General Guidelines

Glass Embedding with

self-levelling Polyurethane

Version 1 (10/2011)
 General Guidelines Glass Embedding with self-levelling Polyurethane

Table of Content
Purpose and General Information 3

Introduction 4

1. Design, Joint Dimensioning, Consumption 5

2. Product Properties 7

2.1 SikaGlaze® GG-735 7

2.2 Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7 8

3. Product Storage and Working Place Conditions 9

4. Surface Pre-treatment 9

4.1 Surface Pre-treatment Preventing Adhesion for Easy Repair Glazing 9

4.2 Surface Pre-treatment, if Good Adhesion Required 9

5. Product Application 10

5.1 Construction Preparation 10

5.2 Product Preparation and Application 11

6. Log Book Documentation 14

7. Repair Glazing 14

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 General Guidelines Glass Embedding with self-levelling Polyurethane

Purpose and General Information

This document contains recommendations and hints for the application of self-levelling Polyurethane
products for the embedding of glass panels. These guidelines are relevant for the following products:

- SikaGlaze® GG-735 2-part Polyurethane

long open time, easy-to-use
high mechanical strength, rigid embedding
minimal movement of top glass edge

- Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7 2-part Polyurethane

short open time, fast curing
flexible bump absorption

The information herein is offered for general guidance only. Since glass embedding is a critical ap-
plication and conditions and safety requirements as well as substrates may vary greatly, the customer
must grant the suitability of the construction and the products for each specific project and contact
Sika for advice.

For detailed information about specific embedding products and surface pre-treatment agents please
refer to the most recent Product Data Sheets (PDS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (see
www.sika.com/ses).

An application video is available on www.sika.com/ses.

Picture 1: General Health and Safety Instructions

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 General Guidelines Glass Embedding with self-levelling Polyurethane

Introduction
SikaGlaze® GG-735 and Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7 are self-levelling two-part polyurethane products
suitable for embedding glass panes into a support frame (e.g. anodized aluminium, polyester powder-
coated aluminium, glavanised or stainless steel) or into an appropriate grove in the concrete slab.
This technique is also known as glass wall grouting. SikaGlaze® GG-735 and Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7
cure in place after the application and fix the glass panels with minimised mechanical stress into the
grove. They have proven their suitability for structural silicone glazing in many projects under vari-
ous climatic conditions. This technology is also very suitable for embedding of curved glass panels
(see picture 2).

Picture 2: Embedding of curved glass

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1. Design, Joint Dimensioning, Consumption

Joints must be properly dimensioned as changes are complicated after construction and adhesive
application, respectively. Basis for dimensioning of the necessary joint dimensions are the rheological
and curing properties of the product used, the exposure of the building elements, their construction
and size as well as expected external loads (impact and temperature, etc.).

- To ensure an easy injection of the grout (similar to that of liquid honey), the lateral
thickness of the grout (gap between glass and U profile) should be at least
10 mm.
- If embedding can only be performed from one side, a separation of 12 to 15 mm is
recommended, depending on the surface roughness, to allow the material to rise up
on the other side.
- A clearance of approximately 10 mm should be allowed for bottom grouting.
- A grout depth of more than 150 mm should be avoided.

For further details see pictures 3 and 4.

Consumption
- Clearance 10 mm, filling-height 100 mm è 2.5 litres / running metre glass panel,
- Clearance 15 mm, filling-height 150 mm è 5.3 litres / running metre glass panel,

Picture 3: General detail

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Picture 4: Feasible modifications of handrail, U-profile, and weather sealant as UV-protection

in outdoor applications

Sika offers a comprehensive project service package including design reviews. For more information
please contact the Technical Service Department of Sika Industry.

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2. Product Properties

2.1 SikaGlaze® GG-735

Component A Component B
Properties
SikaGlaze® GG-735 SikaGlaze® GG-735
Isocyanate deriva-
Chemical base Polyols, filled
tives

Colour (CQP1 001-1) Beige Brown

Colour mixed Beige

Density (CQP 006-5) 1.6 g/cm³ approx. 1.2 g/cm³ approx.

Density mixed (calculated) 1.5 g/cm³ approx.
Mixing ratio by weight 100 : 19
Application temperature 5 - 35°C (41 - 95°F)
Pot-life2 (CQP 536-3) 35 min. approx.
Curing time before transport (20°C / 68°F) 12 hours approx.
Shore D hardness2 (CQP 537-2) 80 D approx.
Shelf life (storage between 10°C and 30°C) 12 months 9 months
Pail 5 kg Can 1 kg
Packaging
Pail 25 kg Can 5 kg
1)
CQP = Corporate Quality Procedure 2)
23°C (73°F) / 50% r.h.

