UltraGlaze^® SSG4000
Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant is a one-component, high-strength neutral cure sealant specially designed and tested for structurally glazed curtain wall applications.

Performance characteristics include the following:

• High-strength structural sealant with primerless adhesion to many building substrates. Specific substrate testing required on all structurally glazed projects.
• Compatible with GE Silicones insulating glass sealants
• Low odor
• Long tooling time
• Non-corrosive cure by-product

BASIC USES

UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant is designed for use in structural glazing applications such as in-shop or field glazing of curtain wall modules where glass lights are attached to the metal framing system with the structural sealant. This material can also be used as the weatherseal in glass-to-glass butt joints.

LIMITATIONS

Structural glazing applications require that GE Silicones give written approval of the use of UltraGlaze SSG4000 sealant for each building project. Drawing review and substrate testing, as outlined in the most recently published Silicone Structural Glazing Guide, must be completed prior to sealant use on a project. Review and testing is done on a job-to-job basis. No blanket approval is given by GE Silicones for structural glazing applications. Use only approved back-up materials, spacer blocks to ensure sealant compatibility and function.

PACKAGING

UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant is available in 10.1 fl. oz. (304 mL) plastic caulking cartridges packaged in cartons of 24 units, 2 and 5 gallon plastic pails (7.57 L and 18.92 L) and 55 gallon drums (42 gals./158.9 L).

COLOR

UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant is available in black only.

APPLICABLE STANDARDS

UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant meets or exceeds the requirements of the following specifications for one-part sealants. U.S. Federal Specifications:

• TT-S-001543A (COM-NBS)
• TT-S-00230C (COM-NBS)
• ASTM C 920

TYPICAL PROPERTIES

SPECIFICATIONS

Typical product data values should not be sued as specifications. Assistance and specifications are available by contacting GE Silicones at 800-255-8886.

TECHNICAL DATA

UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant exhibits excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation, ozone, high and low temperatures and water vapor. It is compatible with many types of coated glass, metal finishes, glazing gaskets, setting blocks and spacer. GE Silicones policy is to test on a project-by-project basis each substrate and component used in a structural glazing assembly for adhesion and compatibility to assure optimum performance. No blanket approvals will be issued relative to adhesion or compatibility of UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant with such materials.

TECHNICAL SERVICES

Additional technical information and literature are available from GE Silicones. Laboratory facilities Additional technical information and literature are available from GE Silicones. Laboratory facilities and application engineering are available upon request from GE Silicones.Any technical advice furnished by GE Silicones, or any representative of GE Silicones, concerning any use or application of any sealant is believed to be reliable but GE Silicones makes no warranty, express or implied, of any use or application for which advice is furnished.

JOINT DESIGNS AND DIMENSIONS

The design professional has the total responsibility for the determination of the structural sealant joint dimension based on design wind loads, glass sizes and anticipated thermal movement. Joint dimensions should be reviewed by GE Silicones prior to actual sealant installation. Shop drawings design wind load and glass size information must be by the fabricator/glazing contractor.

The following outlines the suggested procedure which should be followed to receive suggestions from GE Silicones as to the use of UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant.

To be provided to GE Silicones:

Architectural and shop drawings for review and comment

• Design wind load requirement
• Glass sizes
• Production samples of metal, glass, gaskets, spacers and setting blocks with generic type and manufacturer identified

GE Silicones will:

• Review and comment on architectural and shop drawings
• Confirm joint dimensions as meeting design criteria
• Provide short term adhesion data in accordance with a modified ASTM 794 test method
• Perform compatibility test results on gaskets, spacers and setting blocks
• Suggest primers when required GE Silicones will not:
• Design sealant joint regarding wind loading or thermal movement

Provide comments on structural integrity of metal framing system

• Provide long term performance data. A minimum joint thickness of 1/4” (7 mm) should be used in order to make certain sealant can be injected in the cavity, insuring full contact with the glass and metal surface while remaining free of air voids. Greater joint thickness may be required to accommodate movement. Contact GE Silicones to determine joint thickness required to accommodate movement in structurally glazed applications. Sealant contact width will vary with the design wind load and glass size. See Figure 1.

• Clean, fresh solvent as recommended by the structural silicone sealant manufacturer
• Clean, white cloths free of lint or approved wiping materials
• Clean, narrow-blade putty knife
• Adhesion promoter when required

SURFACE PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES/CLEANING

Remove all loose material (such as dirt and dust), plus any oil, frost or other contaminants from the substrates where structural silicone sealant adhesion is required. Clean the substrates receiving the sealant as follows:

• Do not use detergent to clean the substrate as residue may be left on the surface
• Using a two-rag wipe technique:
  - Wet one rag with solvent and wipe the entire surface area with it, then
  - Use the second rag to wipe the wet solvent from the surface BEFORE it evaporates. Allowing solvent to dry on the surface without wiping with a second cloth negates the entire cleaning procedure because the contaminants are redeposited as the solvent dries.
• Do not spread the contaminants being removed by the solvent over the face of the area being cleaned. Any residue left may discolor or stain the face of the panels (such as metal or glass curtain walls).
• When cleaning deep, narrow joints, wrap the cleaning cloth around a clean, narrow-blade putty knife. This permits force to be applied to the surface to be cleaned.
• Clean only as much area as can be sealed in one hour. If cleaned areas are again exposed to rain or contaminants, the surface must be cleaned again.
• Change to clean rags frequently, as they become soiled. It is easy to see the soiling if white rags are used.
  

