The use of glass in overhead skylights, atriums, barrel vaults and solarium applications presents a distinct challenge for today's architects. Overhead glazing systems must be designed to reduce the risk of injury from glass fallout should the glass break for any reason. Glass which slopes at an angle of 15 degrees or more from the vertical is considered sloped glazing. Since sloped and overhead glazing are subjected to wind, snow, live, and dead loads, Building Codes typically require laminated architectural glass or costly screens to be used to protect the occupants from any breakage.

Sloped glazed units can be constructed with various thicknesses of heat strengthened or tempered glass and with 0.060" PVB interlayer. Laminated glass can be used in the monolithic form or combined into an insulating unit. The PVB Interlayer in laminated glass offers an added barrier to penetration, protecting occupants and building interiors from possible damage caused by wind driven rain, snow, etc., due to its ability to remain in the opening when broken.

HGP follows the glass size limitations recommended by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for types and thicknesses of glass in sloped glazing. The laminate constructions with the indicated maximum areas are recommended in the charts that follow.