrate.
Dow Corning recommends testing and approval
of materials on a project by project basis. Some
SG Systems have qualified and pre-tested their
specific rubber materials. Historically, certain
material types have proven to be appropriate for
structural glazing. Following are some general
guidelines for gaskets and rubber materials:
19
Product Quality
Dow Corning performs extensive quality One-component structural silicone sealants may
assurance testing in our manufacturing facilities in be used in a production facility environment
accordance with ISO 9001 standards. This section or at the job site. All parties involved with a
of the manual is intended to provide the sealant project, including the architect, engineer and
user with procedures and recommendations for control bodies must support site glazing for a
the proper storage, handling, use and quality specific project. Specific local requirements may
control of Dow Corning Structural Glazing not permit site glazing in some instances. Cure
Silicone Sealants. As a sealant user, you must read, requirements and considerations for site glazing
understand and closely follow the procedures are discussed later in this section.
and recommendations set forth in this section
of the manual. If you have questions regarding Joint Preparation and Sealant Application
any of the following procedures or Specific procedures and recommendations on
recommendations, please contact your local joint preparation and sealant application are
Dow Corning Construction Office or your made later in this section. These procedures and
Dow Corning Technical Service Engineer recommendations will help to ensure proper
prior to using the Dow Corning Sealant. sealant adhesion, cure and joint fill. Ignoring
or skipping a step in the process could have an
General considerations adverse effect on the performance of the structural
silicone. These procedures should be understood
Material storage and handling and completely followed by the sealant user.
Dow Corning Sealants must be stored at the
recommended temperature and environment. Quality Control
Excessive temperatures or moisture may cause a A comprehensive Quality Control program is the
sealant to be damaged. Sealant cure, adhesion and most critical element of a successful structural
physical properties could be harmed if the sealant glazing project. Dow Corning provides procedures
is not handled and stored properly. The sealant and recommendations that must be completely
user must understand and follow recommendation understood and followed by the sealant user.
on the proper use of dispensing equipment for These procedures are proven to be effective and
two-component silicone sealants. reliable. In the Documentation section of this
manual, Dow Corning provides quality control
Shelf life logs which can be used by the sealant user.
Dow Corning Sealants must be used within their Dow Corning will assist you in the development
stated shelf life. Sealant that is used beyond its of a comprehensive quality control program.
stated shelf life may not cure properly to its full Dow Corning will also audit a production facility
physical properties and must not be used. and make recommendations for improvement if
necessary. Later in this section is a best practices
Factory vs. Site Glazing guide for SG production facilities.
Structural Glazing fabrication may occur in
a production facility or at the job site. Two-
component structural silicone sealants are
typically applied in the controlled environment
of a production facility.
20
Product Quality
One-Component Sealants 3. When the sealant no longer adheres to you

finger, the skin-over time has been reached.
Storage Temperature and Conditions If the skin-over time is greater than 2 hours,
do not use this material and contact your
Dow Corning Construction Office.
Sealant must be stored at temperatures below
+30°C. An expiry date is clearly marked on the
4. Allow the sealant to cure for 48 hours.
product packaging. Sealant should only be used if
After 48 hours, remove the sealant from the
it is within the expiry date shown on the package.
polyethylene sheet. Stretch the sealant slowly
The sealant should be kept in its original unopened
to determine whether it has cured to normal
package until the sealant is to be used. Sealant
elastomeric properties. A control sample of
should be stored indoors in a dry environment.
“good sealant” can be used for comparison. If
Skin-over time/elastomeric test the sealant has not cured properly, do not use
the material and contact your Dow Corning
A skin-over time and elastomeric test should be
Construction Office.
performed once per day and on each new lot of
sealant to be used. The purpose of this test is to
5. Record results in your Quality Control log.
ensure that the sealant cures fully and has typical
A sample Quality Control log is available in
elastomeric properties. Any variation such as
the Documentation section of this manual.
excessively long skin-over time may indicate that
The completed log should be retained and be
the sealant is out of shelf life or has been stored
available for review by Dow Corning upon
at excessively high temperature. Skin-over time
request.
will vary with temperature and humidity. Higher
temperature and higher humidity will cause the
sealant to skin-over and cure faster.
The following procedure must be performed

before any material is used in production.
Production quality control procedures, such
as adhesion tests on production materials, are
described later in this section.
1. Spread a 2 mm thick layer of sealant on a

polyethylene sheet.
2. Every few minutes, touch the sealant film

lightly with your finger.
21
Project Quality
Two-Component Sealants sealant user understands and complies with the

following best practices:
Storage Temperature and Conditions
Provide Proper Sealant Storage Conditions
Sealant must be stored at temperatures below Sealant containers must be stored below the
+30°C. An expiry date is clearly marked on the sealant’s recommended storage temperature of
product packaging for the curing agent and base. +30°C. Sealant can be used at temperatures of
Sealant should only be used if it is within the up to +40°C. If a sealant container is kept in a
expiry date shown on the package. The sealant production facility at a temperature of greater
should be kept in its original unopened packages than +30°C for one week, replace the material.
until the sealant is to be used. Sealant should be Containers should be stored in their original
stored indoors in a dry environment. Containers unopened containers.
of curing agent and base are not lot-matched.
For practical purposes it is best to use the oldest Maintain Proper Production Facility
container of material first. Temperature
Ambient temperature in the production facility
Two-Component Dispensing Equipment must be between +10°C and +40°C. For best
Guidelines performance, maintain a temperature of between
+18°C to +30°C. At colder temperatures,
between +10°C and +18°C, cure rate and
Sealant is a high performance material, which is
adhesion development will be slower. In higher
certificated and approved by official authorities and
temperatures, between +30°C and +40°C,
test institutes for structural glazing applications.
working time will be shorter.
Properly applied, the sealant provides excellent
long-term adhesion and durability, which is
Avoid Excessively High Humidity
necessary for structural glazing applications.
In higher relative humidity, the sealant will
Dow Corning 993 Structural Glazing Silicone cure faster and have a shorter working time.
Sealant requires correct pumping and mixing Excessively high humidity (>80%) could cause
by the sealant user to achieve its intended moisture on the substrate surface and adversely
performance. State of the art technology for the affect sealant adhesion. To minimize the damage
application of two-component sealants uses a of moisture on the individual sealant components,
sophisticated pumping, metering and mixing pails and drums must be kept airtight during
machine with either a dynamic or static mixer. storage and after being placed on the dispensing
There are several different suppliers for such equipment. When using a pressure pot, the air
equipment. The dispensing machines available in inside the drum or pail must be filtered and dried
the market are all different in design, so therefore (silica gel filters are recommended).
Dow Corning strongly recommends that the
sealant user follow the guidelines provided by
the equipment supplier regarding the proper use
and maintenance of the dispensing equipment.
In addition to the guidelines from the equipment
supplier, Dow Corning recommends that the
22
Product Quality
Curing Agent Must Be Homogeneous regularly check the follower plate to ensure
Prior to placing material on the dispensing that it is moving smoothly and will not be
equipment, the curing agent should be visually blocked by a damaged drum or pail or by a
inspected and agitated in the pail to ensure damaged or brittle gasket. Proper maintenance
homogeneity. Do not incorporate excessive and cleaning of the mixer helps to ensure
air during mixing of the curing agent. Low and properly mixed sealant. Filters and gaskets
medium viscosity curing agents (Standard & HV) should be regularly inspected and replaced as
are more likely to show separation and should be necessary.
mixed prior to use. High viscosity curing agent
(HV/GER) does not generally require mixing • Ensure that there is no contamination of
but it should be checked in all cases before use. sealant components. Sealant must not come
It is recommended to mix the curing agent one to in contact with machinery oils from the
three days before the pail needs to be changed to equipment. Pumps must be checked for
allow the curing agent to de-air. tightness and oil should not be used on the
follower plates.
Properly Maintain Sealant Dispensing
Equipment When using a solvent such as
It is essential that the sealant user establish a Dow Corning 3522 Cleaning Solvent
quality program that will ensure that the sealant Concentrated for cleaning of the mixing
dispensing equipment is functioning properly. line, the sealant lines must be completely
Because there are many different manufacturers closed against the solvent lines to avoid
of dispensing equipment, maintenance contamination of the sealant with solvent. All
requirements will differ. Requirements common gaskets must be compatible with the cleaning
to all equipment manufacturers include: solvent.
• Regularly maintain gaskets. Some gaskets,

