Caring for Your Windows, Doors and Skylights (AAMA PMB-1)
This brochure provides tips on proper care and maintenance of windows, doors and skylights to ensure optimal performance of these products. Some of the main topics include:
+ Tips on caring for your products
+ Tips for cleaning glass and frames
+ Moisture management and water drainage
+ Understanding color retention
+ Caring for plastic glazed skylights
Link to document.
Construction Site Protection and Maintenance of Architectural Glass (GANA TD 03-1003)
During glass manufacturing, fabrication and installation, products are carefully handled to prevent surface and edge damage. Materials are packaged to provide protection during shipment and delivery. Once finished materials are placed on a construction site, they become exposed to a variety of conditions and influences that can adversely affect product aesthetics and functionality. Irreparable glass damage can occur from improper storage and handling, exposure to chemicals and leaching agents, prolonged exposure to moisture, mechanical attack and breakage, damage related to adjacent construction activities and improper cleaning methods. This document discusses why steps must be taken to avoid permanent damage to glass.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Effects of Moisture, Solvents and Other Substances on Laminated Glazing Edges (NGA with GANA FB48-15)
The objective of this document is to provide information relative to the edge effects on laminated glass due to moisture, solvents, standing water, caulks, sealants, tapes, gaskets, setting blocks and glass cleaning solutions on laminated glazing edges. Recommendations are provided to maximize durability, performance and aesthetics of the laminated glazing. This document was published in July 2015.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Glass for Personal Protective Barriers (NGA with GANA FB65-20)
Many businesses are installing clear personal protective barriers to physically shield employees from each other and from consumers to reduce potential exposure to the coronavirus. In many applications, the barriers will become a permanent fixture; therefore, aesthetics and cleanability are important design considerations. Barriers can be constructed of plastic sheet or glass.Glass has several advantages in physical barrier applications and may be preferred over plastic, especially for permanent and public-facing barrier installations. Compared to plastic, glass is easy-to-clean, transparent and aesthetically-pleasing.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Glazing Manual (50th Anniversary Edition) (GANA)
The GANA Glazing Manual is recognized as the definitive source in the glass and glazing field. This manual includes complete information about primary and fabricated glass products, quality standards, design considerations, general and specific glazing guidelines and glazing in hazardous locations. Formerly published by the Flat Glass Marketing Association (FGMA), this manual is frequently referred to as the “industry bible.”
Link to print version.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Guidelines for Handling and Cleaning Decorative Glass (GANA DD 01-0608)
Decorative glass products have become important components of the architectural landscape. They contribute to the architecture and design requirements of interior and exterior applications for residential, commercial and industrial projects. In order to preserve the quality and integrity of decorative glass products and to ensure their long-term performance, fabricators, glazing contractors, related sub-contractors (e.g. millwork contractors) and building owners should follow appropriate procedures during handling, fabrication, installation, and cleaning. The guidelines within this document are intended to inform and assist those who fabricate, use and maintain decorative glass products.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Heat-Treated Glass Surfaces Are Different (GANA TD 02-0402)
As the use of glass increased over recent years, issues of strength, safety and thermal performance became increasingly important design considerations. The availability of tinted and coated glasses had a dramatic impact on glass use in building projects. The vastly expanded aesthetic options, combined with the improved energy conserving and comfort capabilities of tinted and coated glasses allowed architects to use more glass, as well as larger sizes in their designs. A consequence of this trend was a corresponding increase in the use of tempered and heat-strengthened glass in order to meet both thermal and windload design requirements. The demand for tempered glass further increased with the passing of safety glazing legislation in 1977, which mandated its use in certain locations. This document discusses why industry cleaning procedures must be followed to avoid glass damage.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Installation Techniques Designed to Prolong the Life of Flat Glass Mirrors (GANA MD 03-0709)
The reflective surface of a mirror is a thin film of pure metallic silver. Although well protected by paint, the silver film remains vulnerable to corrosion if exposed to chemicals or excessive moisture. This document provides some important installation recommendations. Strict adherence to these dos and don’ts will help protect the silver from corrosion and prolong the life of the mirror. Updated May 2021.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Laminated Glass Use in Furniture (NGA with GANA FB37-12)
Glass is often used to enhance the beauty and style of furniture. It allows lighting to penetrate into the opening, provide an enhanced view of displayed objects or as a protective layer on continuously backed surfaces such as tables or as the primary loading surface in horizontal applications. Typical applications include table tops and table bases, cabinetry, and shelving. Glass can break, even if it is rated as a safety glazing and care should be taken to minimize glass-related injuries. This document discusses terms and applications for using laminated glass in furniture. This document was published in July 2012, and updated in 2019.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Laminated Glazing Reference Manual (NGA with GANA, 2019)
This publication is an updated edition of the original manual developed by the Glass Association of North American (GANA) in 2009. NGA and GANA combined into one association in February 2018. It presents useful information, technical and performance data and the installation guidelines for laminated glass products. The 2019 edition includes the latest information on laminating interlayers, as well as in-depth discussions of the applications of laminated architectural glass including: safety, solar control, ultraviolet radiation, sound control, security, sloped glazing & skylights, wind storms & hurricane resistance, and earthquake resistance. Updates on laminated glass strength, cutting, handling and installation are highlighted. This edition also features the up-to-date listing of standards applicable to laminated glass.
