Structural Glazing Assessment

Specialist condition and performance assessment of structural silicone glazing (SSG), point-fixed and bolted glass systems, frameless glazing and glazed balustrades, identifying defects, deterioration and potential safety concerns.

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When You Need a Structural Glazing Assessment

A structural glazing assessment may be appropriate where the condition or performance of a specialist glazing system requires review, including:

  • Periodic inspection of structural silicone or point-fixed glazing systems
  • Pre-acquisition or property due diligence
  • Visible deterioration of sealants, glass, fixings or supporting components
  • Reported movement, cracking, leaks or other glazing defects
  • Ageing systems where sealant or component deterioration requires investigation
  • Following damage, an incident or concerns about the safety or performance of a glazed façade or balustrade

Structural Glazing Assessment Scope & Methodology

The assessment is tailored to the glazing system and available information and may include:

  • Review of available design drawings, specifications and previous inspection records
  • Visual inspection of glazing units, structural sealants, edge seals, fixings and supporting components
  • Assessment of visible sealant condition, deterioration and defects
  • Intrusive inspection or sealant testing where required
  • Inspection of brackets, bolts, fixings and retention systems for corrosion, deterioration or damage
  • Assessment of relevant interfaces and supporting components
  • Comparison with original design information where available
  • Assessment against relevant CWCT guidance and applicable British and European standards

Deliverable

  • Detailed structural glazing condition and assessment report
  • Condition assessment of glazing, sealants, fixings and relevant supporting components
  • Identification of defects and areas requiring further investigation
  • Photographic and testing evidence where applicable
  • Recommendations for monitoring, repair, replacement or further specialist assessment

Process & Timeline

  1. Initial scoping — establish the glazing system, building and available information
  2. Document review — examine available design and maintenance information
  3. Access strategy — determine the appropriate inspection method and access requirements
  4. Site assessment — inspect glazing, sealants, fixings and supporting components
  5. Testing — undertake targeted testing or sampling where required
  6. Reporting — issue findings, condition assessment and recommendations

The scope and timescale will depend on the glazing system, building size, access requirements and extent of investigation required.

Standards and Competence

  • Relevant CWCT guidance for structural glazing and façade systems
  • Applicable British and European standards relevant to the glazing system
  • Manufacturer requirements and original design information where available
  • Assessment undertaken by façade engineers experienced in structural silicone, point-fixed and specialist glazing systems

Who Commissions a Structural Glazing Assessment

Structural glazing assessments are commissioned by organisations responsible for buildings incorporating specialist glazing systems, including:

  • Building owners and landlords
  • Property managers and managing agents
  • Facilities and asset managers
  • Housing associations and social landlords
  • Developers and property investors
  • Commercial property owners and occupiers
  • Organisations responsible for building maintenance and safety

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FAQS

There is no single service-life period that applies to every structural silicone system. Performance depends on the sealant product, system design, installation, exposure and maintenance. Assessment should therefore be based on the actual condition of the system, rather than age alone.

Attendance is agreed at the outset and can range from continuous site presence to scheduled weekly or milestone inspections, depending on the project requirements.

The assessment will establish the extent and significance of the deterioration and recommend appropriate action. This may include monitoring, further testing, repair, replacement or additional specialist investigation.

Yes. Where required, the assessment can consider the condition of the glass, fixings, brackets, channels and other relevant components of frameless glazing and balustrade systems.

Yes. Where visual inspection alone cannot establish the condition or performance of a component, targeted sealant testing, opening-up or other specialist testing can be included within the scope.