• Sealant must be dispensed free from exposure
to air. Dow Corning 993 Structural Glazing especially those in direct contact to the sealant
Silicone Sealant must be processed in a components, could become brittle or will show
closed system free from exposure to air. Air a volume increase after prolonged exposure.
incorporated into the sealant may have a Deteriorated gaskets must be immediately
severe detrimental effect on the adhesion replaced. Please request from your equipment
and performance of the sealant. Air trapped supplier gaskets and other components, which
during the change of sealant containers must are compatible and recommended for use
be completely bled out or flushed out of the with Dow Corning 993 Structural Glazing
system prior to use. Silicone Sealant. The equipment supplier
should also provide a schedule for regular
• Regularly inspect and maintain components replacement of gaskets. Please contact your
of the dispensing equipment. Air can be Dow Corning Technical Service Engineer if
incorporated into the sealant if the pump you need specific recommendations.
is defective or gaskets have hardened or
are damaged allowing air ingress into the
system. When using high pressure pumping
equipment with a follower plate system,
23
Product Quality
Surface Preparation and Sealant 3. Prime the surface to receive sealant if required
Application by the Dow Corning written approval for the
project.
Every structural glazing project requires a
diligent and thorough procedure to ensure that 4. Place the glass or panel to be glazed. Care
substrates are properly cleaned prior to sealant must be taken to not contaminate cleaned
application. The following procedures should be surface during any phase of production.
followed for every structural glazing application. If contamination occurs, surfaces must be
Further description of the cleaning, priming and recleaned.
placing procedures are included in the subsequent
section. 5. Apply sealant into the SG joint cavity. The
joint must be completely filled with sealant.
1. Inspect substrates and materials prior to By “pushing the bead” of sealant into the
use. The materials used in production must joint in a continuous manner, air entrapment
be representative of the materials that were can be avoided.
tested and approved by Dow Corning. The
substrates, i.e. aluminium profiles, should 6. Tool or strike the sealant joint surface with a
be in good condition and not damaged by tooling device such as a spatula. The sealant
outdoor weathering. must be pushed into the joint with a tool.
Scooping excess sealant from the joint is not
2. Clean substrates as recommended in the acceptable tooling. Tooling helps to ensure
Dow Corning written approval for the project. that the sealant wets out the joint surfaces
Joint surfaces must always be clean, dry, dust and completely fills the joint without air
free and frost free. Moisture or contaminants entrapment.
on the surface may have an adverse effect on
sealant adhesion to a substrate. 7. Inspect the finished SG units. Determine
whether the entire SG joints have been properly
filled and tooled. Determine wether the SG
units are stored in the proper conditions and
inspect whether the sealant is curing properly.
Ensure that all of the recommended quality
control tests are being performed.
24
Product Quality
Substrate Cleaning Procedure Masking

The key to acceptable sealant adhesion is a clean If aesthetics are important, surface adjacent to
surface. Following are proven procedures to clean the SG joint can be protected by masking. Prior
non-porous and porous substrates. to sealant installation, a masking tape can be
applied to the surface adjacent to the joint. Test
Non-Porous Substrates the tape prior to use to ensure that it can be easily
Non-porous substrates such as glass and removed and does not damage the substrate.
aluminium must be cleaned with a solvent prior to During application of the tape, do not apply the
application of sealant. Dow Corning recommends tape to joint surfaces since residual adhesive from
the “two-cloth cleaning method” be used to clean tape may harm sealant adhesion. Immediately
non-porous materials. The “two-cloth cleaning after the sealant has been applied and tooled,
method” is described later in this section. remove the tape.
Dow Corning R-40 Cleaner is recommended
for solvent cleaning of non-porous substrates.Two-cloth cleaning method
The “two-cloth cleaning method” is a proven
Alternate solvents will be considered. If a solvent
other than Dow Corning R-40 Cleaner is to be technique to clean non-porous surfaces. The
use of one cloth to clean a substrate is not a
used, please identify the selected solvent during
completion of the SG Project Testing Form. recommended procedure and is not as effective
as two cloths. Clean, soft, absorbent, lint-free
Dow Corning will test with your specific solvent
blend. Pure water, soaps and detergent are notcloths must be used. This method consists of
acceptable cleaning agents. cleaning the substrate with a solvent saturated
cloth followed by a drying wipe with a separate
Porous Substrates clean cloth. Following is the procedure described
Porous substrates such as granite, marble, in greater detail:
limestone or concrete absorb liquid and are
considered porous. These substrates are 1. Thoroughly clean all surfaces of loose
used almost exclusively in weatherseal or debris.
non-structural applications. For specific
recommendations for porous substrates, please 2. Pour a small quantity of cleaning solvent into
refer to the Dow Corning Building Envelope a working container. A clear plastic, solvent-
Weatherproofing Manual which is available at resistant, squeeze bottle works best for this
www.dowcorning.com. purpose. Do not apply solvent directly from
the original container.
Solvent Consideration
The solvents named in this section are 3. Wipe the joint surfaces with sufficient force
recommended based upon our experience with to remove dirt and contaminants.
these products. You should always check with
the supplier of the substrate to ensure that the 4. Immediately wipe dry the solvent wet
cleaning procedures and solvents are compatible surface of the substrate with a separate clean,
with each substrate. dry cloth. The second cloth must wipe the
substrate before the solvent has evaporated.
25
Product Quality
5. Visually inspect the second cloth to determine 4. Pour a small amount of primer from the
if contaminants were effectively removed. working container onto a clean, dry, lint-free
If the second cloth remains dirty, repeat the cloth and gently wipe a thin film on all joint
“two-cloth cleaning method” until the second surfaces requiring primer. Apply only enough
cloth remains clean. For each subsequent primer to wet the surface. Overpriming can
cleaning, rotate each cloth to a clean portion cause adhesion loss between the sealant and
of the cloth. Do not clean with the dirty the substrate. If too much primer is applied, a
portion of the cloth. For best results, replace powdery white film will form on the substrate.
used and dirty cloths frequently. Overpriming is not an acceptable practice and
should be stopped immediately. Overprimed
Substrate Priming Procedure surfaces must be recleaned and primed in a
Dow Corning 1200 OS Primer is commonly proper manner.
the primer recommended for structural glazing
applications. The following procedure describes 5. Allow the primer to dry until all of the solvent
how to properly prime surfaces with evaporates. This typically takes from 5 to
Dow Corning 1200 OS Primer: 30 minutes depending on temperature and
humidity.
1. Before using, verify that the Dow Corning 1200
OS Primer is within it stated shelf life. The 6. Inspect the surface for dryness and for the
primer should be stored below 25°C in its appearance of overpriming. A primed non-
original unopened container. The primer porous surface will have a slight haze. If red
should be clear and water-like in appearance. colored primer is used, the primed surfaces
If the primer is milky white in appearance, do will appear red in color. Primed surfaces must
not use the primer. Red colored primer is also be sealed within the next four (4) hours. Any
available. surfaces primed and not sealed within four
hours must be recleaned and reprimed before
2. Joint surface must first be clean and dry. The applying sealant.
step of priming should begin within four
(4) hours after the cleaning step. If there is
a greater time delay, joint surfaces must be
recleaned prior to priming.
3. Pour a small amount of primer into a clean,

