Structural glazing application gets it taped

VHB Structural Glazing Tape from 3M has proven its off-site capabilities in a recent construction project for The Big Yellow Self Storage Company.

Used at Big Yellow's impressive new Penniston Road site in Sheffield, not only did the tape provide the necessary bond strength to secure the glazing, it also offered easier application and much faster handling times.

What is more, the tape does not attract the price premium that other modern methods of construction often do.

Mark Banks, managing director of Structural Glazing ., explains: "Normally we would prepare the bond surface, add structural spacing tape and then 'hand gun' silicone onto the spacing tape prior to positioning the glass pane".

"We would then need to leave the assembly for a day for the silicone to cure".

"With 3M's VHB Structural Glazing Tape, not only can we dispense with the spacing tape, but the assembly can be handled immediately".

"3M also offered our staff all the necessary application training".

Echoing Banks' sentiments, Andrew Statham, director of AW Aluminium, the glazing contractor, elaborates: "This is the first time we have used 3M's VHB Structural Glazing Tape and I am sure we will be using it again".

"Not only was it quicker to apply, but the fact that it can be handled immediately means we can react much faster to on-site breakages".

" 3M's VHB Structural Glazing Tape is a high-performance, double-sided, pressure-sensitive acrylic foam that requires only very simple surface preparation and provides an instant bond.

It can even be pre-applied to the frame or glass and left with the protective liner in place until required, allowing a greater degree of off-site fabrication.

Full bond strength is achieved within 72 hours.

VHB Structural Glazing Tape uses 3M's advanced adhesive technology to deliver secure bonding to all common frame substrates including anodised aluminium, uPVC and powder coats.

It will bond modern, coated solar-control and self-cleaning glasses.

The tape's uniform 2.3mm thickness is just over one third of the typical thickness of a structural silicone bond, making the bond far less visible from the inside of the window - a feature that appeals to architects looking to design clean lines into a building.

The precise dimensional control of the tape allows for extremely neat, accurate assembly and it can be precisely cut to length, minimising material wastage.

Already proven in demanding South American climactic conditions, Structural Glazing Tape offers extremely good UV and temperature resistance.

The adhesive strength is retained even through repeated thermal expansion and contraction and the flexible acrylic foam effectively reduces stresses at the bond line.

The tape's closed-cell construction ensures that it provides lasting weather protection as well as a durable bond".

"Today's architectural glass facades demand a bonding system that is quick and cost-effective, simple to test, visually discreet and extremely durable over the long term," explains James Gravestock, business development manager for 3M's construction division".

"With Structural Glazing Tape, 3M has developed a product that meets all these requirements".

Tested in accordance with ETAG002, 3M's VHB Structural Glazing Tapes come in a consistent and unobtrusive neutral colour and are available in many different widths to suit the needs of individual applications and projects.

3M and VHB are trademarks of 3M Company.

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