Why is accounting for expansion gaps critical in glazing?

Accounting for expansion gaps is critical in glazing primarily to allow for thermal expansion. Glass is a material that expands and contracts with temperature changes. If an appropriate expansion gap is not included, the glass may become too tightly constrained within its frame, leading to excessive stress. This could potentially cause the glass to crack, break, or compromise the integrity of the installation.

By incorporating expansion gaps, the installation can accommodate the natural movement of the glass in response to temperature variations. This not only helps to maintain the structural integrity of the glazing but also enhances the longevity of the installation, ensuring that it performs reliably over time regardless of environmental conditions. Such attention to detail is essential in high-performance building envelopes where thermal fluctuations are common.