Insulating Glass

Architects are incorporating more glass in buildings for better aesthetics, improved daylighting, and occupancy comfort. Through its membership in Vitro’s® Architectural Glazing Certified Network (VCN) ITI Glass can provide enhanced design capabilities by offering a full range of Vitro’s Solarban® Low-E, Low-Iron, and performance tinted glasses.

Insulated Glass Units by ITI Glass are created by assembling 2 or more glass substrates separated by an airspace and hermetically sealed with sealants selected for their moisture vapor rate transmission, elastic and structural properties. By selecting from glass options Customers can achieve the aesthetics, performance, and level of security of their choice. 

Spandrel applications in insulated glass are typically accomplished by applying a spandrel coating on the interior (typically #4) surface of the glazed unit.  This positioning allows the building to maintain the same exterior glass resulting less noticeable “banding” than would be expected if the coating were located on the #2 surface.  Because of outgassing and compatibility issues we do not fabricate OPACICOAT spandrel paint on the interior surface of any Low-E unit; doing so voids our warranty. Please read design considerations for use of spandrel glass. 

It is possible for an insulated glass unit to meet fall out resistance by substituting laminated glass or OPACICOAT spandrel glass. However, since meeting the fall out specification requires a thicker OPACICOAT layer this special application must be communicated on all requests for quote and all orders.  When installing fall out resistant glazing in any frame system we recommend you consult with your framing supplier and follow their recommendations for proper glazing.

Glazing Considerations for Insulated Glass Units

The weep system of the glazing frame must be open and the glazing pocket free of all debris. Prolonged exposure to water or water vapor can cause failure of the edge seal and can void our insulating glazing seal warranty.

We recommend the use of glazing materials whose compatibility with the edge seal of the IGU has been previously established. Use of material of unknown compatibility poses a risk of seal failure. In general, any material containing more than 4 percent oils or solvents will probably be incompatible and will degrade the edge seals, causing failure (GANA Glazing Manual – 50th Anniversary Edition, page 134, ¶ 6). 

Capillary breather tubes may be specified by Customers when units undergo a change in altitude greater than 2500 feet from the point of fabrication (1,395’) to permit pressure equalization. We require that the breather tube be sealed or crimped within 14 days of receipt by our Customer.  Failure to follow the instructions below will result in the loss of ITI warranties:

  1. Install the breather tube in the upper corner.
  2. Do not cut or shorten the capillary breather tube.
  3. Seal or crimp an exposed part of the capillary tube while avoiding damage to the IGU seal or glass. 
  4. Bend the tube down the vertical leg of the glazed IGU with the tip facing down.
  5. Apply glazing stops to finish glazing.

Specific limitations on insulated glass units februated with capillary breather tubes. Due to the unknowns of gas and/or air exchange through the capillary breather tube, ITI Glass does not warrant any IGU seal, MSVD coating, or gas fill on any unit fabricated with capillary breather tubes.

Special product Limited Liability Warranties are available upon request.