The Weakest Link Is Often Not The Glass But The Frame-To-Structure Interface

What Are The Most Common Mechanical And Environmental Causes Of Glass Breakage In Building Façades, Aside From Spontaneous Failure?

The most common is accidental breakage. A person may hit the window or door while losing balance or falling.

Any object, such as a chair, a ladder, or something being carried, can accidentally hit the glass. If the door is misaligned and too much force is used to open it, it can also lead to glass breakage.

Some other factors could cause glass to break if the wrong gasket is used, or if the edge of the glass has a chip during installation, creating a weak point prone to cracking. Strong wind pressure can also cause breakage if the glass is not selected correctly according to the glass analyser calculations.

How To Persuade Builders To Choose Certified Safety Glass Over Cheaper Look-Alikes?

Architects play a crucial role in explaining the distinction between safe and unsafe products.

The framework for how decisions are to be made is written in the NBC (National Building Code) and the latest glass standards. Testing methods are also specified according to the standards.

In India, many are not aware of the regulations that are in place. Only when disasters strike does one truly understand the importance of using the right glazing in the right place.

First, it is important to have the right customer who is willing to pay the price and not settle for anything cheap to save on cost.

Builders can be explained the long-term repercussions of using cheap glass. At Lingel, we encourage all our customers to come and experience the live breaking of glass (LPG – Lingel Panzer Glazing and LSB – Lingel Safe Box). This way, awareness is created, and cost does not become the main criterion.

We show them how a registered and certified product works and how it can give safety assurance, though glass, by nature, can break; no brand can give a guarantee.

Companies must follow the norms instructed by BIS to build confidence with builders.

Beyond The Glass, What Is The Most Frequent Structural Failure Point In Large Window Or Door Systems (Like Sliding Or Folding Solutions) Installed In Modern Indian Construction?

Your window is only as good as its hardware. The right hardware selection, based on weight, size, and design, remains one of the key factors. The place where the unit is installed also matters. In high-traffic public areas, where doors or windows are opened multiple times per hour, the selection of hardware, glass, and door profiles should be made accordingly.

In large sliding or folding systems, the weakest link is often not the glass but the frame-to-structure interface and drainage design.

Dust or water ingress can impede the smooth movement of the frames, while incorrect anchoring or poor masonry work may further compromise performance.

In regions with heavy rainfall, such as most parts of India, proper drainage slots are essential to prevent clogging and water accumulation. Also, thermal expansion during the summer can deform frames, putting stress on the glass and rollers. If one wants to ensure long-term durability, cheap hardware substitutes should always be avoided.

As The Head Of The UWDMA, What Key Steps Should The Association, Following Its MOU With GSI And BIS, Take To Ensure Nationwide Compliance With Safety Glazing Standards?

UWDMA-certified fabricator and expert forums highlight the equal importance of material, fabrication, and installation – showcasing, training, and acknowledging the right sources and selections.

To make safety glazing standards a nationwide reality, not just paperwork, we at UWDMA focus on the ground level as well:

• As there is a lack of awareness, UWDMA has launched workshops in various cities for fabricators, explaining the why and how of IS standards.
• UWDMA has tried to translate technical codes into simple, pictorial guides for real users at the site level and has explained them through workshops and training sessions.
• Certification plays a major role, too, and when backed by BIS, it makes compliance easy to follow. Organisations should ensure they buy glass from certified glass vendors.
• At UWDMA, we also ensure that candidates are properly trained.

Without the right skills in place, even the perfect product can fail. Therefore, from site supervisors to installers, everyone should have the correct knowledge to implement the product flawlessly on-site.