UltraGlaze SSG4400
Silicone Structural Glazing Sealant

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

UltraGlaze SSG4400 is a black, two-component, high modulus, neutral cure silicone specifically engineered for in-shop structural glazing. It cures to form a high strength adhesive sealant.

PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS

• Outstanding adhesion to glass, reflective glass coatings, anodized aluminum and most paints.
• Long work life reducing waste and easing assembly.
• Primerless adhesion to many conventional substrates and finishes.
• Variable ratio allowing cure rate adjustment.
• Easy application at low pumping pressures (reduces pump wear).
• High application rate for better joint filling capability and tooling.
• No kit matching required.
• Compatible with GE silicone insulating glass sealants.
• Low odor.
• Low sag or slump.

BASIC USES

UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant is engineered for use in structural glazing applications such as factory glazing of curtainwall units and modules for unitized and panelized systems. SSG4400 sealant was developed to meet the increased demands of today’s curtainwall systems utilizing new and advanced engineered materials and designs.


LIMITATIONS

UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant should be used in structural glazing applications only after GE Silicones has reviewed shop drawings and performed adhesion and compatibility tests on project substrates and spacer materials.

Do not apply acid-curing silicone sealants to UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant, as this may cause loss of adhesion of UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone sealant to glass, and or other substrates used in the system.

Repairs to damaged units can be effected with either UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone sealant or UltraGlaze SSG4000 one-part silicone sealant. Consult GE Silicones for details and procedures.

Prior to production, a sample of A base and B curing agent should be taken from each lot of material to be used, weighed to the proper A to B ratio, hand mixed and checked for proper curing before placing the material in production. GE Silicones will provide complete testing details and procedures to fabricator.

PACKAGING

UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant is available in 55gallon/208.2 liter kits (50.1 gallons/189.3 liter—A base, 4.7 gallons/18.9 liter—B curing agent) in a straight sided drum and pails with polyethylene bag liners.


COLOR

UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant is available in black only.

TYPICAL PROPERTIES

APPLICABLE STANDARDS

UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant meets or exceeds the requirement of the following specifications:

    • Fed. Spec. TT-S-00227, Type II, Class B
    • ASTM C920, Type M, NS, Class 12.5


TECHNICAL DATA

UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant exhibits typical silicone sealant resistance to the elements encountered in structural glazing applications. These elements include resistance to ultra-violet rays, ozone, high and low temperatures.

UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant is compatible with many types of coated glass, metal finishes, glazing gaskets, setting blocks and spacers. It is, however, the policy of GE Silicones to test each substrate and component used in a structural glazing assembly for adhesion and compatibility on a project by project basis. No blanket approvals will be issued relative to adhesion and compatibility of UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant with such materials.


JOINT DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS

The ultimate responsibility for the determination of the structural sealant joint dimension based on design wind loads, glass size, and anticipated thermal, seismic, and other movement rests with the design professional. See Figure 1. Shop drawings, design wind load and glass size information must be supplied by the GE Silicones sufficiently in advance of job start up, so joint dimensions can be reviewed by GE Silicones prior to actual sealant installation.

The following paragraphs outline the suggested procedure which should be followed to receive suggestions from GE Silicones as to the use of UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant.


To be provided by GE Silicones:

•    Architectural and shop drawings for review and comment.
•    Design wind load requirement.
•    Glass sizes.
•    Production samples of the actual metal, glass, gaskets, spacers and setting blocks to be used with type and manufacturer identified.

GE Silicones will:

•    Review and comment on architectural and shop drawings.
•    Confirm joint dimensions as meeting design criteria. See Figure 2.
•    Provide short term adhesion data in accordance with a modified ASTM C794 test method.
•    Perform compatible 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 or metal framing system.

A minimum joint thickness of 1/4” (6.5mm) should be used in order to make certain the sealant can be
injected in the cavity insuring full contact with the glass and metal surfaces while remaining free of air voids. Greater joint thickness may be required if the anticipated shear movement exceeds sealant shear movement capability of 12.5% of the joint thickness. Sealant contact width will vary with the design wind load and glass size.

SURFACE PREPARATION

The sealant recommended by GE Silicones will maintain long-term adhesion to the substrate only if the surface is prepared and cleaned properly before sealant is applied. Using proper materials as well as following prescribed surface preparation and cleaning procedures is vital for sealant adhesion.


MATERIALS

•    Clean, fresh solvent as recommended by GE Silicones.
•    Clean, white cloths or other approved wiping materials free of lint and contaminant’s.
•    Clean, narrow-blade putty knife.
•    Adhesion promoter when required.

SURFACE PREPARATION PROCEDURES AND CLEANING

Remove all loose material (such as dirt and dust) plus any oil, frost and 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 substrates 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 second cloth negates the entire cleaning procedure because the contaminant’s are redeposited as the solvent dries.
• Do not spread the contaminants being removed by the solvent over the face of the being cleaned. Any residue left may discolor or stain the face of the panels(such as metal or glass curtainwalls).
• When cleaning deep, narrow joints, wrap 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 lone hour. If cleaned areas are again exposed to rain or contaminant’s, the surface must be cleaned again.
• Change to clean rags frequently, as they become soiled. It’s easy to see the soiling when 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 pour or pump the solvent from the container on to the wipe cloth. 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.


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.

Primers, when properly used, help assure strong and consistent sealant adhesion to surfaces to which it 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 promoters as recommended by GE Silicones.
   
PROCEDURES

• Mask joint edges if necessary to prevent them from being applied over the face of adjacent surfaces.
• Apply a thin film of primer to the joint surface with either a natural bristle brush or 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 time should be short (approximately 15-30 minutes).

CAUTION

Primers contain solvents. Smoking, sparks, welding and flames of any type must not be permitted in the areas or 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.


Structural Silicone Sealant Application: The sealant should be applied carefully and according to the written instructions on the container.

• Apply sealant by pushing the bead ahead of the nozzle and making sure that the entire cavity is filled.
  AIR POCKETS OR VOIDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
• Tooling should be done nearly, 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 soap or detergent solutions.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant should be mixed and dispensed using two-component mixing equipment which is readily available from several equipment manufacturers. This equipment is specifically designed to meter proper proportions of A base and B curing agent, in an airfree environment and dispensed at the proper pressures and volumes to insure air-free mixed material. Hand mixing is not recommended.

Consult GE Silicones regarding suggested pumping equipment startup and shutdown procedures which cover proper operating pressures, mixing devices and purging requirements.


Kit-matching of the A and B components of UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant is not required.  The B curing agent component is moisture-sensitive and should not be exposed to the atmosphere for extended periods of time. The curing agent may require minimal hand mixing before placing container in pumping equipment.

Work life and cure rate may be adjusted by changing the A base to B curing agent ratios. UltraGlaze SSG4400 silicone structural glazing sealant may be used with A to B ratios from 12.5:1 to 11:1 by weight (8.9:1 to 7.9:1 by volume). Temperature will affect cure time and work life. High temperatures will speed up curing process, whereas low temperatures will retard curing.


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