This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: C1249 − 18 (Reapproved 2023)

Standard Guide for

Secondary Seal for Sealed Insulating Glass Units for
Structural Sealant Glazing Applications1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1249; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical

1.1 This guide covers design and fabrication considerations Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
for the edge seal of conventionally sealed insulating glass 2. Referenced Documents
units, herein referred to as IG units. The IG units described are
used in structural silicone sealant glazing systems, herein 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
referred to as SSG systems. SSG systems typically are either C639 Test Method for Rheological (Flow) Properties of
two or four sided, glazed with a structural sealant. Other Elastomeric Sealants
conditions such as one, three, five, six sided may be used. C679 Test Method for Tack-Free Time of Elastomeric Seal-
ants
1.2 This guides does not cover the IG units of other than C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
conventional edge seal design (Fig. 1); however, the informa- C794 Test Method for Adhesion-in-Peel of Elastomeric Joint
tion contained herein may be of benefit to the designers of such
iTeh Standards
Sealants
IG units. C1087 Test Method for Determining Compatibility of
1.3 In an SSG system, IG units are retained to a metal Liquid-Applied Sealants with Accessories Used in Struc-
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
framing system by a structural seal (Fig. 2). The size and shape
of that seal, as well as numerous other SSG system design
tural Glazing Systems
C1135 Test Method for Determining Tensile Adhesion Prop-

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considerations, are not addressed in this guide. erties of Structural Sealants
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the C1184 Specification for Structural Silicone Sealants
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information C1369 Specification for Secondary Edge Sealants for Struc-
only. turally Glazed Insulating Glass Units
ASTM C1249-18(2023)
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
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safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E773 Test Method for Accelerated Weathering of Sealed
Insulating Glass Units (Withdrawn 2010)3
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
E2188 Test Method for Insulating Glass Unit Performance
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
E2189 Test Method for Testing Resistance to Fogging in
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Insulating Glass Units
1.6 The committee with jurisdiction for this standard is not
E2190 Specification for Insulating Glass Unit Performance
aware of any comparable standard guides published by other
and Evaluation
organizations.
2.2 IGMA Standards:4
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor- TR-1000-75(91) Voluntary Test Methods for Chemical Ef-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- fects of Glazing Compounds on Elastomeric Edge Seals
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.10 on the ASTM website.
3
Specifications, Guides and Practices. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.ast-
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally m.org.
4
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as C1249 – 18. DOI: Available from Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA), 1500 Bank
10.1520/C1249-18R23. St., Ottawa, ON K1H 1B8, Canada, https://www.igmaonline.org/.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 C1249 − 18 (2023)
3.2.5 structural seal—a joint seal of which the sealant
structurally adheres an IG unit to a metal framing system (see
Fig. 2).
3.2.5.1 Discussion—The structural seal transfers applied
loads to the framing system as well as accommodates differ-
ential movements between the IG unit and the framing system.
3.3 Symbols:
3.3.1 A = area, m2 (in.2).
3.3.2 Cs = sealant contact width, shear, mm (in.).
3.3.3 Ct = sealant contact width, tension, mm (in.).
3.3.4 D = design factor, dimensionless.
3.3.5 Fs = allowable shear stress, Pa (psi).
3.3.6 Ft = allowable tensile stress, Pa (psi).
FIG. 1 Sealed IG Edge Seal: Basic Components 3.3.7 Fy = yield stress, Pa (psi).
3.3.8 H = height, m (ft).
3.3.9 L = perimeter length, m (ft).
3.3.10 M = mass per unit area, N/m2 (lb/ft2).
TM-4000 Insulating Glass Manufacturing Quality Proce-
3.3.11 P = applied load, Pa (lbf/ft2).
dures
3.3.12 W = width, m (ft).
2.3 NFRC Document:5
NFRC 706 Requirements for Participating Insulating Glass 4. Significance and Use
Certification Programs
4.1 It should be realized that the design of an IG unit edge
3. Terminology seal for use in SSG systems is a collaborative effort of at least
the IG unit fabricator, sealant manufacturer, and design
3.1 Definitions:
iTeh Standards
3.1.1 Refer to Terminology C717 for definitions of the
following terms used in this guide: adhesive failure, bead,
professional, among others.
4.2 This guide provides information on silicone sealants that

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cohesive failure, compatibility, cure, elongation, gasket, are used for the secondary seal of IG units that are glazed into
glazing, joint, lite, modulus, non-sag sealant, seal, sealant, SSG systems.

