Fins
Glass fins are also referred to as glass mullions, glass stabilizers or glass stiffeners. Fins, made of 3/4" or 1"
clear tempered glass, are used instead of conventional metal mullions to brace the system by providing support
along the vertical dimension at each glass joint. Glass fins provide maximum visibility without affecting the
structural integrity of the system. In standard construction fins span the full height of the opening, ie., they are
continuous from floor to ceiling. In other applications, fins may cantilever from either the ceiling or the floor or
both. All fin types can be supplied either tapered or straight. Partial height, cantilevered, fins allow the maximum
field of vision. The fin depth, size and shape are unique to each wall. Certain articulated or "sawtooth"
configurations may totally eliminate the need for fins. Laminated fins may be an option with certain designs.
Patch Fittings
Patch fittings are also called patch assemblies or corner fittings. These fittings, along with the structural silicone,
connect the glass components together. Patch fittings are offered with either exposed or concealed fasteners.
Fasteners composed of bolt, washer and nut can be specified with individual caps on each bolt head and nut. if
total concealment of the fasteners is preferred, a full cover plate can be installed over the whole fastener
assembly.
Metal Finishes
Patch fittings, bolt and nut caps, entrance hardware and perimeter metal framing can be finished to complement
each other and adjacent metal. Standard aluminum anodized finishes include clear, dark bronze, and black.
Painted aluminum finishes can also be specified. Cladding is offered in brass, bronze or stainless steel,
available in brushed (satin) or - polished (mirror) finishes: special maintenance will be required for brass
finishes. Chrome and gold plated finishes have also been used,
Edgework
All exposed edges of the monolithic glass mainplates and fins are polished. In order to ensure the best sealant
bond the unexposed edges are flat ground. Insulating glass edges must be protected.
Glass thickness, color, size
Monolithic-3/8" and 1/2"- available in clear, bronze and gray. 5/8", 3/4" and 1" available in clear only. Sizes up to
84" x 204" are possible, but are subject to design limitations.
Insulating glass-the exterior lite is either 1/2" or 3/8" tempered glass. Units normally are designed with a 1/2" air
space. The interior lite is 3/8" or 1/4" glass. Insulating glass units can be tinted, reflective or Low-E, depending
upon energy, design, or aesthetic requirements. Insulating glass mainplates are available in size up to 72" x
120".
Laminated glass can be used monolithically or as a component of an insulating unit for noise reduction, UV
transmittance or controlling glass fallout due to impact.
Safety
In the unlikely event that a mainplate or fin should break, the structure will remain intact and not collapse. Unlike
annealed glass, which can produce sharp shards when broken, tempered glass breaks into small, relatively
harmless, particles. The broken glass can be replaced with a minimum of expense. |