dry container. Do not pour more than a 10
minute supply of primer into the working
container. Replace and tighten the cap on
the container immediately after dispensing
the primer. Excessive exposure of the
primer to atmospheric moisture will cause
it to deteriorate and turn milky white in the
container.
26
Product Quality
Placing the Panel • Temporary fasteners must be used to keep

The glass or panel can be placed once the profiles the SG joint stable during cure of the sealant.
have been cleaned and primed if necessary. Dow Corning 895 requires 1 to 4 weeks
The same cleaning and priming procedures should or longer for full cure. Sealant cure rate
also be performed at the same time to the glass is influenced by the SG joint geometry,
or panel. Care must be taken to not contaminate temperature and humidity. Temporary
cleaned and primed surfaces that are to be fasteners may only be removed once the
sealed. Finger prints can cause adhesion loss. sealant has developed full cure and adhesion
Dow Corning recommends the use of powder-
free latex gloves to handle glass panels if there • A comprehensive quality control program
is concern about physical contact with the joint which includes the skin-over time, elastomeric
surfaces. test, peel adhesion test, H-piece test and
deglaze test must be followed.
Site Glazing Considerations Dow Corning can assist in the development
Most of the substrate cleaning and priming of a comprehensive quality control program
procedures described above apply to both site for structural glazing on site.
glazing and factory glazing. Key considerations
for structural glazing on site include:
• Sealant must be stored away from excessive

heat. Exposure of the sealant to high
temperatures would cause the sealant to
degrade and cure improperly.
• An application temperature range of

+10°C to +40°C is recommended. At lower
temperatures, the substrate must be kept
free of condensation or moisture. Substrate
temperatures in excess of +50°C will
adversely affect the cure and adhesion of the
sealant to the substrate.
• Because environmental conditions cannot be

controlled on a jobsite, joint surfaces must be
cleaned and primed and the panels must be
placed and sealed in one (1) hour or less.
27
Product Quality
Sealant Application and Quality Control Sealant Cure Requirements

Procedures All silicone sealants whether one-component or
two-component require exposure to atmospheric
Sealant Application Procedure moisture to cure. In a closed container or concealed
Sealant should only be applied in SG joints joint that is not exposed to atmospheric moisture,
which have been cleaned and primed by the sealant cure will be slow to nonexistent. Sealant
recommended procedures. Sealant must be adhesion will only occur if the sealant is allowed
applied to clean, dry, dirt-free and frost-free to cure to its full physical properties. Please ensure
surfaces and the joint surfaces must be primed if that the tooled sealant joint is fully exposed to the
recommended by Dow Corning for the specific environment.
project. Sealant adhesion may be harmed by an
improperly cleaned or primed SG joint. Sealant Site Glazing Cure Requirements
must also completely fill the SG joint. The Temporary support of adjoining materials must
performance of the SG system is dependent on be used during the cure of structural sealant for
having appropriate structural bite. An underfilled site glazing. The SG joint must be static during
SG joint may jeopardize the performance of the cure to prevent stress on the sealant as it cures
SG system. and develops full adhesion and strength.
The following procedures describe the proper Sealant typically requires 1 to 4 weeks or longer
procedures to apply sealant: to fully cure depending on the joint geometry,
temperature and relative humidity.
1. Apply sealant in a continuous operation using
an application gun or dispensing equipment. Factory Glazing Cure Requirements
A positive pressure, adequate to fill the entire Dow Corning 895 Structural Glazing Silicone
joint, should be used. By “pushing the bead” Sealant typically requires 1 to 4 weeks or longer
of sealant into the joint in a continuous to cure in a production facility environment. Cure
manner, air entrapment can be avoided. rate depends on joint geometry, temperature and
humidity. The structurally glazed units must not
2. Tool the sealant with light pressure before a be moved to the jobsite until the sealant has fully
skin forms on the sealant. This is typically cured and it can be demonstrated through quality
within 5 to 10 minutes. control testing that the sealant has achieved full
adhesion (100% cohesive failure).
3. Avoid the use of wet tooling aids such as
soaps or solvents during tooling. Dry tooling Dow Corning 993 Structural Glazing Silicone
is recommended. Do not scoop sealant since Sealant cures in deep section within 3 to 4
this does not effectively push sealant into the hours depending on temperature and humidity.
joint causing the sealant to fully wet out the The sealant generally achieves full adhesion
sides of the joint. (100% cohesive failure) in 1 to 3 days. The
structurally glazed units must not be moved
4. If the surface adjacent to the SG joint has been to the jobsite until the sealant has fully cured
masked, remove the masking at this time. and it can be demonstrated through quality
control tests that the sealant has achieved full
28
Product Quality
adhesion (100% cohesive failure). Verification of 4. If freshly applied sealant will be applied within
sealant cure and adhesion is done through the use 1 hour after cutting the cured sealant, solvent
of “peel adhesion” and/or “H-piece” testing. It is cleaning of the existing silicone surface will
the responsibility of the SG applicator to perform not be necessary. Since new silicone sealant
these tests as prescribed in this manual. These fully adheres to cured silicone sealant, no
procedures are described in greater detail later in priming is required for silicone sealant to
the next section. adhere to silicone sealant. If the existing
silicone is solvent cleaned, allow the absorbed
Reglazing Procedures solvent to evaporate before application of the
Glass breakage occurs during all phases of a new sealant.
construction project and even long after the building
is completed. How a system will be reglazed is 5. If the existing sealant is completely removed
an important design consideration. The specific down to the frame, solvent cleaning of the
procedures will vary from project to project. frame will be required. Primer may also
Following are general guidelines for reglazing. be required. Please refer to the original
Dow Corning approvals for the project.
Reglazing Due to Glass Breakage
The following procedure assumes that a 6. Clean and prepare the glass or panel before
Dow Corning Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant setting on the frame. Replace the spacer if
was originally used on the project and that the necessary and set the glass. Install temporary
original recommendations are available to the fasteners to allow the glass to remain
contractor performing the repairs. If this information attached as the sealant cures. Mask the joint
is not available, please contact your Dow Corning if necessary.
Construction Office.
7. Fill the SG joint with a fresh bead of sealant.
1. First determine that the existing sealant is Tool the joint and remove the masking if
well adhered. A peel adhesion test must be used. Please refer to the sealant application
performed to confirm that the existing sealant procedures described earlier in this section.
has excellent adhesion (100% cohesive failure) Inspect the joints to ensure that they are
to the frame. If excellent adhesion is not completely filled and properly tooled.
achieved, please contact your Dow Corning
Construction Office. 8. After the sealant has fully cured, the temporary
clips may be removed. One-component
2. Remove all existing damaged glass. Depending sealant cure may take 1 to 4 weeks or longer
on the design, the glass may be removed using depending on the joint geometry, temperature
a cutting blade or piano wire. and humidity.
3. Cut away the silicone leaving a thin film 9. Quality control guidelines described later in
(1 to 2 mm) of sealant on the frame. Complete this manual must be completely followed.
removal of the sealant is not necessary. If
complete removal of the sealant is preferred,
care must be taken to avoid damage to the finish
of the substrate during removal of the sealant.
29
Product Quality
Some SG systems do not allow easy reglazing of Reglazing Due to System Failure
the damaged glass. These systems are designed Although complete system failure of a structural
to have the entire curtainwall unit, including glazed system is very rare, there are situations,
the frame, removed and replaced together. In particularly with older SG technology or linked
such instances, follow the sealant application to quality problems not associated with the
guidelines for new factory glazing which is structural silicone, where an entire SG façade
described earlier in this section. must be replaced. Because these projects can
be very complex, please contact your
In some instances, the structural joint cannot Dow Corning Technical Service Engineer during
be accessed once the glass has been set. With the investigation and planning phase of the
systems such as this where the frame cannot be remediation.
removed and the glass must be set in the field,
it is acceptable to use the following reglazing
procedure. Please consult with your
Dow Corning Technical Service Engineer prior
to using this reglazing procedure.
1. Remove the damaged glass and prepare the