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sealant backing, setting block, shelf-life, silicone sealant, 4.3 Information is also provided on the other major compo-
spacer, structural sealant, substrate, tooling, and working life. nents of the IG unit edge seal, compatibility of components,
Refer to Terminology E631 for the definition of sealed insu- durability, and quality assurance (QA).
lating glass as used in this guide.
ASTM C1249-18(2023)
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 5. Insulating Glass Unit
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3.2.1 desiccant—a hygroscopic material that adsorbs water 5.1 Insulating Glass Unit Components—The edge seal of an
or may adsorb solvent vapors, or both (see Fig. 1). SSG system IG unit consists of the two lites of glass, spacer,
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The desiccant maintains a low relative desiccant, primary sealant, and secondary sealant (Fig. 1) (1).6
humidity in sealed insulating glass. This type of IG unit is referred to commonly as a dual-seal unit
3.2.2 primary seal—A joint seal of which the sealant resists in that it has separate primary and secondary seals. A single-
moisture vapor permeation into the desiccated space of sealed seal IG unit is inappropriate at this time for SSG systems and
insulating glass (see Fig. 1). should not be used. The following sections describe the
3.2.2.1 Discussion—It also resists inert gas permeation (for components of a dual-seal IG unit briefly.
example, argon) from the IG unit sealed space if the intent is to 5.2 Glass and Architectural Coatings:
use an inert gas. 5.2.1 Glass—All types of glass have been used in the
3.2.3 secondary seal—a joint seal of which the sealant fabrication of IG units, including monolithic, laminated,
structurally unites the two glass lites and spacer of sealed tempered, heat-strengthened, tinted, heat-absorbing, light
insulating glass (see Fig. 1). reducing, patterned, and wired. Almost all glass is produced by
3.2.4 spacer—a fabricated shape that creates an appropriate the float manufacturing process, in which the glass ribbon that
distance between two lites of glass in sealed insulating glass emerges from the furnace is floated on a bath of molten tin,
(see Fig. 1). allowing gravity to produce essentially flat parallel surfaces.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—As a component of the edge seal 5.2.2 Architectural Coatings—These coatings, which are
system, the spacer also resists vapor migration into sealed applied to the surface of the glass prior to IG unit fabrication,
insulating glass and provides a container for a desiccant. are generally grouped into one of two categories: low-
emissivity or reflective. They are both metallic or metallic

5
Available from National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), 6305 Ivy Ln.,
6
Suite 140, Greenbelt, MD 20770, https://www.nfrccommunity.org/page/ The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
ProgramDocs. this guide.

2
 C1249 − 18 (2023)

FIG. 2 Typical A-Side SSG System Mullion: Horizontal Section (Vertical Joint)

oxide materials and in some cases are in multi-layers, depos- sealed space of the IG unit. The sealant is designed to fill the
ited onto or into a glass surface. The coatings are deposited space between the sides of the spacer and the faces of the two
primarily by two methods: magnetic sputtering onto the glass glass lites and to develop adequate adhesion to the surfaces of
surface and pyrolitic deposition into the glass surface. Low- both materials. The primary sealant must also have sufficient
emissivity coatings are visually transparent and reflect long- movement capability to not fail due to limited differential
wave infrared radiation, thereby improving the thermal trans- movement that may occur between the spacer and the glass
mittance of the glass. In general, they also decrease but to a lites. Polyisobutylene-based materials have been found to be
lesser extent than reflective coatings, visible light transmission, very suitable for this purpose. The primary sealant contributes
and transmitted solar radiant energy. Depending on lighting little to the structural function of transferring lateral loads and
iTeh Standards
conditions, reflective coatings are generally considerably less
transparent than low-emissivity coatings. These coatings pro-
holding the IG unit edge assembly together. These functions
are fulfilled by the secondary sealant.

