The level and distribution of air temperatures has a significant impact on our comfort while indoors. Until recently it was possible to feel a dramatic drop in temperature near a window during the winter, which could produce a strong feeling of discomfort. Thanks to the application of thermally insulated glass unit which amounts to 70% of the window surface it is possible to eliminate this problem the range of temperatures are not subjected to any heat discomfort.

A different problem can arise in the summer, when the sunrays overheat the inside of a building. This problem can be rectified by reflexive solar control and selective solar control glass which, thanks to its special construction, limits overheating while maintaining a high level of light transmission. A similar function is also provided by thermal control glass, but to a lesser degree; this is compensated by the benefit of higher heat retention performance during winter that thermal control glass offers.

As in the winter period when there is a necessity to heat a building, likewise in the summer period there is heating of parts of the building on the southern, south-eastern and south-western parts. Sunshine which is evident during the day emits a lot of heat energy, which during winter is seen as additional heat which heats up a building, while in summer it causes excessive rises in temperature causing discomfort and worsening of work conditions. In order to reduce temperature in homes or office buildings air-conditioning systems are commonly used. This is associated with additional costs and it is worth noting that the costs of cooling buildings is higher than the costs of heating.

So as to reduce the costs of cooling it is necessary to apply the following types of glass in windows and facades of buildings:

  – Solar control glass units which are dyed in mass
  – Reflexive solar control glass units

The application of such glass, especially that which is dyed in mass during the winter period can cause reduced light transmission to a building especially on the northern side.

In order to preserve the high level of light transmission, as well as significantly reducing the infiltration of solar energy it is necessary to use the following:

  – Selective solar control glass (dual function)

In order to achieve the effect of a smooth surface in facades it is necessary to apply the appropriate construction system. This is known as structural glazing. This decision should be taken at the stage of designing a building.

By the term “ structural glazing” we mean the technology of attaching a glass structure to the building structure, where structural glazing silicon sealant serves as the binding agent.

Structural glazing can be supported, and then the dead weight of the panel is transferred by a suitable mechanical support; and is not supported, when the dead weight of the panel is transferred solely by an adhesive.

• two-sided systems – using a two-sided structural glazing technique, either the vertical or horizontal joints are adhered to the supporting structure;
• four-sided systems – when using a four-sided system, no mechanical retention is used for the facade panels;