Glass facades and aluminium builder specialism
From profile and membrane to finished facade
Where the classical glazier's work often deals with the individual pane, the aluminium builder's speciality takes you into another scale: entire facades, glass roofs and complex aluminium profile constructions that carry, seal and hold onto heat at the same time.
§What does a glass facade consist of?
A modern facade is an interaction of several layers each solving their own task. If you don't understand the interaction the facade will leak and lose heat in a few years.
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Aluminum profile | The structure bears loads and absorbs static forces and wind load |
| Glass list and packing | Holds the glass in place and absorbs movement |
| Joint and sealant strip | Ensures tightness against water and wind |
| Drain in the profile | Directs condensation and rainwater out in a controlled manner |
| Fitting | Make sliding openings, doors and automation functional |
§Aluminum Builder specialty's core subjects
- 01Aluminum and profile processing: measuring, cutting, and assembly of profile frames with inserted glass.
- 02Facade and roof structures in aluminum: planning, drawing, advice, manufacturing, and assembly.
- 03Setting out and levelling: being able to set heights and lines correctly on the building site.
- 04Welding: TIG welding (process 141) of edge and butt seams in plate is included as part of the training.
§Moisture, condensation and drainage
Aluminum conducts heat and cold effectively, and without foresight, profiles would become a thermal bridging nightmare. Therefore, modern profiles are built with an insulating intermediate section (thermal bridge break), and drainage is provided at the bottom of the profile so condensation and rainwater are directed away in a controlled manner instead of accumulating and infiltrating. For element facades, the choice of membrane and fastening method is critical to whether the facade remains tight throughout its lifespan.
§From drawing to finished facade
Work begins at the drawing board — today often digitally. You read building drawings, select a system from the supplier's system catalog, dimension the profiles and prepare cutting and parts lists before anything is cut in the workshop. Only then is the actual assembly on the construction site planned, where the order of elements is very important for whether the facade can be erected safely and accurately.
“A facade must both bear seal and look elegant — if one of the three fails the solution does not work in practice.”