William Joseph Schoenherr

Performance properties of silicone structural adhesives

Industry-wide standards for the performance of silicone sealants need to be established to ensure the continued integrity of silicone sealant structurally glazed projects. The first step in establishing such standards is careful research into the behavior of silicone sealants under different conditions. This paper reports two major tests, one using mock-up panels and simulating field conditions, the other scrutinizing sealant properties in a laboratory setting. The results offer a greater understanding of silicone structural sealants and a foundation for developing standard test methods and setting industry performance standards for structural sealants.

Methods for calculating structural silicone sealant joint dimensions

Industry practices and standards for silicone sealant structural glazing have evolved in the decades since its introduction. The growing use of stone substrates, sloped panels, or unusually shaped lites highlights the need for proper joint design. This paper describes the requirements for silicone sealant structural joints, blending theory with time-proven practice to establish industry methods.

Structural Silicone Sealant Curtain Walls: Field or Factory Glazing?

Silicone sealant structural glazing, whether conducted in the field or the factory, requires good workmanship and quality materials. While the same basic construction steps are followed for both methods, the details of how the work is done vary. This paper discusses joint design, sealant selection, surface preparation, and quality testing for structural silicone glazing, comparing shop and field glazing at each step.

Silicone Sealants in Insulating Glass

Insulating glass silicone secondary sealants withstand the effects of temperature and sunlight to prolong the life of insulating glass units (IGUs). They also provide structural integrity for IGUs in silicone structural sealant glazing applications. Thorough testing by the sealant manufacturer establishes the high performance of silicone sealants in various IGU and structural applications. IGU fabricators promote the performance of quality silicone sealants through careful workmanship.