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vide a reduction in transmitted solar radiant energy, conductive
5.6 Secondary Sealant:
heat energy, and visible light into the building interior. Ceramic
enamel, silicone, and pressure-sensitive vinyl and polyester 5.6.1 This sealant transfers negative lateral loads, occurring

Document Preview on the exterior lite of glass, to the interior lite of glass, which
film are applied to the surface of glass to make spandrel glass.
5.3 Spacer—Spacers are fabricated from a variety of mate- then transfers the load to the structural sealant that adheres the
rials including metals, rigid plastics and foam cured sealant, IG unit to the metal framing system. It also functions as the
adhesive that unites the two glass lites and spacer together as
and combinations of these materials. They are ASTM C1249-18(2023)
available in
a unit and prevents excessive movement from occurring in the
numerous profiles, depending on the application. Metals typi-
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cally used are aluminum, both mill finish and anodized, primary seal (2). The secondary sealant must maintain ad-
galvanized steel, and stainless steel. Rigid plastic and foam equate adhesion to the glass lites and spacer and also maintain
spacers are commonly used with a thin metallic vapor barrier other performance properties, such as strength and flexibility
on the backside. Material selection and geometric design can after prolonged environmental exposure. Failure of the second-
reduce the heat transfer at the edge of the IG unit. The spacer ary seal to do so could result in excessive movement in the
establishes the size of the sealed space, provides surfaces for primary seal and fogging of the IG unit or adhesive or cohesive
installation of the primary sealant, is a reservoir for desiccant, failure of the secondary seal and catastrophic failure of the IG
and forms the third surface of the cavity created at the edge of unit.
the glass lites for installation of the secondary sealant. 5.6.2 Four generic classes of sealants are used presently for
5.4 Desiccant—These substances are hydrophilic crystalline a conventional IG unit edge seal system (non-structural seal-
materials that are installed into the hollow of the spacer, ant). These sealants are polysulfides, polyurethanes, hot-melt
usually on at least two sides of the IG unit. Commonly used butyls, and silicones. For SSG systems, only IG units with a
desiccants are molecular sieves or a blend of silica gel with dual-seal (polyisobutylene primary seal and silicone secondary
molecular sieves. Their purpose is to adsorb residual water and seal) have the required durability for the application and are the
solvent vapor in the sealed space immediately after fabrication only sealants permitted for SSG systems.
of the IG units. They also maintain a low relative humidity in 5.7 Enclosed Gas—The IG unit sealed space encloses a gas
the sealed space for the life of the IG unit by absorbing such as air, argon, krypton, or sulfur hexafloride. Air is
infiltrating moisture vapor. normally used if conventional thermal resistance properties are
5.5 Primary Sealant—This sealant provides a high level of required. Argon and krypton are used to increase the IG unit
moisture vapor migration resistance and controls and mini- thermal resistance. Sulfur hexafloride is used in applications in
mizes gas and solvent migration into the IG unit sealed space. which increased resistance to sound transmission is necessary.
The sealant also acts as a barrier to the permeation of inert When using gases other than air, the IG unit edge seal system
gases (for example, argon) when these gases are used in the must be capable of retaining a substantial percent of the gas for

