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Spider Glazing Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Spider Glazing Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted Date: Jun 25, 2024

Many architectural wonders feature expansive glass surfaces that seem unsupported by any frames. How is such a design possible? The answer lies in an ingenious technique called spider glazing. While passing by such structures, one may not realise the behind-the-scenes work of balancing wind loads and safely securing the glass. In the section below, we'll discuss the spider glazing installation. So, read on to learn about the complete process. 

An Overview of Spider Glazing 

Spider glazing gets its name from the network of thin wires, called spiders, that are embedded into the edge of each glass panel. These wires connect to vertical mullions (frames) along the edges and horizontal structures above. With cleverly placed anchors in the walls and flooring, the spider wires help transfer wind loads so immense panes of glass can be suspended without any visible framework interrupting the views.  

The result is a facade that appears to be completely frameless. In reality, those thin wires provide incredible strength and stability to hold everything securely in place. 

Best Applications of Glass with Spider Glazing 

  1. Curtain Walls: Some of the most iconic uses of spider glazing involve the floor-to-ceiling curtain walls of skyscrapers. By eliminating all the interrupting frames, these walls become a signature design element and allow breathtaking panoramic city views. 

  1. Frameless Entrances: Shopping malls and high-end office buildings often feature sleek, frameless glass entrances using spider glazing. It creates a light, airy introduction to the space within. 

  1. Exterior Glass Facades: Not just for skyscrapers, small buildings like banks and restaurants can showcase their interiors through expansive spider-glazed facades. The transparent walls draw visual interest from the outside. 

  1. Canopies: Large overhangs become striking architectural features when created with suspended glass held by the strength yet delicacy of spider wires. 

  1. Atriums: Soaring multi-story atriums in hotels and universities showcase spider glazing at its most dramatic, with walls of glass spanning multiple floors. 

Steps to Install Spider Glazing 

1. Prepare the Building Structure 

This crucial preliminary step involves reinforcing the structure to hold the significant weight of expansive glass walls securely. Contractors embed anchors, reinforcements and supports into the walls, flooring, and other architectural elements. Precise engineering ensures the installation can safely withstand serious wind loads without shifting or bending over time. 

2. Install Vertical Mullions 

These framing members form the edges of each individual window panel. Installers carefully adhere the mullions to the prepared walls, ensuring they are straight, level and evenly spaced. Mullions serve as the anchoring points for the panes of glass and spider wire systems. 

3. Attach the Spider Wires 

Each piece of insulated glass now has pre-tensioned stainless-steel wires meticulously inserted into drilled holes around its perimeter. The ends are then linked to the vertical mullions and supplementary horizontal supports above. Threading and fastening each wire take focused skill and care. 

4. Secure the Glass Panels 

With the spider wire framework in place, installers can manoeuvre the heavy glass units into position. They precisely align the panes within the mullions, frequently measuring to ensure uniform widths and heights across the entire facade. 

5. Finishing Work 

Upon glazing completion, additional protective sealants are applied between the glass and mullions for weather resistance. Small setting blocks precisely position the panes. Perimeter trims are also fitted to fully encase the assembly, completing the sleek, frameless appearance. 

The Bottom Line 

Whether creating a sleek new building entrance or floor-to-ceiling skyscraper views, spider glazing represents the pinnacle of modern architecture's pursuit of maximising interior light and connecting inside to out. Through the ingenious balancing act of cable and counterweight, it makes panes of glass appear to float as if by magic.  

With careful planning and installation, the results can be simply breathtaking. For commercial glazing projects, big or small, AIS Glasxperts has the expertise to install spider glazing expertly. Contact us today to discuss your project and schedule a free quote. 

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