Solarium and Sunroom Builder and Do-it-Yourself Kits by Hi-Tech

The Glazing System

Essentially, all fixed and operable glass in your home is referred to as "Glazing". This includes the glass in windows, sliding doors, French doors, skylights, as well as the glass in your solarium. The methods (both cosmetic and structural) used to secure glazing in place, are called "Glazing Systems".
Two of the most important decisions you will make when adding a solarium
(or sunroom) to your home, will be selecting the 'Glass' and choosing the "Glazing System". It is extremely important to the longevity of the room, that the glass and glazing system compliment each other. The glazing system is an important component, because it not only anchors the glazing to the structure, but usually provides the only protection against weather (water, air, dirt) penetration at this critical point. Additionally, some glazing units can suffer irreparable damage if installed incorrectly, exposing the edge seals continuously to UV radiation and water.
The two most common types of "Glazing Systems" found in Solarium (or Sunroom) construction fall into two general categories: [1] "Weep" (or "Wet") Systems and [2] "Dry" Systems. The primary difference between the two , is that the "Weep" System assumes that a certain amount of water will get past the outer seal and provide a method for that water to flow back outside the structure. In contrast, the Dry System uses extra precaution to prevent water from getting past its outer seal. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, depending on their applications. The main thing to remember is to choose a System that is compatible with your selected Glazing.

SUMMARY: Types of Glazing Systems

Glazing Systems can be separated into two main categories:

Dry Glazing and Weep Glazing

The type of Glazing System you choose is directly related
to the type of glass that will be used in your new Solarium (or Sunroom).

Dry Systems

Weep Systems

In recent years, The Weep System has gained favor with many installers in the construction industry. The primary advantage of the Weep System lies in it's ease of installation. Because water-tightness is provided by a "pressure fit" (between gaskets on the outer surfaces of the support tube and inner surfaces of a "pressure cap"), large areas of glazing can be installed very quickly. Another advantage of the Weep System, is that when water gets past the outer seal (or if excess condensation builds up), built-in weep channels catch it and direct the flow back out to the exterior of the structure.

Weep System

The Weep System is also very versatile in that it can be used as a "Skin System", which means that the weep channel extrusion can be anchored to a variety of structural materials (such as different varieties of wood products, metals, etc.) allowing a high degree of customization for the interior look of your room.
There are ,however, a few drawbacks to the Weep System. Most of them stem from problems that arise when water gets past the exterior seal. Ideally, this water is channeled down the roof slope and out drains at the eaves and sills. Unfortunately, many things can occur along the way. If the roof has a low slope (as they often do in solariums), if there are horizontal barriers (such as muntin bars), or if there is a slight imperfection in the interior gasket, water will back up and leak into the room Skin System

Still other problems arise from water penetrating the exterior seal: the relative humidity in the cavity between the base & out caps remains at nearly 100% for days, or even weeks after a period of rain. This sustained moisture, can damage the edge seal of many glazing units. A failed seal is the cause of "fogging" (condensation forming between the panes of glass). Other potential problems to look for are excessive clamping pressure, which breaks the factory seals of the glass panels, adequate edge coverage and bearing surface at the edge seal. Also, make certain to verify any claims of a system being "fully thermally broken".