Spider system of glazing of facades

The spider glazing system is one of the most successful ways of decorating a facade. This technology is also known as planar. On the market, it appeared relatively recently and at the moment has already won a lot of admirers. The predominantly spider glazing system of facades is used in respectable buildings of business centers, hotel complexes and hotels. Such a field of application indicates a unique aesthetic effect that no other exterior design technology can provide. Together with this planar glazing is valued for its strength and reliability.

Technology features

This system is executed without frames, that is, as a result, a solid glass coating consisting of panels is obtained. Fixation is carried out through special brackets, which are called spiders, hence the name of the technology. Although this kind of glazing has certain limitations, it can be used to decorate roofs and facades with different structures and shapes. For the wide possibilities of implementing architectural solutions, engineers and designers highly appreciate spider systems. Glass facades according to this technique can be installed without special requirements for bearing bases. That is, the reliability criteria are not abolished, but the list of support elements can be different. For example, not all systems can be fixed to lattice structures, pendants and pipes, and the glider system allows for such mounting. Again, subject to compliance with safety rules and only if the carrier component is able to withstand the necessary load.

Planar glazing device

Despite the innovative approach in the form of frameless design, the spider facade is realized from the usual set of structural parts and glass. The only difference is the increased strength of glass panels and, of course, the brackets themselves. In a typical design, the spider system includes the aforementioned glass panels, support subsystems (bearing elements) and fixing parts in the form of spider arms. This is a general principle of a planar system, however, depending on installation conditions, glazing requirements and decorative qualities, different installation schemes may be used.

Types of spider glazing

There are two main approaches to the design of facades through spider technology. This "cold" and "warm" glazing. In the first case, as the name implies, the design does not provide high values of thermal insulation. For installation use high-strength tempered glass in the form of panels, which are installed on the brackets. If a "warm" spider system is used, the facade can provide high thermal protection. A special feature of this installation is the use of special insulating glass that prevents the penetration of cold air flows. And on the contrary, their tightness does not allow the release of heat from the house. The advantages of this installation technique include the appearance, which is also provided by double-glazed windows.

Materials of construction

The base of the structure is formed by brackets, subsystem and glass panels. Both materials can have different sizes and performance characteristics. Spiders are usually made of metal. The main difference between the brackets is that they can be fixed by different number of bolts - from 1 to 4. The choice of the kit depends on the conditions in which the spider glazing system of the facades is mounted. The material for the subsystems is not only made of metal - if the loads are low, then glass and even wood can be used. The greatest variety in the choice of materials relates to glass panels. They can be represented by laminated products, triplex, sunscreen and energy-saving glass coatings. It is worth noting that it is the combination of glass and metal that provides the planar facades with a presentable and solid appearance. At the same time, the designs are reliable because the metal elements are stainless steel, and the glass has such qualities as impact resistance and heat resistance.

Mounting technology

Installation of glass panels is carried out on a prepared base, after which fixation is made with the help of brackets. As already mentioned, the planar design of the facade can be performed on almost any load-bearing elements provided they meet the reliability requirements. Therefore, the most widely used spider glazing system with fastening to existing structures in the form of hangers, pipes, various holders and support parts. This approach allows you to save the cost of mounting panels and at the same time guarantee high strength. The final stage in the installation is often the sealing of seams. In any case, there are small gaps between the panels. If left, the facade will get good ventilation, but its heat-saving function will be minimal. Therefore, in order to ensure the integrity of the glazing, special trowelling pastes are used.

Advantages of spider glazing

The growing popularity of planar systems is due to a wide range of their advantages. It is important to note that these are not only external advantages that even an expert can not appreciate, but also structural advantages. So, the spider system of glazing has the following advantages:

• Low thermal conductivity of used elements, which contributes to improving the energy-saving function of the facade.
• Wide construction possibilities for the installation of various facades.
• A huge number of options for the implementation of design and architectural solutions, through which you can organically combine the aesthetic qualities of the facade with the surrounding terrain.
• Elements spiders are mostly interchangeable.
• The technical characteristics of the structures make the facade resistant to temperature changes and wind loads.
• The possibility of repair work in certain areas without dismantling adjacent functional elements of the facade.

Disadvantages of spider glazing

Planar systems, undoubtedly, are the most technological of modern solutions for glazing of facades. Nevertheless, they also commit shortcomings, although there are fewer than merits. First of all, the spider system can deliver a lot of problems in the calculations. From the point of view of the installation technology, the structure can be called unpredictable, and the inability to clearly define the installation scheme with specific values sometimes reduces the quality of the finished facade. Another drawback is the deflections of the glass. Such deformation is not dangerous for the high-strength panels themselves, but its long-term impact on the fasteners can lead to destructive processes. However, for the prevention of deforming phenomena, hinged bolts are used that compensate for the loads, while maintaining the integrity of the facade.

Alternative use of spider technology

It would be wrong to attribute the technique of spider fastening of facade panels exclusively to the external glazing of buildings. Strength and aesthetically attractive appearance of this design allows it to be used in the interiors of offices, studios, salons and shopping centers. In particular, the spider system for glass is used when installing internal partitions. The requirements for strength in this case are not so severe that it expands the design possibilities of using spiders. The same applies to glass panels - in the room they are not affected by heavy loads, which causes a wider choice of material.

Conclusion

The planar system of facade design successfully continued the concept of frameless glazing. The new brackets significantly improved the technology of solid panel fixation. As a result, the spider system allows to provide high strength of fastening, adding to plus the expanded possibilities of design solutions and decorative qualities. Of course, not without negative factors from the use of planar glazing, but a skillful and thoughtful installation allows you to level out the impact of such effects. For example, the formation of deflections under load can be compensated by hinged locks, and the insufficient thermal insulation can be corrected by fixing inter-panel joints.