Removing And Replacing Structural Glass Wall Panels

Part 1–general

1.01 summary

1. This procedure includes guidance on removing damaged structural glass panels and replacing with salvaged or new panels.
2. See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be reviewed along with this procedure. These guidelines cover the following sections:
   1. Safety Precautions
   2. Historic Structures Precautions
   3. Submittals
   4. Quality Assurance
   5. Delivery, Storage and Handling
   6. Project/Site Conditions
   7. Sequencing and Scheduling
   8. General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing this procedure and should be followed, when applicable, along with recommendations from the Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO).

Part 2–products

2.01 manufacturers

USG Corporation
www.usg.com

2.02 materials

NOTE: Chemical products are sometimes sold under a common name. This usually means that the substance is not as pure as the same chemical sold under its chemical name. The grade of purity of common name substances, however, is usually adequate for stain removal work, and these products should be purchased when available, as they tend to be less expensive. Common names are indicated below by an asterisk (*).

1. Structural glass to match existing
2. Solvent for Removing Adhesive:

   1. Methyl Ethyl Ketone:

      1. Other chemical or common names include 2-butanone; MEK*.
      2. Potential Hazards: TOXIC AND FLAMMABLE.
      3. Available from chemical supply house, hardware store or paint store.

      -OR-

   2. Methyl Isobutyl Ketone:

      1. Other chemical or common names include Asymmetric ethyl methyl acetone; 3-methyl-2- pentanone; Secondary butylmethyl ketone; MIBK*.
      2. Potential Hazards: TOXIC AND FLAMMABLE.
      3. Available from chemical supply house, hardware store or paint store.

      -OR-

   3. Acetone (C3H6O):
      1. A volatile fragrant flammable liquid ketone used chiefly as a solvent and in organic synthesis and found abnormally in urine.
      2. Other chemical or common names include Dimethyl ketone; Propanone
      3. Potential Hazards: VOLATILE AND FLAMMABLE SOLVENT
      4. Available from chemical supply house or hardware store.
3. Stainless steel wire - 1 gauge
4. Petroleum-based adhesive appropriate for installing structural glass panels as recommended by glass manufacturer or approved equal.
5. Water-based glass cleaner
6. Grout to match existing such as moulding plaster (USG Corporation) or approved equal.
7. Clean, potable water

2.03 equipment

1. Mudpan for mixing grout
2. Squeeze bottle for applying solvent
3. Metal scraper
4. Stiff bristle brush (non-metallic)
5. Clean, dry cloths
6. Hard, rubber trowel

Part 3–execution

3.01 erection, installation, application

1. Remove damaged or broken structural glass panels.
   1. Rake and remove grout from joint surrounding piece to be removed.
   2. Using a squeeze bottle, apply solvent to back of panels to be salvaged and allow mastic to soften.
   3. Cut the softened mastic with the stainless steel wire and remove the panel from the wall.
   4. Use solvent and metal scraper to remove remaining mastic from the back of structural glass panel.
2. Install New or Salvaged Structural Glass Panels:
   1. Using a stiff bristle brush, remove dirt and debris from the surface. Using a metal scraper, remove any remaining adhesive.
   2. Apply adhesive to back of panel and install to match coursing lines and grout joint widths.
   3. Support glass for at least 24 hours until the adhesive has cured.
3. Remove mastic from adjacent surfaces using a clean cloth and a solvent.
4. Mix enough grout for 1 hour supply at a time. Add enough water to form a workable consistency.
5. Trowel grout flush into joints. Take care not to scratch the structural glass surface.
6. Allow the grout to cure for 72 hours, keeping them damp during that period.
7. Gently rinse the surface with water and a stiff bristle brush.
8. Clean the surface with glass cleaner and a soft, clean cloth.