Best Practices for Architectural Decorative Glass Projects

All of us have likely been fascinated and inspired by a decorative glass project. The many types of decorative glass available, as well as the constant innovation in the industry, allows architects and designers to add functionality to their buildings and spaces in a beautiful way.

However, getting to the final result can sometimes be challenging. Decorative glass is constantly changing and constantly custom, which can be difficult. Working with a professional decorative glass manufacturer and utilizing their expertise throughout the process - from design to installation - is the single most important thing that can be done to ensure success.

Although it’s impossible to write a procedure for every circumstance, I’ve spoken to a few of my friends in the industry and want to share some of the lessons and best practices we’ve learned along the way.

Specify

Specify the right product for the application. There are certain applications for decorative glass that we know will work and others we know will not. However, due to the constantly changing and custom traits of decorative glass, new uses for products are continually being designed. It isn’t until we work through the details of a specification that we can determine whether or not modifications will need to be made to achieve functionality, while keeping true to design. What we do know is - the sooner that a manufacturer can be involved in the process - the better the outcome.

Provide clear design details and specifications. Some projects begin with a beautiful CAD drawing. However, just because the design can be drawn on a computer doesn’t mean it will translate into a successful application. We’ve seen installations where the artwork could not be mocked up until field measurements were taken, as any change in glass size would affect the artwork scheme. Working on design details with a manufacturer early in the process can reduce the potential for late-stage issues. Similarly, whether caused by trying to save time or overlooking details, there are times when we see specifications on a building that were reused from another project or just unclear. We all like to bid per plans and specs; however, in cases like this, the specification may be interpreted differently. Decorative glass manufacturers can help build the specification to be accurate and most of us understand that assisting with a specification doesn’t necessarily mean that we will be chosen as a supplier on the project.

Order

Order glass consistent with industry standards. Even though width by height is a standard in our industry, glass is sometimes ordered incorrectly. With decorative glass, orientation often matters more than with clear glass. Most manufacturers will question clients during the bidding and ordering stages to qualify what is needed - this is critical information to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Understand the impact of sizing changes. On some projects, sizing changes from quote to order or in the middle of the order can be relatively easy to implement. However, with some products, there is the potential that new sizes cannot be produced or the glass makeup may need to change. Our job is to help educate our customers and make your project successful, but there are limits. Credible decorative glass manufacturers will work with you to come to the best possible solution, but we can’t change physical properties or equipment limitations.

Handle and Install

Install using recommended products and methods. Most manufacturers test installation products for compatibility with particular coatings and interlayers, which means that the installation products recommended are manufacturer dependent. If a manufacturer is unable to give you a recommendation on what installation products to use, then you may not be dealing with a sophisticated decorative glass company and they may be unwilling to stand behind the product. If a glazing contractor chooses to use a non-recommended product, they must be aware that they are taking on the responsibility of product incompatibility. Most manufacturers will work with the client to test different products and can tell you whether or not there is an immediate reaction with the coating or interlayer.

Store glass indoors in a clean, safe, environment. I don’t know of any glass companies that would say it was safe to store glass outdoors! With decorative glass, it becomes more expensive to replace if there is any environmental damage. In addition to possible damage from physical impact, any type of moisture can be destructive, as the surface of the glass can be etched or water-stained. In standing water, coatings and interlayers can lose adhesion or delaminate.

Maintain

Clean according to manufacturer instructions. As well as testing installation products, most manufacturers test cleaning products for compatibility. There is the potential of glass damage during maintenance, so using a recommended product is important. Depending on the type of decorative glass, the manufacturer may recommend using specific products or methods for cleaning the glass. And perhaps more importantly, they may recommend against using a specific product or method that can cause damage. 

For professional decorative glass manufacturers, these types of challenges are commonplace - it’s what we manage every day. Utilizing the knowledge and expertise of professionals along the construction chain is the single most important thing you can do to ensure a successful project. 

From the architect, general contractor, glazing contractor or installer to the fabricator - the success of your project is our goal. For more information on architectural decorative glass solutions, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Thank you to Bernard Lax, Pulp Studios and Chris Mammen, M3 Glass for their contributions.