substrate as described in steps 1 though 7
above in section “Surface Preparation and
Sealant Application”.
2. Apply sealant directly to the frame. Enough

sealant must be applied to comfortably overfill
the SG joint once the glass is set on the frame.
The glass must be set within 10 minutes of
sealant application. The glass must compress
the sealant so it sufficiently fills the joints
with minimal air entrapment or bubbles. If
possible, the joint surface should be tooled.
30
Product Quality
Quality Control Test Procedures program specifically for your organization.

Dow Corning will also audit a production facility
General Considerations and make recommendations for improvement if
Quality Control is one of the most important necessary. Later in this section is a best practices
elements of a successful structural glazing guide for SG production facilities.
project and is the primary responsibility of
Sealant Production Quality Control
the SG applicator. This section of the manual
should be fully understood and continually During production, periodic quality control should
reviewed by the sealant user. The procedures and be performed on Dow Corning 993 Silicone
recommendations made in this section are the Structural Glazing Sealant produced through the
foundation of a comprehensive quality control two-component dispensing equipment. These
program. In the Documentation section of this test procedures help to ensure the sealant is being
manual, Dow Corning provides quality control properly mixed at the correct ratio. These tests
logs which you can use for the development of and their recommended frequency are shown in
a comprehensive quality control program by the the following table:
sealant user. Dow Corning will assist you in the
development of a comprehensive quality control
Frequency of Test
Sealant Production
QC Test After Each Pump After Each Diagnostic
Start-Up Container Change Investigation
Glass Test Required1 Required1 Required
Butterfly Test Required1 Required1 Required
Snap Time Test Required Required Required
Mixing Ratio Test Not Required Not Required Required
1
Either the glass test or butterfly test must be performed at the scheduled frequency. It is not required that both
tests be performed.
Although Dow Corning 993 Silicone Glazing test will be more difficult. Please contact your
Sealant - Black is most commonly used, the Dow Corning Technical Service Engineer for
sealant is also available in white, grey or custom specific quality control recommendations for
colors for special projects. In such cases, grey or white Dow Corning 993.
performing tests such as the glass test and butterfly
31
Product Quality
Glass Test
The Glass Test is a procedure used to evaluate
the mix of Dow Corning 993 Silicone Structural
Glazing Sealant. This test is performed each time
a pump starts-up and after either the curing agent
or base containers are changed. The purpose
of this test is to determine whether the two-
component dispensing equipment is adequately
mixing the sealant base and curing agent.
For standard Dow Corning 993 Black, the sealant

base is white and the curing agent is black.
When properly mixed, the finished sealant is
uniform black, with no grey or white streaks. Glass Test: Proper Mixing
Improper mix can be the result of a damaged
check valve, a clogged hose, a clogged mixer,
etc. Regular equipment maintenance will help to
ensure proper sealant mixing. Please consult with
your dispensing equipment manufacturer for
maintenance guidelines. If grey, white or custom
colored Dow Corning 993 Silicone Structural
Glazing Sealant is being used, please contact
your Dow Corning Technical Service Engineer
for recommendations.
To perform the Glass Test Method, apply a bead

of sealant to a clean, clear glass sample which
is approximately 10 cm x 10 cm. Place another
clean, clear glass sample on top of the silicone,
pressing the two pieces of glass together. Please
refer to the diagram on this page. The resulting Glass Test: Insufficient Mixing
sandwiched sealant should then be visually
inspected for grey or white streaks. The sealant
should appear completely uniform and black.
If results are negative, perform the test again
after additional material is processed through
the machine. It the results are negative again,
equipment maintenance may be required. If
additional assistance is required, please contact
your Dow Corning Technical Service Engineer.
32
Product Quality
Butterfly Test
The Butterfly Test is a procedure that is similar
to the Glass Test. This test is performed at each
pump start-up and after either the curing agent or
base containers are changed. The purpose of this
test is to determine whether the two-component
dispensing equipment is adequately mixing
the sealant base and curing agent. For standard Apply Sealant to
Dow Corning 993 Black, the sealant base is white Folded Paper
and the curing agent is black. When properly
mixed, the finished sealant is uniform black, with
no grey or white streaks. Improper mix can be
the result of a damaged check valve, a clogged
hose, a clogged mixer, etc. Regular equipment
maintenance will help to ensure proper sealant
mixing. Please consult with your dispensing
equipment manufacturer for maintenance
guidelines.
Press Together
If grey, white or custom colored Dow Corning 993
Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant is being used,
please contact your Dow Corning Technical
Service Engineer for recommendations.
Following is the procedure for performing a

