Patent Glazing

Patent glazing pertains to a large area of glazing set within long glazing bars.

It refers to a non-load bearing, drained and ventilated framing system, used predominantly in overhead glazing. Patent Glazing is the term applied to a self-draining and ventilated system of dry glazing that does not rely necessarily for its water tightness upon external glazing seals. It consists essentially of a series of longitudinal supporting members (glazing bars), and an infilling of glass or other suitable materials. Patent glazing bars are attached to and supported upon suitable structural members provided by others.

Patent Glazing is a generic term derived from early patents taken out to protect concepts of glazing bars having a drainage facility with dry glazing techniques. These early methods advanced the former putty glazed wood or iron bar methods, which required frequent maintenance. Developments with modern materials, most commonly extruded aluminium, retain the early patent glazing principles and are still the most widely used product in overhead glazing.

Being an unsealed system, patent glazing in an overhead situation provides natural ventilation in the roof area in turn helping in minimizing excessive high temperatures. When used on a large roof area in a tiered application, patent glazing provides an effective drainage facility across the roof area.

Patent glazing applications can be found extensively in shopping malls, atria, schools, retail outlets, industrial units and conservatories. Canopies and walkways are also an ever-increasing use for this popular method of glazing.
Why Choose Patent Glazing?

Designed and installed in accordance with BS5516, patent glazing offers a unique combination of benefits, such as:
Elegance With slender sight lines.
Flexibility In complex roofs with hips and valleys or vertical glazing.
Economy Value for money in first build or refurbishment applications
with minimal maintenance requirements.
Safety Conforming to BS5516, it achieves high
standards for public safety.
Durability Patent glazing has a heritage, which demonstrates a proven
good service life.





Specifying Patent Glazing
Information on patent glazing, to assist specification writing can be found in the National Building Specification, NBS section H10. Companies that provide patent glazing can also offer a free service for providing job specific specification sheets upon request. It is advisable to contact technical department at the early design stages of a project in order to discuss your specific requirements for the patent glazing and to agree suitable interface details with the surrounding structure.
All supply and fix contracts include for the preparation of detailed AutoCAD drawings for the Architect's approval. A job specific method statement, risk analysis, and COSHH data sheets, along with health and safety policy, environmental policy and cleaning and maintenance manual accompany all order confirmations. As-Built information is usually supplied at the completion of the project to comply with the Construction (Design and Management) regulations.