Link to print version.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Project Manager’s Reference Manual (NGA with GANA, 2018)
This publication is an updated edition of the original manual developed by the Glass Association of North America (GANA) in 2005. NGA and GANA combined into one association in February 2018. It serves as a reference for project managers within the glass and glazing industry who have a minimum of one year’s experience. It covers everything from considerations in how to set up a project through the details of a successful project closeout. It is not meant to provide an exhaustive list, but to serve as a starting point for project manager training. It is the responsibility of the users of this manual to ensure that project managers comply with all relevant laws, rules, regulations, standards and other requirements, particularly contract obligations.
Link to print version.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Proper Procedures for Cleaning Architectural Glass Products (GANA 01-0300)
Architectural glass products must be properly cleaned during construction activities and as a part of routine maintenance in order to maintain visual and aesthetic clarity. Since glass products can be permanently damaged if improperly cleaned, glass producers and fabricators recommend strict compliance with the suggested procedures outlined in this document for properly cleaning glass surfaces.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Proper Procedures for Cleaning Flat Glass Mirrors (GANA MD 01-0105)
Mirrors provide both functional and aesthetic performance in the interior design for today’s homes, office buildings, schools, medical and institutional facilities. In addition to the function of providing reflected images, mirrors are being use to move natural light further into buildings and enhance the openness of rooms. Proper cleaning procedures must be followed to ensure the long-term performance of mirrors. This document provides suggest procedures for cleaning flat glass mirrors.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Proper Procedures for Receiving, Storage and Transportation of Flat Glass Mirrors (NGA with GANA FB30-11)
The purpose of this publication is to provide the latest available information to glass dealers, distributors and installers on the procedures recommended by the Mirror Division of the Glass Association of North America (GANA) for the proper receiving, storage and transportation of high quality flat glass mirror products with the objective of helping preserve the integrity and prolonging the life of mirrors. Proper storage, handling, fabrication and good installation practices go a long way in reducing potential failures or damage to mirror quality. The Technical Services Division of the National Glass Association (NGA) has produced this Glass Technical Paper solely for informational purposes. This Paper was developed by dedicated member volunteers and subject matter experts. This document was originally published in May 2011 and updated in July 2019.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Protecting Glass Against Weld Splatter (GANA FGMD 02-0809)
Glass fabricators take great care during manufacturing to ensure that the products that they make meet the highest quality standards. They carry these same standards to the packaging area, taking every precaution to deliver the products to the project in good condition. At the jobsite, there are many activities that are performed that can have negative effect on glass products, especially after glass is installed. One of these is welding, a common activity and the subject of this bulletin.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Reusability and Recyclability of Mirror Products (formerly Green Aspects of Mirror) (NGA with GANA FB38-14)
Thanks to a proven long-time silvering process, mirrors are very durable and have an extended useful life. They are usually disposed of only when they get outdated or damaged. This informational bulletin will address the environmentally-conscious aspects of the mirror manufacturing process, as well as the reusability and recyclability of old mirrors. Originally published in February 2012, this document was updated in May 2021.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Safety Guidelines for Deglazing Structural Silicone (NGA with GANA IN04-14)
There are various reasons for glass or infill removal from a structurally glazed window system. Reasons might include removal due to glass breakage, for quality control purposes or even a desire to upgrade to more energy efficient glass. The removal of glass from a structurally glazed window system is typically called “deglazing” by the glass and glazing industry. This document was published in March 2014.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Sealant Manual (GANA, 2008)
The new GANA Sealant Manual provides guidelines for the selection and application of sealants used in exterior and interior glass and glazing installations. Manual sections include causes of sealant failures, structural glazing and glazing accessories.
Link to print version.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Suggested Procedures for Dealing with Broken Glass (GANA 04-0906)
All types of architectural glass can be hazardous when broken. Glass can break after installation due to accidental impact, severe weather events, vandalism or improper glazing conditions as well as for other reasons. Regardless of the type of glass, broken glass can pose a risk of injury and property damage. This document outlines suggested procedures for dealing with broken glass.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Voluntary Guidelines for the Identification of Visual Obstructions in the Airspace of Insulating Glass Units (IGMA TM-3100-09)
These advisory guidelines may assist in the determination of unintended visual obstructions in the insulating glass unit airspace.
Link to documents page.