Butterfly Test:
1. Fold a sheet of stiff, white A4 paper in half.
2. Apply a bead of sealant to the fold in the Insufficient Mixing

paper.
3. Press the sheet of paper together compressing

the sealant into a thin film.
Pull the paper apart and visually inspect the

sealant for indications of poor mix
Proper Mixing
33
Product Quality
Snap Time Test Every few minutes, pull the stick out of the
Once proper mixing of the sealant is established sealant. Do not stir or agitate the sealant. As
by the Glass Test and/or Butterfly Test, a Snap the sealant becomes more cured, the sealant will
Time Test must be performed. This test is become stringy. Once the sealant tears cohesively
performed each time a pump starts-up and after and snaps back once it is pulled, this is the “snap
either the curing agent or base containers are time”. Record this time.
changed. The snap time test helps to determine
if the mix ratio is correct and whether the sealant The Snap Time Test will vary depending on
is curing properly. Mixed sealant will handle temperature and humidity. Higher temperatures
like a one-component sealant until the chemical and higher humidity will cause the sealant to
reaction between the base materials and curing snap faster. Colder temperatures and lower
agent begins to take place. The sealant will in a humidity conditions will slow the snap time. On
matter of minutes begin to “snap” and begin to the following page is a figure which shows the
show elastomeric or rubber properties. effect of temperature on snap time. Snap time
will also vary from tester to tester depending on
Following is a procedure for the Snap Time Test: how the results are interpreted. Also, there will
be variation from lot to lot of material and as the
1. Fill a small container with mixed sealant ages. Highly unusual snap time values
Dow Corning 993 Silicone Structural Glazing could be an indication of a problem with the
Sealant. pump. The most important determination from
snap time is that the sealant does cure. If the
2. Place a small stick or spatula into the sealant. sealant does not cure, then further investigation
Record the time. is required.
SNAP
Stick Inserted Before Snap Time

in Cup Snap Time
34
Product Quality
Mixing Ratio Test
The Mixing Ratio Test is not a test that is required 3. Weigh the two cups, minus the weight of the
by Dow Corning as a daily test. This test is useful cup itself. The weight ratio between the two-
to determine whether the sealant is mixing at the components should be between 9 to 1 and 11
recommended ratio of 10 to 1 by weight. Most to 1.
two-component silicone dispensing machines
provide a set of valves which allow the mixing It has been the experience of Dow Corning that
ratio to be checked. Following is a procedure to this test is not reliable as a daily quality control
perform the Mixing Ratio Test: test. It is a useful test if there are concerns with
the mix of the sealant or the snap time. This test
1. Pressure valves must be adjusted in such a method is a very good diagnostic test and along
way that the pressure is equalized for both with the glass test or butterfly test and the snap
components. test, should be useful in the investigation of
equipment problems. Dow Corning Technical
2. Hold a disposable cup underneath each valve Service Engineers are available to assist you
outlet on the pump. Open the valve for 10 if there is concern with mixing or cure of
seconds or at least 3 strokes of both the base Dow Corning 993 Silicone Structural Glazing
and curing agent pumps. Sealant.
Typical Snap Time vs. Temperature for Dow Corning® 993 Structural Glazing Sealant
Snap Time vs. Temperature for Dow Corning 993 Structural Glazing Sealant
35
Product Quality
Adhesion and Cure Quality Control Tests immersion. H-piece testing is recommended as
The following adhesion and cure quality control a test to verify proper cured sealant properties.
tests individually and together are the best means Deglazing is a procedure to verify proper sealant
to determine whether you will have a successful adhesion, cure and quality in actual production
structural glazing project. Each test is valuable units.
in its own way and must be considered as part
of your comprehensive quality control program. Dow Corning requires the adhesion and cure
Dry Peel adhesion testing is recommended as the quality control tests be performed by the sealant
daily test to verify sealant adhesion. For anodized user at the frequency recommended in the
aluminium substrate, the initial adhesion peel following chart:
must be reproduced after 15 minutes water
Frequency of Test
Sealant Adhesion
and Cure QC Test After Each Pump After Each After Each Substrate
Start-Up Container Change Change
Peel Adhesion Test

Required Required Required
Dry
Peel Adhesion Test Required (only for Required (only for Required (only for
Wet anodized aluminium) anodized aluminium) anodized aluminium)
Alternate to Peel Alternate to Peel
H-Piece Test Required1
Adhesion Test Adhesion Test
Alternate to Peel Alternate to Peel
Adhesion Test Wet Required (only for
1
Adhesion Test Wet
H-Piece Test Wet
(only for anodized anodized aluminium) (only for anodized
aluminium) aluminium)
Not Generally Not Generally Not Generally
Deglaze Test
Required2 Required2 Required2
H-Piece testing after each container change may not be required by Dow Corning in some cases.
1
Deglaze testing is a valuable test that should be included in every comprehensive quality control program.
2
Deglaze testing may be required for specific projects or if special warranties are requested.
36
Product Quality
Peel Adhesion Tests 5. After sealant cure, grasp the 4 cm tab of sealant
Peel adhesion test is the most effective daily test which overlays the polyethylene sheet. Pull
to verify sealant adhesion to a substrate. This the sealant at a 180° angle. Peel back only 1
simple screening test should be used as the daily to 2 cm of sealant leaving the remainder in
test to verify adhesion of sealant to a substrate. place for additional testing.
This test should be performed on all substrates to 6. If the sealant tears within itself and remains
which the sealant is expected to have adhesion at fully bonded to the substrate, this is called
the following intervals: “cohesive failure”. 100% cohesive failure is
desirable since this indicates that the strength
• After each pump start-up or after extended of adhesion is greater than the strength of
breaks cohesion.
• After a change of the curing agent or base 7. If the sealant releases from the substrate, the
container sample indicates 100% adhesive failure (or
• For each new lot of substrate 0% cohesive failure).Since sealant adhesion
develops over time, repeat the test after an
Following is a description of the peel adhesion additional 24 hours of cure. Continue until
test: 100% cohesive failure is achieved. If adhesion
does not develop as expected, contact your
1. Clean and prime the substrate as recommended local Dow Corning Construction Office
by Dow Corning.
2. Place a piece of polyethylene sheet or bond For anodized aluminium and when 100%
breaker tape across the flat surface. cohesive failure is recorded in dry conditions,
3. Apply a bead of sealant and tool it to form a place the initial peel test under water immersion
strip approximately 20 cm long, 1.5 cm wide for 15 minutes at room temperature. Take out
and 6 mm thick. At least 4 cm of the sealant the sealant from the water and start again peel
should be applied over the polyethylene sheet testing procedure. 100% cohesive failure in
or bond breaker tape. wet conditions is required. If adhesion does not
4. It is best to imbed a wire mesh halfway within develop as expected, contact your local Dow
the body of the sealant. For best results, solvent Corning Construction Office.
clean and prime the screen to ensure good
adhesion to the wire mesh. If wire mesh is not
available, reliable results can still be achieved.
SEALANT GLASS OR
SEALANT GLASS OR ALUMINIUM
ALUMINIUM SUBSTRATE
SUBSTRATE BONDBREAKER
BONDBREAKER TAPE
TAPE
Peel Adhesion Test: Cohesive Failure Peel Adhesion Test: Adhesive Failure
37
Product Quality
Following are some additional recommendations

for peel adhesion testing:
• Peel adhesion tests must be run on production

samples from the exact same lot of substrate
or profile.
• The substrate should be cleaned exactly the

way the production units are cleaned.
• The peel adhesion samples must be cured in

the same temperature and humidity that the
production units are stored.
• Samples should be tested periodically,

for example 1, 2, 3 days cure for
Dow Corning 993. Testing can conclude once
the peel adhesion test shows full adhesion or
100% cohesive failure. For Dow Corning 895,
peel adhesion tests should be performed at 7
day intervals.
• For the wet adhesion test required for the

adhesion on anodized aluminium substrate,
no specific reconditioning required before the
peel test.
• Local authorities may required specific and

additional testing procedure such as: Once
samples achieve full adhesion, immersed
them in room temperature water for one day
to seven days and test them again for cohesive
failure.
Important: SG production units can only be

shipped to the jobsite once full adhesion has
been verified by successful peel adhesion tests
under dry and wet conditions (for anodized
aluminium). 100% cohesive failure required.
38
Product Quality
H-piece Test When dry results are acceptable or when