ON USING SOLVENTS

Do not dip used wipe cloths into solvent. This only contaminates the solvent. Cleaning with contaminated solvent can result in sealant adhesion problems. Always use clean containers for solvent use and for solvent storage.

CAUTION

Smoking, sparks, welding and flames of any type must not be permitted in the areas or the vicinity where solvents are being used.

Follow all precautions on the solvent warning label.

PRIMERS

Both the nature of the substrate and the nature of the silicone sealant will determine whether and what type of primer may be required in a particular application.

When properly used, primers help assure strong and consistent sealant adhesion to surfaces that may be difficult to bond.

Most primers are a blend of organic and inorganic chemicals, resins and solvents. NEVER APPLY PRIMER TO GLASS SURFACES. Obtaining the proper materials, as well as following the prescribed procedures, is vital to ensure the successful use of primers.

PRIMERS ARE NOT TO BE SUBSTITUTED FOR GOOD SURFACE PREPARATION.

MATERIALS

• Pressure-sensitive masking tape if required
• Drop cloths
• Clean, fresh adhesion promoter as recommended by the structural silicone sealant manufacturer
  

PROCEDURES

Here are easy steps to follow when using an adhesion promoter:

• Mask joint edges if necessary to prevent them from being applied to over the face of adjacent surfaces.
• Apply a thin film of primer to the joint surface with either a natural bristle brush or a clean, lint-free cloth or other approved wiping materials. Do not puddle primer in glazing pockets.
• Allow the primer to dry before applying the sealant. Drying time depends on ambient conditions, but most primers contain fast-evaporating solvents so that waiting should be short (approximately 30 minutes).

CAUTION

Primers contain solvents. Smoking, sparks, welding and flames of any type must not be permitted in the areas of the vicinity where solvents are being used.

MASKING

• Before applying the structural silicone sealant, use pressure-sensitive tape to mask the exterior face of the joint where necessary. Start from the top down and overlap the runs.
  Use drop cloths to cover any horizontal surfaces likely to receive any excess sealant removed during tooling operations.

The sealant should be applied carefully and according to the written instruction on the container.

• Apply the sealant by pushing the bead ahead of the nozzle and making sure that the entire cavity is filled. AIR POCKETS OR VOIDS ALONG THE EDGES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
• Tooling should be done neatly, forcing the sealant into contact with the sides of the joint, thus helping to eliminate any internal voids and assuring good substrate contact.
• Do not tool with water, soap or detergent solutions.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant can be dispensed directly from 10.1 fl. oz. (304 mL) cartridges or by use of a bulk caulking gun used in conjunction with a follower plate and 2 or 5 gallon pails (7.57 L and 18.92 L). The sealant may also be dispensed from 55 gallon drums (42 gals./158.9 L) with pumping equipment. Consult GE Silicones regarding suggested pumping equipment and pumping procedures.

PRECAUTIONS

Material Safety Data Sheets are available upon request from GE Silicones. Similar information for solvents and other chemicals used with GE products may be obtained from your suppliers.

When solvents are used, proper safety precautions must be observed. All solvents must be used only in well ventilated areas. Exposure to high vapor concentrations must be avoided. When flammable solvents are used, storage, mixing, and use must be in areas away from heat, sparks, flame or other sources or ignition.

STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant should be stored in sealed containers at temperatures at or below 80°F (27°C). Refer to the “Use Before Date” on the packaging carton. In cases where the shelf life has been exceeded, the local GE Silicones representative should be contacted for further information, prior to the intended use of this material.

MAINTENANCE

No maintenance is needed. If silicone sealant becomes damaged, replace damaged portion. Clean surfaces in damaged area and repair with fresh silicone sealant.

AVAILABILITY AND COST

Availability: UltraGlaze SSG4000 Silicone Sealant is available in the the United States and Canada through distributors.

Cost: Contact a local distributor or nearest GE Technical Center.

GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENT

Prior to considering use of a GE Silicones' product in fulfilling any government requirement, please contact the Government and Trade Compliance office at 413-448-4624.

FILING SYSTEMS

• Electronic SPEC-DATA®
• SPEC-DATA®II
• Sweet’s Architectural File 07920/GEN
• GE Silicones Technical Centers

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