Thermalbond® Spacer Tapes Elevate Structural Glazing
When it comes to the architectural design of modern buildings, every detail matters, from sleek aesthetics, and structural integrity to energy efficiency. With unmatched bonding strength, aesthetic versatility, ease of installation and weather resilience, spacer tapes can be an indispensable solution for creating iconic, sustainable building structures that can withstand the test of time.
In structural glazing, glass panels are utilized as the primary exterior of the building. Within structural glazing applications, spacer tapes are a compelling alternative to traditional structural glazing methods. More conventional methods use mechanical fasteners which can puncture the glass surface and result in challenges such as leakage.
Thermalbond® Spacer Tapes elevate the art and science of structural glazing by forming a strong bond between glass panels and substrates such as composite materials, metal or aluminum. They have robust bonding capability that not only ensures structural building integrity but helps protect against wind, thermal stress or environmental conditions.
Thermalbond was first introduced to the market in 1979 as a two-sided spacer tape. These tapes ensure consistent spacing between the glazing panel and structure of the building. A Thermalbond Spacer Tape is an open-cell polyurethane foam tape with pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive. It is available in both double-coated and single-coated options. With compatibility to all major brand structural silicone sealants and features such as excellent load-bearing ability in both compression as well as shear, Thermalbond is widely successful in securing glass façade construction.
Some of the world’s most awe-inspiring and iconic skyscrapers such as the Freedom Tower in NY, NATO headquarters in Brussels or the Borg al Arab in Dubai feature these spacer tapes in their curtain wall applications.
Compared to competitive materials like closed-cell PVC foam spacer tapes, the open-cell polyurethane foam core of Thermalbond provides better long-term resistance to environmental influences and loading, enabling longevity for the structural silicone glazed systems.
But why is this?
To understand this, we look at the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), also known as moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR). WVTR measures how permeable moisture vapor is through foam materials. The minimum desired moisture vapor transmission rate to allow silicone to cure is 1 g/hr•m2. When tested for WVTR, Thermalbond products provide double the minimum desired MVTR than closed-cell spacer tapes while closed-cell spacer tapes fall short of the minimum desired WVTR. This means that closed-cell foams prevent the necessary amount of moisture needed for quick and proper curing from reaching the silicone, resulting in the prevention of full curing and potential movement of glass after installation or even before.
These spacer tapes are the industry standard. Both V2100 and V2200 are available in black or grey color options. The grey version of these tapes has a light grey foam core with UV-durable grey-pigmented adhesive.
These spacer tapes are comprised of high-strength polyurethane foam. They have low thermal conductivity that reduces the transfer of heat, provides superior resistance to oxidation, environmental factors and inhibits condensation. They are available in various thicknesses (1/8” to 1/2” or 3.2 mm to 12.7 mm) and custom widths to ensure suitability for any application.
V2100 is specially designed for glazing in field applications and it is suitable for two-sided and four-sided systems. This product is often a go-to in applications that utilize heavier units of glass because of its superior load bearing ability in compression and shear.
V2200 has reduced static load bearing capability and is designed for shop fabrication only.
Thermalbond Xpress, as the name might suggest, allows for greater flexibility and faster design changes. While it features the same foam core chemistries as V2100 and V2200 products, the difference is that Thermalbond Xpress has adhesive present on only one single side. This adhesive creates an aggressive on-contact bond and there is no additional need for aluminum channel raceways, which are often seen in glazing systems that utilize silicone compatible rubber pre-formed gasket materials.
With Thermalbond Xpress, there is no additional need for liner, which helps make installation simpler and faster. The absence of liner is also beneficial in reducing the extra waste that comes from discarding liner, often the case with other products.
Xpress has low friction coating which also helps to eliminate air pockets and provide a consistent visual appearance behind the face of the glass.
Thermalbond Tapes are key components in hundreds of silicone structural glazing applications around the world. The reliable performance, secure fixation and ability to withstand a wide variety of environmental conditions is why Thermalbond continues to be the product of choice for architects and façade specifiers looking to bring their dreams and designs to life.
Connect with our team to determine which product is right for your specific application needs.