The H-piece test is the primary test used to H-piece test is used as an alternate to Peel test
evaluate sealant cure properties. This test should for anodized aluminium, wet testing must also
be performed once for every combination of base be operated after 15 minutes water immersion at
and curing agent. If a container is changed, an room temperature. Full adhesion (100% cohesive
H-piece test should be used to confirm that the failure) and minimum strength of 0.70 MPa must
sealant cure properties are acceptable. In some be achieved in dry and wet conditions.
instances, Dow Corning may not require H-
piece testing as a part of a comprehensive quality Below is a detail of showing the dimensions of an
control program if other procedures such as peel H-piece sample:
adhesion and deglaze testing are performed at
an appropriate frequency and if local standards Glass
and regulations do not require H-piece testing.
12 mm
Silicone
The H-piece test can be used as a daily adhesion
quality control test but because the peel test is Glass
less complicated to perform, the peel test is the or
recommended daily adhesion quality control 12 mm Metal
test.
Every time a container is changed, four H-piece 50 mm
test samples should be produced. Samples should
be made using actual production substrates
(aluminium profile and glass, typically). The
substrates should be cleaned and primed in the
same manner as production units are prepared.
The test samples should be stored in the same
50 mm
temperature and humidity environment as the

actual production units.
The first H-piece sample should be tested when

production units are to be shipped to the jobsite.
The peel adhesion tests should be used to verify
full adhesion (100% cohesive failure). Full
adhesion typically occurs after 1 to 3 days of
cure for Dow Corning 993 and 1 to 4 weeks for Test samples can be prepared using a wooden
Dow Corning 895, depending on joint geometry, block which has been cut to allow a cavity to
temperature and humidity. Dow Corning 895 be filled with sealant in the dimension shown.
must have full adhesion and cure in the actual The wooden block should be pre-treated with a
production units before the units are shipped to soap solution or paraffin wax to provide a bond-
the jobsite. If properly cured, the sealant should broken surface for the sealant. Alternatively, a
have a minimum strength of 0.70 MPa with 100% polyethylene bondbreaker tape can be applied
cohesive failure. If results are not acceptable, to the wooden surfaces to contact the sealant.
a second H-piece is available for additional A polyethylene U-channel specifically designed
testing. for this test method can also be used. Two
H-piece samples should be produced for every
39
Product Quality
combination of curing agent and base used in at rupture should be a minimum of 0.70 MPa.
production. Test samples should be stored in the This value corresponds to strength of 12 *
same conditions as the actual production units. 50 * 0.7 = 420 N applied to the test piece.
One sample should be tested at the same time that This strength corresponds to a load of 42 kg. If the
production units are to be shipped to the jobsite. Roman Scale is designed to have a b/a ratio of 10, a
Separately, peel adhesion testing should verify weight of 4.2 kg should be applied to the plate (W).
full adhesion (100% cohesive failure) at the same
time. The load should be applied for a maximum
of 10 seconds with no adhesive or
H-piece samples can be tested with either a cohesive failure of the H-piece. If no
tensiometer or through the use of a “Roman rupture occurs, incrementally add 0.5 kg to the
Scale”. A Roman Scale as represented below will scale until the H-piece ruptures. Record the load
allow the silicone user to test sealant cure and at rupture and percent cohesive failure observed
adhesion with a low cost piece of equipment. on the test sample.
a b In absence of local standards, H-piece testing of

either Dow Corning 895 or Dow Corning 993
should meet a minimum strength of 0.70 MPa
with 100% cohesive failure to actual production
R
substrates. For anodized aluminium, same

criteria must be achieved after the 15 minutes
water immersion at room temperature. Results of
R = W * b/a
H-piece testing should be recorded in a quality
W control log. A sample copy of an SG Quality
Control Log is included in the Documentation
section of this manual.
Roman Scale
The weight applied to the silicone joint is equal

to the weight (W) on the Roman Scale plate
times the ratio of b/a. The H-piece sample
should be tested to rupture. The tensile strength
40
Product Quality
Deglaze Test
Deglazing is a method of quality inspection used Dow Corning does not require this test method as a
to confirm sealant adhesion, joint fill and quality standard quality control procedure. Nevertheless
in actual SG production units. Deglazing includes it is a good practice that should be incorporated
complete detachment of a structurally glazed in a comprehensive quality control program.
panel from a frame. Once the glass or panel is For special warranties and certain projects,
removed, the silicone sealant is inspected for Dow Corning may require this procedure in the
cure, mix, uniformity of fill, lack of bubbles or quality control program.
air entrapment and most importantly, to verify
sealant adhesion. Deglazing is very useful to Deglazing should be performed as a regular
production personnel as a form of feedback on quality control procedure in a production
their performance. Production personnel should operation. This test can be performed randomly
be present during the inspection. on any production sample. Additionally, this test
should always be performed on units where the
Included in the Documentation section of this glass is damaged or for some other reason needs to
manual is a deglaze inspection form. During be replaced. When replacing the glass, a deglaze
inspection, the following elements should be inspection can easily be performed. Glass can be
evaluated: effectively removed using a knife or piano wire.
It is best to cut the sealant mid-way in the joint so
• Measured dimension of the structural bite. that enough sealant is left on the frame and panel
The minimum structural bite as determined to allow an adhesion test to be performed. A peel
in the project review must be satisfied. An adhesion test, as described earlier in this manual,
underfilled joint may affect the performance can be performed on the remaining sealant.
of the SG system.
Following is a recommended frequency for
• Measured dimension of the glueline deglaze testing to be performed on a project:
thickness.
1. First Deglaze – 1 unit out of first 10 units
• Adhesion of the structural sealant to the manufactured (1/10)
substrate and panel. Sealant must achieve
full adhesion (100% cohesive failure) to all 2. Second Deglaze – 1 unit out of next 40 units
substrates. manufactured (2/50)
• Sealant uniformity of cure and sealant mix. 3. Third Deglaze – 1 unit out of next 50 units
manufactured (3/100)
• Lack of air entrapment and bubbles in the
sealant. 4. Through remainder of project, 1 unit of every
100 units manufactured
Any deficiencies observed should be reported in
the SG Quality Control Log. For further assistance, please contact your
Dow Corning Technical Service Engineer.
41
Product Quality
Documentation
The sealant user is responsible for developing • Completed sealant production quality control
proper quality control documentation for their logs with glass test, butterfly test, snap time
project. Dow Corning provides in the following test and mix ratio test results
pages, sample quality control logs that can be
used on their own or as a model for a customized • Completed sealant adhesion and cure quality
quality control manual. At completion of a project, control logs with peel adhesion test dry and
the quality control logs must be provided to wet conditions, H-piece test and deglaze test
Dow Corning if a warranty is requested. results
Dow Corning recommends that project
documentation be retained for at least the length • Traceability documentation which allows each
of the warranty. These documents should be production unit to be precisely correlated to a
available to Dow Corning or local officials if specific date, time and location of production.
requested. All production units must be numbered so that
they can be specifically linked to the quality
A comprehensive quality control manual for an control logs. The position of each panel on the
SG project should include the following: building should be marked on the elevation
drawing so that it can be easily identified if
• SG details that were reviewed and approved required. This traceability documentation is
by Dow Corning critical in the event that a problem needs to
be investigated on a project.
• Dow Corning Project Checklist approval
letter(s) Dow Corning will assist you in the development
of a comprehensive quality control program.
• Project substrate and materials descriptions During a Production and Quality Control Audit,
and specifications your comprehensive quality control program will
be evaluated.
• Dow Corning adhesion and compatibility
approval letter(s)
• In-house SG production and quality control

