Insulating Glass Technical Manual - Dow Corning.pdf

Dow Corning Americas Insulating Glass Technical Manual The use of Silicone Sealants in Dual-Sealed Insulating Glass Units Dow Corning Insulating Glass Technical Manual Americas Table of Contents Preface 3 Introduction 3 Product Offering – Silicone Sealants for Secondary Seal in IG Units 3 Silicone Sealant Chemistry 4 Silicone Sealant Key Properties 6 Silicone Sealant Durability 7 Gas Filling with Silicone Seals 10 Why Gas Fill? 10 Gas-Filling Equipment 11 Application Recommendations 12 Industry Testing for IG Unit Gas Leakage 13 Insulating Glass Unit Applications 14 Conventional Dry Glazing 15 Structural Silicone Glazing (SSG) 17 Additional Considerations for IG Manufacturers 19 Sealant Quality Control Testing20 Silicone Sealant Supplier Testing 20 National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Certification 21 Industry Specifications and Test Methods 21 Sealant Application Recommendations 22 Sealant Screening22 Insulating Glass Unit Qualification 23 Production Workmanship 23 In-House Quality Control Testing 24 Insulating Glass Unit Handling and Packaging 28 Sealant Dispensing, Equipment and Maintenance 28 Dispensing Pumps, Descriptions and Maintenance 29 One Component Sealant Pumps30 Two Component Sealant Pumps and Metering and Mixing Systems 30 Cleaning of Pumping and Mixing Equipment 31 2 Preface Introduction Silicone sealants have been used in various applications throughout the construction industry for many years. Their superior durability and longevity relative to their organic-based counterparts are the basis for their use. Over the last 25 years, the use of silicone sealant as a se