Statre Corporation

Glass

Q: What is the maximum size of glass that I can get?

A: Although glass is made in very large lites at the float glass plant, the application of the glass will dictate the sizes that can be provided on any given project.

Criteria such as type of glass (coated, insulated, laminated, silkscreened, patterns), windload conditions, safety locations, fire ratings, equipment for handling, shape of glass, security requirements, and more will all have an effect on the glass sizes.

Q: Which coatings or tints should I use?

A: There are literally hundreds of coatings and glass types available today. The selection depends on the project requirements. Is heat gain a major concern; what appearance is desired; what is the budget in both time and dollars; how does this coating impact the sizes allowed?

Q: What security / blast resistant / fire-rated product should I use?

A: The level of protection needs to be established by the project architect in compliance with the owners requirements and/or code requirements. This will determine the glass and frame composition.

Q: What is SmartGlass?

A:

Patented SPD-SmartGlass ™ is an electronically controlled glass that lightens and darkens a room with a touch of a button.  By filtering natural light at variable, user-selected levels, it controls the amount of light, sunglare and heat entering a home or office.  You can instantly transform any sunlight-filled space into a media-ready environment.

Q: What is Privacy Glass?

A:

Privacy Glass is an electronically controlled glass that has two states, one that is clear and one that is completely obscured.  Often used in conference rooms, a flip of a switch makes the glass either completely clear allowing full view and daylight to pass through it or obscured, creating privacy for meetings and multi-media presentations.

Panels

Q: What finish or color can I get?

A: Almost any color/finish is available. The choices will affect delivery and price. Each panel manufacturer may have colors that are standard for their company, but not for competitive manufacturers; this may limit the bidders on a project. Certain finishes may only be available in limited sizes.

Q: What sizes are available in panels?

A: Limitations vary by manufacturer and materials. Products such as ceramic tiles, terra cotta, and stone have different size limitations than metal panels. The esthetics of the project and practical handling concerns should be taken into consideration. Larger panels may require internal reinforcing to meet windload requirements.

Q: What is the rainscreen principal and why should I use it?

A:

The panel (whatever the type) acts as a pressure-equalized “screen” on the exterior of the building. There is no caulking in the joints between the panels, but a baffle is used to prevent major weather penetration. Any water that penetrates the exterior face will be weeped back to the exterior before it penetrates the building envelope. The system does not depend on a caulk joint to provide weather protection, nor does it require the maintenance of caulk joints.