3
 C1249 − 18 (2023)
the life of the IG unit; otherwise, thermal or sound transmission factor (D) of 4.0, and substituting these values into (Eq 1),
performance will decrease to an unacceptable level. results in the following:
5.8 Breather and Capillary Tubes: F t 5 559/4.0 5 138 kPa (2)
5.8.1 Breather Tube—A breather tube is a small tube or hole
that is factory-placed through the spacer of the IG unit to or
accommodate an increase in sealed air space pressure when an F t 5 80/4.0 5 20 psi (3)
IG unit is shipped to a higher elevation than where fabricated.
6.3.3 Current industry practice for the structural seal of an
The breather tube allows the sealed air space pressure to
SSG system, which was determined empirically, is to limit the
equalize to the atmospheric pressure at the installation site. The
value of Ft to 138 kPa (20 psi). The SSG system structural seal
breather tube is sealed prior to the IG unit installation. Special
contact width (Fig. 2) is usually established using the applied
sealed space gases (see 5.7) cannot be used in IG units that
lateral load, acting in tension, in conjunction with the 138 kPa
have breather tubes.
(20 psi) tensile stress. Additional contributory stresses from,
5.8.2 Capillary Tube—A capillary tube is a very thin bore
for example, thermal movement, dead load (see 6.6), sealant
tube of specific length and inside diameter that is factory-
cross-section dimension, non-linear glass deflection under
placed through the spacer of the IG unit. A capillary tube
load, internal sealant stress due to cure shrinkage, prestress in
fulfills the same function as a breather tube and, in addition, is
sealant due to differential building component movement, and
left open during transportation to permit the sealed space of the
variation in sealant physical properties can also influence this
IG unit to continue to pressure equalize with fluctuating
value. If these additional factors are a significant concern, an
ambient air pressure. Capillary tubes should be sealed with a
allowable tensile stress (Ft) of below 138 kPa (20 psi) may be
high performance sealant specified by the IG fabricator at the
appropriate for the SSG system structural seal sealant.
final destination immediately before installation. Special sealed
space gases (see 5.7) cannot be used in IG units that have 6.3.4 Regarding the secondary sealant for IG units, some IG
capillary tubes. unit fabricators recommend using values for Ft such as 207 kPa
(30 psi) in lieu of the more conservative 138 kPa (20 psi) value
SECONDARY SEALANT DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS used for the SSG system structural seal. The rationale for using

6. Structural Properties iTeh Standards higher values for Ft is the already high quality of the fabrica-
tor’s QA program for fabricating the IG unit edge seal. Better

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6.1 General: QA results in more consistent adhesion of the secondary
6.1.1 The design of an IG unit edge seal parallels the sealant, and higher values for Ft can therefore be maintained
reliably. In addition, the cladding design load is usually chosen
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methodology used for the design of the SSG system structural
joint that adheres an IG unit to a framing system. SSG system as the maximum to occur in a 50 or sometimes 100-year return
structural sealants must meet the requirements of Specification period. Because of this, the actual tensile stress on the
C1184. IG sealants used for SSG systems must meet the secondary sealant is typically a lower value and in some areas
requirements of Specification C1369, which isASTM a relatively small percentage of the Fu value. If a value of Ft in
modeledC1249-18(2023)
after
excess of 138 kPa (20 psi) is proposed, it must be evaluated
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Specification C1184.
carefully. This careful evaluation is especially significant since
6.1.2 The following sections provide the design profes-
sional with information on the design of the IG unit edge seal Ft does not give significance to the additional stress factors
secondary sealant regarding the following: allowable tensile discussed in 6.3.3.
strength; modulus properties; appropriate design factors; and 6.3.5 Presently, for the IG unit secondary sealant, the stress
design of the secondary sealant for the effects of shear stress, in the secondary sealant is usually limited to 138 kPa (20 psi).
tensile stress, and combined stresses. The applied lateral load, which is shared between the two lites
of glass of the IG unit, in conjunction with the 138 kPa (20 psi)
6.2 Sealant Yield Stress—The minimum sealant yield stress limit, is used to calculate the secondary sealant contact width
(Fu) (or tensile adhesion value) is determined by Test Method required to resist the applied lateral load (see 6.7). This equal
C1135 by pulling to failure small laboratory specimens of load sharing is applied only when the two lites are of equal
sealant having a cross-section similar (but not necessarily thickness.
identical) to that used in a structural seal. Sealant manufactur-
6.3.6 It is not within the scope of this guide to specify a
ers usually report this value in a table of performance criteria
particular tensile stress (Ft) for the IG unit secondary sealant.
for a particular sealant. An example of a sealant manufacturer’s
This should be an informed decision made by the design
reported value for Fu would be 896 kPa (130 psi) for a two-part
professional, in conjunction with the structural sealant manu-
high-modulus sealant.
facturer and IG unit fabricator, considering, among other
6.3 Sealant Tensile Stress: factors: building code requirements, degree of risk, and the
6.3.1 The allowable sealant tensile stress (Ft) for SSG particular SSG system and IG unit requirements.
system structural seals is determined by dividing the ultimate
stress (Fu) by an appropriate design factor (D) ((Eq 1)). 6.4 Design Factor:
6.4.1 For SSG system structural seals, a factor ranging from
F t 5 F u /D (1)
4 to 12 was originally selected for the structural sealant during
6.3.2 For example, using a manufacturer’s published ulti- the beginnings of SSG technology. This range recognized the
mate stress (Fy) for a sealant of 559 kPa (80 psi), with a design many variables and unknowns, such as determining applied