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2.2 Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7

Component A Component B
Properties Sika® Icosit® Sika® Icosit®
KC-340/7 KC-340/7
Isocyanate deriva-
Chemical base Polyols
tives

Colour (CQP1 001-1) black black

Colour mixed black

Density (CQP 006-5) 0.97 g/cm³ approx. 1.23 g/cm³ approx.

Density mixed (calculated) 1.0 g/cm³ approx.
Mixing ratio by weight 100 : 15
Application temperature 5 - 35°C (41 - 95°F)
Pot-life2 (CQP 536-3) 8 min. approx.
Tack-free time (20°C / 68°F) 2 hours approx.
Curing time before transport (20°C / 68°F) 12 hours approx.
Shore A hardness2 (CQP 023-1 / ISO 868) 75 A approx.
Shelf life
9 months
(storage between 10 and 25°C)
Packaging 3 Cartridge 2.6 kg Can 0.4 kg
1)
CQP = Corporate Quality Procedure 2)
23°C (73°F) / 50% r.h.
3)
Bigger package sizes available on request

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3. Product Storage and Working Place Conditions

Product containers have to be kept between 10°C and 25°C (50 - 75°F) in a dry place. Do not expose
to direct sunlight or frost. After opening of the packaging, the content must be protected against
humidity. Minimum temperature during transportation is 0°C (32°F) for max. 6 hours.

The working place should be as dust-free as possible. Ideal conditions are 23°C (73°F) and 50%
r.h. As these conditions are usually attainable only in laboratory, one should try to make the ap-
plication conditions as close as possible. SikaGlaze® GG-735 and Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7 may be
processed within 5 - 35°C (41 - 95°F). All substrates must be stored under the same conditions
(i.e. 5 - 35°C (41 - 95°F) at least 24 hours prior to the application of SikaGlaze® GG-735 and Sika®
Icosit® KC-340/7.

Due to higher viscosity at low temperatures, SikaGlaze® GG-735 and Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7 should
have a temperature of min. 15°C (60° F) during the application. Therefore both grout products should
be stored at least 24 hours prior to the application at a temperature of min. 15°C (60°F).

4. Surface Pre-treatment

4.1 Surface Pre-treatment Preventing Adhesion for Easy Repair Glazing

To ease glass removal in case of accidental breakage, the profile can be coated with a film of release
agent, such as Sika® Trennmittel-815 or Silicone Spray, before the grout is injected. This prevents
the grout from adhering to the profile, so that the glass is only restrained by the profile and can be
removed later on, for example with the aid of a crane.

4.2 Surface Pre-treatment, if Good Adhesion Required

If a good adhesion is requested (e.g. due to individual construction details or local regulations) the
surfaces must be clean, dry and free from oil, grease and dust. Do not contaminate pre-treated sur-
faces during any phase of production. If contamination occurs, surfaces have to be pre-treated again.

Advice on specific pre-treatment methods based on laboratory adhesion tests will be given on
request. Please note that, with the exception of clear float glass, Sika has to test the adhesion of
glass grout products on project basis on production-run samples of the original materials used in
the specific project. The use of the surface pre-treatment agents recommended in the laboratory
report is mandatory.

In the case of adhesion to glass and U-profile the stress in the construction caused by
thermal movement must be taken into consideration, based on the maximal temperature
range during the service life.

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5. Product Application

5.1 Construction Preparation

Cover the surrounding area to prevent soiling.

Before starting mixing the two components and any filling into the U-profile the masking process has
to be finalized. Immediately clean soiling, since cured material can only be removed mechanically.

Align the glass, for example by placing blocks underneath and wedges along the sides.

The blocks should have at maximum the Shore hardness of the fully cured grout product (SikaGlaze®
GG-735: 80 Shore D; Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7: 75 Shore A). If setting blocks and wedges are prepared
of the same material used as grout the fixing aids can stay in the construction after curing. This gives
a uniform stress distribution along the glass panel.

Picture 5: Glass fixing blocks in U-channel Picture 6: Example of preliminary glass fixation
with wedges (A) and clamps (B)

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5.2 Product Preparation and Application

5.2.1 SikaGlaze® GG-735

Both components of SikaGlaze® GG-735 are supplied in metal containers. For mixing A and B com-
ponent use a suitable separate container.

- Stir the base part thoroughly before use

- Weigh base and curing component in a mixing ratio of 100:19
- Add the hardener in the given ratio
- Stir constantly, including along the base and side of the container, until a homogeneous
mixture is obtained, approx. 3 min at 600 to 800 rpm, depending on temperature
(the lower the temperature, the longer the mixing time). A butterfly or basket mixer is
preferred but spiral mixer is also suitable.
- If possible, inject the grout on only one side of the glass and allow it to rise up on
the other side on its own. This avoids air inclusions. Stir carefully with a metal rod to
accelerate the levelling.

