From insulating glass to seals

Durable glazing systems

Sustainability and energy conservation are hot topics in (residential) construction. One of the ways to achieve better energy performance is to use high-quality insulating glass. An average home has about 20 square meters of glazing in the facade. This translates into about 80 linear meters of seals, which must also be applied correctly. For example, to maintain the indoor climate, guarantee good water tightness and prevent energy loss through air leaks. Bostik has a complete range of Zwaluw® products that provide excellent solutions to these problems. The products bring durability, energy efficiency and processability to the highest level and are developed exactly according to the Dutch glazing guidelines.

Bostik's product range includes a total of four Zwaluw® glazing sealants.

For the design and construction of glazing systems, the NEN 3576 standard and NPR 3577 standard are applicable, covering: 

-  glazing of buildings;

-  new and existing window frames;

- windows and doors made of wood, plastic or metal (aluminum, steel);

- vertically positioned, imposed on four sides, all around rebated windows;

- With an area not exceeding 5 m² per window;

- and a maximum thrust pressure of 1.6 kN/m².

NPR 3577 lists two sealing systems for glazing: 

- System K (sealing with elastic sealant, or wet glazing);

-  |System P (sealing with rubber profiles, also called dry glazing).

For system K, NPR 3577 states that elastic glazing sealants that meet the certification for glazing according to CE EN 15651-2 should be used as glazing sealants: G-CC with a motion capture and class of 20LM, 20HM, 25LM or 25HM. Here LM stands for Low Modulus (softer sealant) and HM for High Modulus (harder sealant). On Bostik's glazing products, this certification is listed on the tube and on the technical data sheet. "In addition, it is prescribed that a 4 mm sealant joint must be used twice, so that one mm of play is created on both sides of the window," knows Rick Bouhuizen, Bostik account manager. "Again, Bostik glazing sealants can provide an excellent solution for this."

Helpful selection guide

A variety of elastic glazing sealants are available for sealing glazing. "The choice depends on several factors, such as the requirement for paintability, the type of glass, the size of the joint and the skills of the processor," says Bouhuizen. To make the choice easier, Bostik has set up a product selector with the most important product characteristics. This overview shows at a glance which type of sealant is most suitable for which application.

Durable and elastic glazing sealants

Bostik's range includes a total of four Zwaluw® glazing sealants. First up, Bouhuizen mentions the Zwaluw Hybriseal® 2PS (Two Paint System); a durable and highly elastic glazing sealant for architectural and sanitary applications to which both water-based and synthetic paints adhere excellently. "Zwaluw Hybriseal 2PS guarantees a stretch/movement area of 25%, which means that a sealant joint of 4 mm can handle a pressure of 1 mm inward and outward. This prevents cracking or breaking of the window. For example, if a striker is set off in the street at the turn of the year. Thanks to an ISEGA certification, Zwaluw Hybriseal 2PS is also the excellent choice for environments where contact with food is possible." 

New to Bostik's assortment is the Zwaluw Window Seal® Easy, which is distinguished by easy application. "Like the Zwaluw Hybriseal 2PS, the Zwaluw Window Seal Easy is excellent for water-based and acrylic paints," Bouhuizen said. "Also, both sealants have excellent UV resistance. Because the elasticity of the Zwaluw Window Seal Easy with 20% is slightly lower, it is easier to apply and smooth."

Also available in anthracite gray

The Zwaluw Hybriseal 2PS and Zwaluw Window Seal Easy are available in white, cream white, brown, gray and black. Popular, moreover, is the sealant in anthracite gray (RAL 7016), with which both window frames and grilles can be finished very nicely. "We also offer nice solutions for pivoting glazing, where the sealant joint is often executed a bit thinner."

Silicone sealant for modular/prefab construction

With the Zwaluw Window Seal® Plus, Bostik supplies a silicone sealant that is eagerly sought after in modular/prefab construction. "The silicone sealant is easy to apply and smooth, after which the sealant remains permanently elastic. The skin that forms on the sealant also prevents construction dust or dirt from adhering to the sealant. This keeps the joint nice and clean. Even during transport and installation." 

Durable alternative to putty

Finally, the Zwaluw Monustop® was developed specifically for the monument industry where people often want an alternative to putty, but with the familiar look and feel. "The Zwaluw Monustop meets this requirement and is suitable for all types of glass. The sealant has excellent workability in summer and winter and cures quickly, after which it is excellent for painting over with a water-based or synthetic paint."

On request, the glazing sealants are supplied with 4 mm glazing tape and various finishing timbers, which can be used to make a good sloping and draining sealant joint. Also sustainable are the glazing packers made of recycled plastic. The transition to sealant tubes made of recycled plastic (PCR) will be phased over the next year.

Team of experts by experience

In addition to an extensive range of products, glaziers, carpenters and modular/prefab builders are assured of good advice from a team of experience experts at Bostik. Rick Bouhuizen, for example, has extensive experience in the world of glazing sealants, with which he can provide sound advice to the market. Craftsmen are also welcome to attend practical training at the Bostik Academy.