4
 C1249 − 18 (2023)
loads and load distribution accurately, the relatively poor tear 6.6.1 Good glazing practices require that glass, including IG
strength if three-sided adhesion occurred, and the difficulty of units, be supported by two setting blocks located at approxi-
determining the actual sealant stress. This approach is consis- mately the 1⁄4 points of the glass width. See the Glass
tent with traditional engineering practice, in which uncertainty Association of North America (GANA) Glazing Manual,7 page
and unknowns are mitigated to a certain extent by using a 52, for a typical detail. Although not generally recommended,
design factor, sometimes referred to as a safety factor. The installations are occasionally designed in which the glass or IG
design factor can be determined by using (Eq 1) and solving for unit is not supported by setting blocks (Fig. 3). Contact the
D. It should be noted, however, that higher-strength sealants do sealant and IG manufacturer for specific recommendations.
not improve the probability of attaining and maintaining The dead load of the IG unit is supported by the SSG system
long-term sealant adhesion. Adhesion concerns are decreased structural seal with such installations. This will result in a
by lower design stress (ft). Since adhesion is one of the primary constant dead load shear (Fig. 3) stress (Fs) on the sealant and
concerns in every aspect of structural glazing, a higher design the potential of a downward movement of the IG unit under the
factor is best achieved by using smaller design stresses (Ft). influence of gravity (4). Because of special considerations, in
6.4.2 For example, for a sealant in which Fu = 896 kPa (130 some unusual situations some sealant and IG manufacturers
psi), with a value of Ft = 138 kPa (20 psi), the value of D will have approved specific installations with no setting blocks. If
be 6.5. If a different sealant, in which Fu is 345 kPa (50 psi), this is ever done, the sealant and glass manufacturer and design
is used with a value of 2.5 for D, Ft will be 138 kPa (20 psi). professional must review the design and details, and the dead
Presently, a lower-limit design factor (D) of 2.5 is being used load shear stress (Fs) on the SSG system structural sealant is
for SSG system structural sealants. This lower limit is based on limited to no more than 6895 Pa (1 psi) and often considerably
the following: the successful performance of SSG system less (for example, 3400 Pa or 0.5 psi).
structural sealants since approximately 1972, advances that 6.6.2 With such installations, the secondary seal of the IG
have occurred in adhesion technology, and the implementation unit must also be designed to resist shearing stress and
of QA programs. Higher design factors are not to be construed potential movement induced by the dead load of the outer lite
as rationale to change the design stress (ft) to values above 138 of glass. Unacceptable differential movement of the two lites
kPa (20 psi). could cause a seal failure in the primary sealant, resulting in
iTeh Standards
6.4.3 It is not within the scope of this guide to specify a
particular design factor for the IG unit secondary sealant. This
fogging of the enclosed space. The minimum sealant contact
width required due to dead load shear stress, assuming no

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should be an informed decision made by the design
professional, in conjunction with the structural sealant manu-
contribution from the primary seal, can be determined using
(Eq 4).

