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FHC INSULATING GLASS FABRICATION, SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT SECTION 3
FHC IG Terms and Definitions
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Caulking Compound Cold Flow Cure Time
A sealant with a relatively limited Cured Polysulfides exhibit a property The term “cure time” refers to the
movement capability, typically less known as “conformability”, which duration it takes for a mixed compound
than 10%, is often referred to as a means that the rubber can adapt to to reach a state where it can be handled
“low-movement sealant”. irregular shapes. This property is during production and moved without
particularly beneficial in insulating glass distorting the sealant. It’s important to
Channel applications. In a glazing channel, if note that a longer work life generally

A U-shaped opening in a sash or frame conformability is not present, the rubber corresponds to a longer cure time.
designed to accommodate glass or may allow one lite to shift without Heat accelerates the curing process
an insulating glass unit is commonly compromising the seal. However, when by increasing the chemical activity of
referred to as a “glazing channel” or stacking units, they must be stacked the compound, while humidity also
“glazing groove”. at a 90-degree angle to the support, or contributes to a longer work life and
one lite may deform out of alignment. significantly extends the cure time.
Channel Glazing This is why softer sealants are preferred; However, lower temperatures, below
they may deform slightly more but can
70ºF (21ºC), can further lengthen both
The process of sealing the joints around accommodate stress and movement the work life and the cure time.
lites or panels placed in the channel without risking glass breakage.
using removable stops is commonly Curing Agent
known as “channel glazing”. It involves Condensation Resistance
sealing the gap between the glass and A “curing agent” is a chemical added
glazing stops to secure the glass or Factor (CRF) to a polymer to initiate or accelerate
panels in place. A numerical rating assigned to windows the curing process.
and doors based on their thermal
Chemical Cure performance, derived from AAMA Degree Day
“Curing by chemical reaction” typically 1502.4-197 tests on the thermally Also known as Heating Degree Days
involves the process of cross-linking improved aluminum prime windows (HDD) is calculated by taking the
a polymer to achieve the desired and sliding glass doors. This factor number of days in the heating season
properties or characteristics. is calculated under specific testing and multiplying it by the difference
conditions: an interior environment at between an inside temperature (typically
Coefficient of Expansion 68°F (20°C) and 25% relative humidity, 65ºF or 18ºC) and the average outside
and an exterior environment at 18°F
temperature when it’s below 65ºF
The change in size of a material in (-8°C) with winds at 15 mph. The CRF (18ºC). It’s a measure used to estimate
response to temperature fluctuations is indicates the degree to which a window the heating requirements of a building
referred to as its “thermal expansion” or or door can prevent the formation of during the colder months.
“coefficient of thermal expansion”. condensation on its interior surface.
A higher CRF signifies greater thermal Desiccant
Cohesion resistance. Windows must achieve a A substance with a strong attraction or

The molecular force responsible minimum CRF of 30 to be classified affinity for water is commonly known as
for holding the body of a sealant or as thermally improved. a “desiccant.” Desiccants are used to
adhesive together and providing its adsorb moisture and are often employed
internal strength is commonly referred Consistency as drying agents. They are also referred
to as “cohesion”. The term “consistency” is used to to as adsorbents because they adsorb
describe the degree of softness or or attract moisture molecules from the
Cohesive Failure firmness of a compound as it is supplied surrounding environment.
If adhesive materials are present on in its container. This consistency can
both surfaces and they separate, it indeed vary based on the method Detergents
indicates a cohesive failure in the of application. These specialized “glass cleaners” or
unit. In cohesive failure, the adhesive “window cleaners” are formulated to
within the bond itself has failed, effectively clean glass surfaces. They
causing the separation. contain ingredients like delimer, low-

foam components, and Low-e coating
compatibility materials to address
specific cleaning needs.

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