Aluminum Glazing System
Aluminum Glazing System
an aluminum glazing system made up of specific extrusions for glass or any solid type of transparent sheathing such as poly-carbonate panels, lexan, Plexiglas, and/or acrylic sheets.
If you’re building a greenhouse or any type of solar structure and you’re using polycarbonate multi-wall sheathing or glass. This is the best design of extrusion system available, used primarily to fasten multi-wall polycarbonate sheets or glass to any type of structural supporting substructures…., glue-lam’s, wood (Doug fir) post and beams, custom timber, steel / aluminum structural bars mahogany, oak, exotic hard wood, etc.
These are generally the most common framing types of sub-structures used for these types of glazing applications.
The system itself is much like a large scaled linear clamp, the profile extrusion can be mounted and fastened to the top of any load bearing sub-structure, can span up to 20 ft or longer.
As the name states PRO-SEAL, a quality glazing system, made from aluminum because it does not degrade over time. It literally, can last forever, presumably,… its the main reason why aluminum is the best element to use!
There is also polycarbonate connector / profile systems, made from polycarbonate material. Such as ..H-channels , U channels , Corner channels, designed to fit with specific polycarbonate panel thicknesses, currently available as a lesser cost alternative, in the market.
Aluminum Glazing System
When in doubt and if your not sure about building with an aluminum glazing system … contact me
Wood or metal, imagine the possibilities..!
Polycarbonate for greenhouses is probably the most common use and need for an aluminum glazing system. Many of the greenhouse kits available today use aluminum frames designed for structural support as well as fastening polycarbonate sheets or glass to their frames.
The aluminum clamping system is basically the top half design of an aluminum structural bar. This option defrays much of the cost for a full blown structural aluminum bar system. When building any type of solar sunroom -greenhouse space with wood, use an aluminum glazing system. Cost outweighs desire… this also depends on your choice of wood species.
FEATURES
When building with wood you should never allow polycarbonate panels or glass to come in contact with wood. This necessary step will preserve your wood a lot longer.
For a long lasting application that will last for years and years, it’s always best to keep the glazing away from the wood.
An aluminum glazing system allows any moisture to escape through the weeping channels that are part of the system. Streams of moisture beads are created due to temperature differences.
Whenever it’s snowy or cold outside and warm inside, condensation will inevitably form on the interior of the glazing sheets.
This moisture needs a place to weep to and away from the wood. Any glazed wood structure that is directly glazed with glass touching wood eventually causes the wood to turn black and rot away over time.
In the past, I have repaired and viewed many solar collector rooms that have been totally ruined by incorrect glazing applications. Depending on the severity of the damage, fixing these types of rooms is never easy nor is it ever easy on the wallet. Sorry to say!
The best and the most affordable application for your sun space will require a little research. Glu-lams, post and beam rooms are very stunning, useful, attractive, built to last, and if constructed correctly, will last a lifetime. Aluminum structural components are also just as nice and very practical for any sun space application.
Aluminum Glazing System
Pro-seal a durable maintenance free extruded aluminum glazing system. Used on any sloped or vertical application. You can mount insulated glass units, single sheets of glass from a 1/4″ to 1″ thickness, as well as multi-wall polycarbonate panels on a wood, steel or aluminum sub-structure.
Water tight EDPM rubber gaskets prevent leaks. Pro-Seal’s integral gutters, weeps condensation away from glass and the framing components.
Pro-Seals labor saving design requires minimal caulking and needs only simple perimeter flashing to complete the job.
BUILDING WITH STRUCTURAL WOOD COMPONENTS
creating the solar structure of your dreams just got better
Here are some detail close-ups showing the correct way to install aluminum glazing extrusions..
for enhanced view …click images
Remember This
if you plan on building your custom post and beam greenhouse , or a custom sunroom, or repairing an existing glazed wood structure.
USE THE RIGHT GLAZING EXTRUSIONS
Aluminum glazing extrusions provides a leak free project and a long lasting application.
Don’t make the mistake of setting glass directly on wood. You’ll regret it…!
Another concern; therefore replacing wood, within a short period of time. Very costly and unnecessary. Aluminum glazing extrusions allows condensation to weep to the outside. It is essential to the long-term success of a custom wood framed greenhouse and or sunroom.
ALUMINUM EXTRUSION ASSEMBLY
Building with wood beams and aluminum extrusions will provide an airtight seal. Keeping the glass in place, away from the wood. Moisture and condensation weeps away, keeping the look and design color of your wood looking good, season after season.