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facturer and IG unit fabricator, considering, among other ~ C s 5 M*A ! / ~ F s *L ! (4)
factors: building code requirements, degree of risk, and the
particular SSG system and IG unit requirements.
7
6.5 Sealant Modulus and Joint Stiffness: ASTM C1249-18(2023) Available from Glass Association of North America (GANA), 777 East
Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
6.5.1 The design of the structural seal in SSG systems
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should consider the relationships of joint shape, joint stiffness,
and sealant modulus so that the outward movement of the
peripheral edge of the IG unit, by an applied lateral load, is no
more than 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) for a glass lite nominal thickness of
6 mm (1⁄4 in.). Test Method C1135 can be used to determine
that the elongation of the structural sealant at 138 kPa (20 psi)
is less than 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.). The 1.6-mm (1⁄16-in.) movement
or sealant elongation is related to the position and support
provided to the outer lite of the IG unit by setting blocks that
are recessed from its outer face, usually by one-half the
nominal glass thickness. If outward movement is excessive and
the IG unit outer lite drops off the setting blocks, it could cause
a failure of the IG unit edge seal.
6.5.2 From the above discussion, it should also be apparent
that the outward, and in some cases downward (see 6.6),
movement of the outer glass lite of an IG unit relative to the
inner lite, under the influence of the applied lateral load, must
also be limited. Detrimental movement or change in the
secondary seal shape (3) could cause a seal failure in the
primary sealant, resulting in fogging of the enclosed space. The
modulus of the secondary sealant, as well as the shape and size
of the secondary seal, should be evaluated.
FIG. 3 Dead Load Movement of IG Unit: Vertical Section (Hori-
6.6 Sealant Contact Width for Shear Stress: zontal Joint)

5
 C1249 − 18 (2023)
6.6.3 For example (Fig. 4), for an IG unit with W = 1.219 or
m (4 ft), H = 1.829 m (6 ft), M = 311.22 N/m2 (6.5 lb/ft2), L C t 5 ~ 15*2 ! / ~ 20*12! 5 0.125 in. (9)
= 6.096 m (20 ft), and Fs = 6895 Pa (1 psi), the contact width
for the secondary sealant would be determined as follows. If the lites are of unequal thickness, equal load sharing
Only the weight of the exterior lite of glass will cause a cannot be employed, and appropriately higher values are to be
shearing stress in the secondary sealant, so one-half of the used.
weight of the IG unit is used in the calculation. Substituting 6.7.3 If it has been determined that an unsupported IG unit
into (Eq 4) results in the following: is allowable in a given situation and both the deal load and
wind load calculations are performed, the largest of the
C s 5 ~ 155.61*2.2296! / ~ 6895*6.096! 5 8.25 mm (5)
calculated contact widths must be used.
or 6.8 Combined Stresses:
C s 5 ~ 3.25*24! / ~ 1*20*12! 5 0.325 in. (6) 6.8.1 Depending on, among other factors, loading condi-
6.7 Sealant Contact Width for Tensile Stress: tions (that is, tensile and shear loads), IG unit shape and size,
6.7.1 The minimum secondary sealant contact width (Ct) secondary sealant, and secondary seal shape and size, the
required to resist the applied lateral tensile load can be effects of combined stresses on the secondary sealant may
determined using (Eq 7), which is based on trapezoidal load require consideration (7).
distribution theory. Other load distribution theories may be 6.8.2 It should also be realized that the final secondary
applicable, depending on, among other factors, IG unit shape sealant contact width may have to be greater than as deter-
and size (5). Any influence from the primary seal is not mined by calculation. Other factors, such as spacer geometry
considered. (8), fabrication procedures, and fabrication tolerances, may
have to be considered to determine a minimum acceptable
C t 5 ~ P*W/2 ! /F t (7)
secondary sealant contact width.
6.7.2 For example (Fig. 4), for an IG unit with W = 1.219
m (4 ft), H = 1.829 m (6 ft), P = 1436 Pa (30 lbf/ft2), and 7. Adhesion
Ft = 138 kPa (20 psi), the contact width for the secondary
iTeh Standards
7.1 General:
sealant would be determined as follows. With a sealed IG unit, 7.1.1 Adhesion of the secondary seal to the IG unit edge seal
there is load sharing between the two lites of glass. If both lites components is one of the most critical functions of the sealant.
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are of the same thickness, the lateral load (P) is shared almost
equally; and, if of unequal thickness, the load shared by each
The secondary sealant adheres the glass, with or without a
glass coating, and spacer into a rigid yet flexible system, and,

