Glass Veneer is a type of decorative facing material used on building walls, specifically regulated under the 1935-miami-dade-building-code. It consists of sections of glass applied to a backing using mastic cement and metal fastenings.
Specifications and Requirements
Dimensions and Area Limits
- Minimum Thickness: 11/32 inches (p. 232).
- Maximum Section Area:
- 10 square feet when not more than 15 feet above sidewalk level (p. 232).
- 6 square feet when more than 15 feet above sidewalk level (p. 232).
- Maximum Length: 48 inches for any section (p. 232).
Installation and Backing
- Backing: Must be placed against substantial, rigid, incombustible surfaces. Wood backing is forbidden even if fireproofed (p. 232).
- Bonding: Set using an approved mastic cement with a bond coat. At least 50% of the total area must be bonded to the backing (p. 232).
- Joints: Abutting edges must be ground square. Horizontal joints held to 1/16” thickness. Mitres are prohibited except for wide angles (p. 232-233).
Anchorage and Support
- Shelf Angles: Required at the top of bulkhead facing or max 36” above sidewalk. Angles must be at least 18 U.S. Gauge and 2” long, located in horizontal joints in every second course (p. 233).
- Fastenings: Required for veneer applied above second-story window sills. Fastenings must be at least 2” long and No. 18 U.S. Gauge, providing bearing support independent of the mastic cement (p. 233).
- Expansion Joints: Required at ends confined by non-resilient materials (min 1/4”) and at sidewalk interfaces (p. 233).
Height Restrictions
- Veneer on masonry or reinforced concrete walls generally shall not exceed 40 feet in height above foundations, unless specific anchoring conditions (e.g., slab terra cotta with metal ties) are met (p. 233).
- Glass veneer used for decorative purposes on walls facing public streets must comply with building-inspector approval for height, size, and anchorage (p. 233).
Related Concepts
- fire-resistive-construction-requirements: Glass veneer installation requires incombustible backing and specific fire-resistant anchoring.
- masonry-wall-construction: Often applied to masonry or reinforced concrete backings.
- 1935-Miami-Dade-Building-Code_p225_244: Contains the full regulatory text for veneered walls and glass veneer.