procedures
42
Product Quality
Production and Quality Control Audit Quality Control

Dow Corning will audit the structural glazing
production and quality control operations of • Compliance with Dow Corning sealant
any user of Dow Corning Structural Glazing production quality control procedures: glass
Silicone Sealants. During this audit, the sealant test or butterfly test, snap time test, mix ratio
user’s production operations, quality control test
procedures and documentation will be evaluated.
Dow Corning will provide recommendations • Properly completed sealant production
for improvement and establish an action quality control log
plan with the SG applicator. Following
are some of the important elements that • Compliance with Dow Corning adhesion and
Dow Corning will be evaluating during an audit: cure quality control procedures: peel adhesion
test, H-piece test, deglaze test
Production Facility Operations and Safety
• Properly completed adhesion and cure quality
• Cleanliness of the production facility control log
• Production facility temperature and humidity • Traceability documentation in accordance

with Dow Corning recommendations
• Proper sealant storage and handling
• Commitment by management to train
• Properly operating and well maintained personnel and implement a comprehensive
sealant dispensing equipment quality control programm.
• SG Design and material approved by

Dow Corning
• Proper substrate handling
• Compliance with Dow Corning recommended

sealant application procedures: two-cloth
cleaning method, priming, sealant application,
tooling, etc.
• Storage and handling of production units
• Compliance with reasonable safety procedures

including safe handling of flammable materials
and use of personal protective equipment
43
Product Quality
Maintenance and Repair Method of inspection may consist of:

Structural glazing systems which utilize
Dow Corning Structural Glazing Silicone 1. Visual inspection of structural glazing system
Sealants in general do not require maintenance. and structural silicone sealants. Observe any
Dow Corning silicone sealants are inherently indication of sealant adhesion loss or sealant
resistance to ultra-violet light, moisture, physical property change.
ozone, acid rain and other natural elements.
Dow Corning silicone sealants have been used in 2. Hand pressure on accessible sealant joints to
construction applications for over 40 years and verify sealant adhesion
examination of silicone sealants over this period
of time has shown little evidence of degradation 3. Use formal SG inspection procedures such
of performance or physical properties. Therefore, as described in ASTM International Standard
it would be expected that the current range of C1394.
silicone sealants would also exhibit similar
long-term performance provided that the Although silicone sealants generally do not
correct product has been specified and that the require maintenance, silicone sealants may be
sealants have been applied in accordance with subject to mechanical damage such as vandalism
Dow Corning recommendations. or bird attack. Damaged areas can be repaired with
the use of new silicone sealant. Please contact
Periodic inspection of the sealant and structural Dow Corning for further recommendations.
glazing system is recommended. Some local
regulations may require periodic inspection by an Silicone sealants may also show changes
independent party. There is no standard guide for in appearance resulting from collection of
frequency of inspection but a typical inspection atmospheric pollution, dirt or other airborne
frequency would be as follows: contaminants. A change of color on the sealant
surface may appear. This change does not affect
• 1st Inspection - Upon completion of the the performance of the sealant. In such cases,
installation contaminants can normally be removed with the
use of water and a mild detergent. Avoid abrasion
• 2nd Inspection – 1 to 2 years after installation which could damage the sealant.
• 3rd Inspection – 5 years after installation Please contact your Dow Corning Technical
followed by subsequent 5 year inspections Service Engineer if further assistance is
required.
44
Product Quality
European SG Project Checklist www.dowcorning.com. Please contact your

A European SG Project Checklist must be local Dow Corning Construction Office for more
completed for each project. The European information.
SG Project Checklist can be accessed at
Project Name and Location:
Project Start Date Estimated Completion Date

dd/mm/yyyy
Project Description: Sq. M of SG

Facade:
SG System Type: 4 Sided 2 Sided SG System Manufacturer:
Technical Contact: Email:
Phone: Fax:
Architect: Consultant:
General Contractor: IG Manufacturer:
DC Sealant(s) used: 993 895 791 797 756 Other

Largest Glass Height (m) Shortest Glass Height (m)
Largest Glass Width (m) Shortest Glass Width (m)
Design Windload (Pa) Deadload Support (Y/N)
Slope Glazing Angle

Other Loads (Pa) from Horiziontal
Spandrel Glass Vision Glass Laminated Glass Insulating Glass
Total Thickness of Total Thickness of
Outer Pane (mm) Inner Pane (mm)
DC IG Sealant Used: 3362 3793 IG Joint Dim. (mm x mm)
Profiles Exposed to
Max. Profile Temp. (°C)
Outside Temp. (Y/N)
Aluminium or
Max. Glas Temp. (°C)
Steel Profile?
Temperature During
Production (°C)
Proposed Structural Bite Proposed Glueline
Dimension (mm) Thickness (mm)
Profiles Tested/Approved
Document ID Number:
by DC? (Y/N)
SG details Have Been Sent or Name/number if a
Will Be Sent to DC (Y/N) Standard SG System
Additional Comments:
45
Product Quality
SG Project Testing Submission local Dow Corning Construction Office for

Sample information should be entered through more information and access. The following
Dow Corning COINS which can be accessed information is required with each SG project
at www.dowcorning.com. Please contact your testing submission:
Project Name and
Location:
DC Sealant(s) to be
tested for this project: 993 895 791 797 756 Other
Cleaning Solvent(s)
Type (i.e. Anodized) Supplier Color Lot Number
Profile Description
Profile Description
Profile Description
Manufacturer Type (i.e. Coated) Name/Brand Color
Glass Description
Glass Description
Manufacturer Description Name/Brand Color
Other Substrate
Other Substrate
Manufacturer Description Supplier Name/Brand
Accessory Material
Accessory Material
Description of sample type and size to be submitted to Dow Corning:
Aluminium or Steel Profile 4 pieces approximately 20 cm long
Coated, Enameled or previously untested