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lite will vary, depending on the difference in thicknesses (6). in addition, transfers applied lateral loads from the outer lite to
For the following example, both lites are the same thickness, the inner lite of the IG unit. Poor sealant adhesion to any of the
and the secondary seal therefore experiences approximately IG unit edge seal components can have adverse effects on IG
one-half the applied load. Substituting into (Eq 7), using the unit performance.
least dimension, which is the width (W) of the ASTM IG unit, C1249-18(2023)
results 7.1.2 Time, temperature, water and water vapor, ultra-violet
in the following:
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radiation, and foreign chemicals can affect the adhesion and
C t 5 ~ 718*0.6096! /138 5 3.2 mm (8) performance of the secondary seal. The following sections
address adhesion issues related to glass, glass coatings, and
spacers, among other factors, that commonly occur with IG
units.
7.2 Glass and Architectural Coatings:
7.2.1 Glass—Adhesion of a silicone secondary sealant to a
properly prepared, uncoated glass surface has proven to be
tenacious. To develop adequate adhesion, the glass surface
must be properly cleaned (see 7.4) immediately prior to sealant
application.
7.2.2 Architectural Coatings—A wide variety of glass coat-
ings are currently available for architectural glass. Adhesion of
the sealant to these coatings depends on the type of architec-
tural coating and its particular type of top coat, such as titanium
dioxide or silicon dioxide, among other types, and the coating
application technique, such as a pyrolitic or magnetic sputter-
ing process. No generalized statement can be made regarding
sealant adhesion to the many available architectural coatings,
since variations may occur even for a given type of coating and
application process due to process conditions. The adhesion of
the sealant to an architectural coating on glass must be verified
FIG. 4 Elevation of a Four-Sided Structural Sealant Glazed IG on samples of actual manufactured specimens for each job by
Unit the sealant manufacturer. The adhesion of some architectural

