The glazed portions of the building enclosure have to perform all of the functions associated with being an environmental separator within the building enclosure. At the same time, glazing allows for views from the interior to the exterior, allows light into the interior space and is a critical component of the overall building aesthetics.

Glazed assemblies are different than walls and roofs because they are not made up of layers of materials that are assembled on site. For the most part, glazed assemblies are a proprietary arrangement of materials and components that are manufactured in a plant and then integrated into the overall building enclosure.

Glazed assemblies are the focal point of a very high percentage of the performance problems that are experienced with building enclosures. This does not mean that they are inherently flawed. Rather, it indicates the complicated and specialized nature of these assemblies. The specification of performance criteria, selection of particular products, interface design, and installation of glazed assemblies is of critical importance to the success of the building enclosure as a whole.

Not only have RDH worked with a large variety of windows, curtain-wall, skylight, and door systems on some very complex projects, we have been commissioned to undertake research and write guideline documents related to glazed assemblies. Of particular interest are two studies focused on window performance. RDH staff are also often called upon to investigate problems with glazing systems and to provide expert services associated with litigation of window performance problems.