Picture 7: Mixing of SikaGlaze GG-735
®
Picture 8: Easy injection of SikaGlaze® GG-735
by using a sloped metal sheet

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5.2.2 Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7

Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7 base component is supplied in a 3-l cartridge, the corresponding amount of
curing agent in a metal can. Do not tip the cartridge, as otherwise the grout may flow out uncontrol-
lably. For mixing use the equipment offered by Sika or equivalent tools. If Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7 is
used out of bigger containers weigh base and curing component in a mixing ratio of 100:15 by weight.

Picture 9: Picture 10: Picture 11:
Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7 Spiral mixer Type 207 Cartridge stand Type 252
A component in 3-l cartridge
B component in small can

- Stir the A component separately until it has a smooth and homogenious consistency.
- Pour B component into the A-part cartridge
- Stir for 60 to 90 seconds, depending on temperature (the lower the temperature, the
longer the mixing time), at 600 to 800 rpm.
- Stir completely, including along the base and side of the cartridge
- Inject the mixed grout as shown in picture 12
- The content of the cartridge can also be pressed out manually for relatively small jobs.
However, in this case the nozzle opening must be sufficiently large.
- For large glazing areas, it is recommended to work in areas of approx. 1.5 m. For this
purpose, standard commercial PE backer rods can be pressed between the glass and
the profile to separate the individual sections.
- If possible, inject the grout on only one side of the glass and allow it to rise up on the
other side on own, this avoids air inclusions.

Good worksite preparation is essential due to the short open time of the product.
Faster application is possible by pouring the grout out off the wider opening of the
cartridge over a sloped metal sheet (picture 12).

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Picture 12: Pouring of Sika Icosit KC 340/7

The curing speed at various temperatures is given in picture 13.

Picture 13: Curing speed at various temperatures

5.2.3 Removal
Uncured SikaGlaze® GG-735 and Sika® Icosit® KC-340/7 may be removed from tools and equip­ment
with Sika® Remover-208. Once cured, the material can only be removed mechanically. Hands and
exposed skin should be cleaned immediately using Sika® Handclean towels or a suitable industrial
hand cleaner and water. Spilt grout can be immediately removed with a dry cloth or paper and then
with Sika® Handclean towels. Do not use solvents!

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5.2.4 UV protection for outdoor application

In order to protect the PU grout against UV radiation in outdoor applications a bead of
Sikasil® WS must be applied on top of the fully cured grout, earliest after 24 hours
(see picture 14).

Picture 14: Bead of Sikasil® WS for UV protection of PU grouts

6. Log Book Documentation

Perfect results require carrying out each processing step perfectly. Sika therefore recommends that
applicators follow the instructions of this guideline closely and install an appropriate documentation
system (log book).
Following data should be recorded:
- Date and time of application
- Ambient temperature, weather conditions
- Name of applicator
- Name, batch number and expiry date of grout products
- Name of release agent, if used
- Kind of substrate

7. Repair Glazing
- If the glass panel has been pretreated with a release agent prior to the injection of the
grout the panel can be lifted out by a crane equipped with suckers.
- Cut out a suitable amount of grout with a suitable tool, (vibration cutter or sharp knife).
Clean the void from dust and remains of grout.
- Re-adjust the new glass panel with new setting blocks and wedges.
- Inject the grout mixed as described under point 5. Respect described workplace
conditions and application temperatures.
- Only install weather sealants after the grout has cured completely. Use the sealant
originally recommended by Sika for this purpose.

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Notes

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Legal Notes
The information contained herein and any other advice are given
in good faith based on Sika‘s current knowledge and experience
of the products when properly stored, handled and applied under
normal conditions in accordance with Sika‘s recommendations.
The information only applies to the application(s) and product(s)
expressly referred to herein and is based on laboratory tests which
do not replace practical tests. In case of changes in the parameters
of the application, such as changes in substrates etc., or in case
of a different application, consult Sika‘s Technical Service prior to
using Sika products. The information contained herein does not
relieve the user of the products from testing them for the intended
application and purpose. All orders are accepted subject to our
current terms of sale and delivery. Users must always refer to the
most recent issue of the local Product Data Sheet for the product
concerned, copies of which will be supplied on request.

Sika Services AG
FFI Competence Centre
Tueffenwies 16
CH-8048 Zurich
Switzerland
Tel. +41 58 436 40 40
Fax +41 58 436 54 07
e-mail: ctd@ch.sika.com
www.sika.com/ses

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