6
 C1249 − 18 (2023)
coatings to glass may degrade with time, and coating deletion 8. Compatibility
(removal) may be required. 8.1 General—The incompatibility of materials in contact
7.2.3 Coating Deletion—This is usually performed by with or close proximity to the secondary sealant of the IG unit
abrasion, with an abrasive wheel, or by burning the coating off will usually result in a color change, a lessening of the adhesive
with a high-temperature flame. Any coating deletion technique strength or a complete loss of adhesion of the secondary
will result in a glass surface that is chemically and physically sealant. Time, elevated temperature, and other environmental
different from a normal glass surface. Adequate adhesion of the factors such as ultra-violet radiation can influence compatibil-
sealant to this glass surface should be verified. A representative ity. Incompatibility is not desirable since sealant adhesive
sample should be submitted to the sealant manufacturer. failure can result in fogging of the IG unit or detachment of the
Statements regarding the durability and adhesion of the archi- outboard lite of glass from the IG unit. Color change is
tectural coating to a glass surface can be made only by the undesirable as it affects the aesthetics of the façade. Test
insulating glass fabricator or coating applicator. Method C1087 can be used to determine whether a secondary
sealant and another material are compatible. Metal
7.3 Spacer—Adhesion of the secondary sealant to the spacer components, sealants, or any combination of materials used in
is required to prevent “walking” or displacement of the spacer the construction of the IG unit, as well as components of the
into the vision area of the IG unit and potential edge seal failure SSG system that can influence the edge seal, must have their
and fogging. Different secondary seal sealants will develop compatibility with the secondary sealant verified by appropri-
various levels of adhesion to the vast array of available spacer ate testing. This compatibility testing may vary in degree,
materials. For example, some sealants may develop excellent depending on system configuration, that is, two or four sided
long-term adhesion to an anodized spacer, whereas others may structurally glazed. The degree of compatibility testing, de-
not. Long-term adhesion can be verified by many different pending on system configuration, has not been agreed to by the
standard test methods. The sealant manufacturer can suggest SSG industry and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
and perform various tests, such as those found in Test Methods
8.2 Structural Sealants:
C794, E773, and C1135, to predict the long-term adhesion of
8.2.1 There is presently no consensus standard test method
the secondary seal to the spacer under various physical and
environmental conditions. iTeh Standards for determining the compatibility of other system sealants,
including the SSG system structural sealant, with the second-
ary seal of an IG unit; however, sealant suppliers and IG unit
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7.4 Cleaning—As with all sealants, adequate substrate
cleaning can be critical to developing long-term adhesion of manufacturers have developed their own standard test methods
the secondary sealant to the various IG unit edge seal compo- to determine compatibility, such as IGMA TR-1000-75(91).
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nents. Cleaning techniques and solutions must not be harmful
to the substrates, should remove surface contaminants
8.2.2 The first SSG system structural glazing silicone seal-
ants were one-part acetoxy curing formulations. These acetoxy
completely, and should not leave a surface residue that is curing sealants were generally found not acceptable when IG
harmful to sealant adhesion. The glass (including the coating), units were introduced to structural sealant glazing. The IG unit
ASTM C1249-18(2023)
secondary seal was typically a two-part silicone sealant. The
spacer, and sealant manufacturer can provide information on
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acceptable procedures and materials for adequate cleaning and acetic acid released during cure of the acetoxy structural
preparation of the various adhesion surfaces. glazing or weather seal sealant, in combination with water,
could cause softening of the IG unit secondary seal, eventually
7.5 Environmental and Service Conditions—The installed resulting in adhesive failure and premature IG unit edge seal
IG unit and its edge seal are exposed to varying service failure. Neutral curing one- and two-part structural silicone
conditions. Adhesion of the IG unit secondary sealant may sealants have substantially replaced the acetoxy curing sealants
degrade with time, given adverse or unacceptable service and are the type used predominantly today for SSG system
conditions. Water, as both a vapor and liquid, combined with structural sealant joints.
elevated temperatures and ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, 8.2.3 As a general practice, acetoxy curing silicones should
has proven to have the most potential detrimental effect on not be used to structurally attach IG units made with structural
sealant adhesion. Water (infiltrated or condensed) that can silicone IG secondary seals. There are some exceptions where
accumulate within an SSG system glazing channel has proven acetoxy curing silicones may be used in some SSG system
to contribute to premature IG unit edge seal failure and is designs that utilize IG unit silicone secondary seals, provided
therefore undesirable. Glazing channels should be drained to that the sealant manufacturer’s predetermined procedures are
the exterior to preclude the accumulation of water. The effect of followed. In general, there should be no accidental or other
various service conditions is also dependent on the type of physical contact between the acetoxy sealant and secondary
glass (architecturally coated, tinted, or clear) and glazing seal of the IG unit. Also, there should be sufficient space and
orientation (vertical or sloped). Test methods such as Test ventilation or time lapse between application of the acetoxy
Method C1135 can be used to evaluate the tensile adhesion structural or weather seals to allow the acetic acid byproducts
values (and thus adhesion) of secondary sealants when exposed of curing to dissipate from the secondary seal. However, in the
to various combinations of service or accelerated aging condi- absence of more positive safeguards, it would be prudent to
tions. If internal condensation is seen in an IG unit, the unit avoid their use in order to eliminate any possibility of
should be replaced in a timely fashion because secondary premature IG unit edge seal failure due to the potential
sealant degradation or adhesion loss may have occurred. incompatibility of sealants. Also, if the IG secondary seal is an