3 pieces approximately 20 cm x 15 cm
glass
Accessory Material (structural spacer,
2 piece or 2 lengths of approximately 10 cm
gaskets, tapes, setting blocks, etc.)
Samples should be
Dow Corning S. A. • Parc Inustriel Zone C • B-7180 Seneffe
sent to the following
Attention: Sealants Testing Lab • coins.europe@dowcorning.com
address:
46
Product Quality
Sealant Production Quality Control Log
Company Name & Location:
Project Name & Location:
Dispensing Pump Type & Location:
Snap Mix
Temp. & C/A Lot Base Lot Glass
Date Time Time Ratio Tester
Humidity Number Number Test
Test Test
47
Product Quality
Sealant Adhesion Quality Control Log (Peel Adhesion Test)
Cleaning Solvent: Primer
Substrates: Primer Lot Number:
Peel Adhesion Test

Temp. & C/A Lot Base Lot (% Cohesive Failure)
Date Time Tester
Humidity Number Number Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet
48
Product Quality
Sealant Cure Quality Control Log (H-Piece Test & Elastomeric Test)
Cleaning Solvent: Primer
Substrates: Primer Lot Number:
H-Piece H-Piece
Elasto-
Temp. & C/A Lot Base Lot Test Dry Test Wet
Date Time meric Tester
Humidity Number Number MPa %CF MPa %CF Test
49
Product Quality
Sealant Adhesion and Cure Quality Control Log (Deglaze Test)
Frame Description: Cleaning Solvent:
Primer: Primer Lot Number:
Base Lot Number: Curing Agent Lot Number:
Glass Description: Frame Number:
Sealant Application Date: Deglaze Test Date:
Results and Observations:
Measured SG Bite (Glass): Measured SG Bite (Frame):
Measured Glueline Thickness:
Joint Fill:
Sealant Mix:
Air Entrapment or Bubbles:
Sealant Adhesion to Frame:
Sealant Adhesion to Glass or Panel:
Sealant Cure Uniformity:
Other Observations:
50
51
Your Dow Corning Construction contact details:
Toll Free Numbers: All other countries:
From Belgium 0800 80 522 For English +32 64 51 11 59
From France 0805 54 04 39 For French +32 64 51 11 59
From Germany 0800 52 50 258 For German +49 611 237503
From Italy 800 92 83 30 For Italian +32 64 51 11 73
From Spain 900 813161 For Spanish +32 64 51 11 66
From United Kingdom 0800 91 72 071 For Russian +7 495 725 43 19
Fax number from all countries: +32 64 88 86 86
Your Dow Corning contact details (e-mails) :

Technical inquiries: eutech.info@dowcorning.com
Marketing: construction.marketing@dowcorning.com
Quality Bond : qualitybond@dowcorning.com
EHS inquiries : europe.ehs@dowcorning.com
Reach inquiries: reachsupport@dowcorning.com
Your Dow Corning Sites: Other European Sites:
EUROPEAN AREA HEADQUARTERS TURKEY

Dow Corning Europe S.A. Dow Corning Kimya San.ve Tic.Ltd.Şti.
Halk Sok. Pakpen Plaza No:44 Kat: 1
Parc Industriel Zone C 34734 Kozyatağı, İstanbul, Türkiye
Rue Jules Bordet Tel: +90 216 4677645
Fax: +90 216 4673909
B-7180 Seneffe, Belgium
Tel : +32 64 88 80 00 RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Fax : +32 64 88 84 01 Dow Corning Representation Office
17/23 Taganskaya Street
Moscow 109147, Russia
Dow Corning GmbH Tel: +7 495 783 6648
Fax: +7 495 783 6652
Rheingaustraße, 34
D-65201 Wiesbaden, Germany POLAND – CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE
Tel: +49 611 23 71 Dow Corning Polska Sp.z o.o
ul. Krolewska 27
Fax: +49 611 237 601 00-060 Warszawa, Poland
AETS Phone: +48 22 717 07 52
Sales Phone: + 48 22 641 92 23
Fax : + 48 22 717 07 51
GREATER GULF COUNTRIES

Dow Corning Representation Office
Meral Building
Office Numbers 61,62 & 63
Building No.2572, Road No.2833, Block No.428
Seef District
Kingdom of Bahrain
Office Reception +973 17 562686
Office Fax +973 17 582052
Dow Corning is a registered trademark of Dow Corning Corporation.

We help you invent the future is a trademark of Dow Corning Corporation. Printed in
Germany on
© 2010 Dow Corning Corporation. All rights reserved. FSC-Certified
Visit us on: dowcorning.com/construction Form Number: 62-0979G-01 Paper

Silicone Structural Glazing Manual - Dow Corning

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SILICONE STRUCTURAL

Dow Corning specifically disclaims any other express or

Introduction........................................... 5 Compatibility Testing..............................9

Coated, Spandrel and Tinted Glass.......18 Sealant Production Quality Control......31

Dow Corning® Product Offering

silicone sealant intended for structural bonding of Silicone Sealant

Dow Corning Product Offering

Weatherproofing Sealants Cleaners and Primers

Dow Corning Project Support

Compatibility Testing Sample Submission

4. The sealant user must request the warranty

SG Applicator completes SG Project

DC reviews documentation and

Structural Glazing Design European SG Project Checklist Calculator

Typical Structural Glazing Detail

Windload and Glass Dimension

Structural Bite Calculation for Windload and Glass Dimension

Glueline Thickness Calculation for Thermal Dilatation

Minimum Glueline Thickness (m) = Thermal Dilatation (m) x E Young (Pa)

Structural Bite Calculation for Deadload

Structural Glazing System Types Slope Glazing

U-Profile Channel Systems

Total Vision Systems

Other System Types

Structural Glass Systems Structural Attachment of Non-Glass

Substrates and Materials for Structural Laminated Glass

• Ceramic enameled spandrel coatings • A structural spacer material in direct contact

One-Component Sealants 3. When the sealant no longer adheres to you

The following procedure must be performed

1. Spread a 2 mm thick layer of sealant on a

2. Every few minutes, touch the sealant film

Two-Component Sealants sealant user understands and complies with the

• Regularly maintain gaskets. Some gaskets,

Substrate Cleaning Procedure Masking

3. Pour a small amount of primer into a clean,

Placing the Panel • Temporary fasteners must be used to keep

• Sealant must be stored away from excessive

• An application temperature range of

• Because environmental conditions cannot be

Sealant Application and Quality Control Sealant Cure Requirements

1. Remove the damaged glass and prepare the

2. Apply sealant directly to the frame. Enough

Quality Control Test Procedures program specifically for your organization.

Butterfly Test Required1 Required1 Required

Snap Time Test Required Required Required

Mixing Ratio Test Not Required Not Required Required

For standard Dow Corning 993 Black, the sealant

To perform the Glass Test Method, apply a bead

Following is the procedure for performing a

1. Fold a sheet of stiff, white A4 paper in half.

2. Apply a bead of sealant to the fold in the Insufficient Mixing

3. Press the sheet of paper together compressing

Pull the paper apart and visually inspect the

Stick Inserted Before Snap Time

Mixing Ratio Test

Measured SG Bite (Glass): Measured SG Bite (Frame):