NGA volunteers update Glass Technical Papers (GTPs) through the systematic review ballot process on a 5-year cycle. The GTP FB02-02 “Heat-Treated Glass Surfaces Are Different” was updated in October and is now available to download for free in the NGA Store.
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 wind-load 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 updated document discusses why industry cleaning procedures must be followed to avoid glass damage.