Here’s what you need to know about channel glass to get started on your next project.
Channel glass systems are available in configurations that have been tested to and certified to comply with a variety of relevant standards measuring structural, thermal, seismic, acoustic, water and safety performance.* These certified test reports are available upon request.
Since channel glass is often specified in unique applications, be sure to ask about additional specific testing relevant to the individual project.
*Key standards include: AAMA 501.4, AAMA 101, AAMA 1801-97, AAMA/NWWDA 101/1, S.297, ASTM F 588-97, NFRC 100-97, ANSI Z97.1-1984, CPSC 16CFR 1201, Category II (with safety film).
For design professionals interested in specifying channel glass in coastal regions, TGP offers a hurricane-rated system to protect building occupants from high winds and windborne debris when a storm strikes—large missile impact-resistant channel glass.
Large-Missile Impact-Resistant Channel Glass
Large-missile impact-resistant channel glass systems provide the highest level of hurricane protection available in North America. The advanced systems incorporate channel glass with a polycarbonate laminate bonded to its inside surface to meet Miami-Dade County and state of Florida requirements—the current hurricane-code benchmarks.**
Channel glass that meets these standards can be specified for either hurricane- or impact-rated applications. In both situations, the glass channels are approved for heights up to a maximum of 10 ft (3 m), and can be installed in vertical configurations only. No wind anchors are needed at this height.
Where desirable to create extended expanses of glazing, the framing and narrow glass channels can be stacked over floor slabs.
This system is tested for large resistance and cyclic loading, so can protect against high winds and windborne debris without supplemental protective devices like films or shutters.
**Miami-Dade County and Florida state’s requirements for the large-missile impact test (per Florida Building Code [FBC] testing application standard (TAS) 201-94; cyclic wind pressure loading per FBC TAS 203-94; and FBC TAS 202-94, which is specific to the air and water portions of the testing); small-missile impact test (ASTM 1996-06, Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Storm Shutters Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes); and cyclic loading (ASTM 1886-06, Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Storm Shutters Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials) at 100 percent of the design pressure (DP), as defined in ASTM 1996-06.
The use of channel glass systems in commercial building design can align with LEED standards and contribute credits toward certification.
These U-shaped, self-supporting cast glass channels diffuse natural light to provide glare-free illumination and maintain privacy. Dual-glazed channel glass systems can also accommodate Lumira® aerogel to bolster its resistance to thermal transfer.
Both benefits of this glazing assembly type fit with the overarching goals of LEED standards. But determining a channel glass system’s LEED credit contributions depends on the version of the rating system being used.
Since late 2013, LEED v4 was the most current edition of the LEED standards. In this version, channel glass can contribute towards:
While many in the architectural community are familiar with LEED v4 standards, they are in the process of being phased out. LEED v5 was published in early 2025. Projects will have until June 30, 2026 to submit their LEED v4 and v4.1 registration application. After that date, LEED v5 becomes the mandatory standard for new project registrations.
LEED v5 standards have shifted toward performance-based, carbon-conscious design. The standard now places heavier emphasis on three key areas of impact: decarbonization, quality of life and ecological conservation and restoration. Channel glass can be a key component in earning credits toward this green building certification. In particular, these systems can contribute points towards:
For example, a design team can work with Technical Glass Products (TGP) to assess how an exterior application of Pilkington Profilit™ with Lumira® aerogel can work in tandem with an energy-efficient HVAC system to reduce operational energy needs, contributing toward IPp2 and EAc3: Enhanced Energy Efficiency. Further, this channel glass system can reduce noise transfer from the outside to meet Option 4: Sound Environment within the Occupant Experience (EQc2) category. Finally, if this system uses a surface texture that is deemed bird-friendly, it can contribute to the SS category through the Biodiverse Habitat’s (SSc1) Option 2: Bird-Friendly Glass credit.
Channel glass represents only one glazing option that works towards certification to LEED standards. TGP has a wide range of architectural and fire-rated glazing solutions that can contribute to LEED certification.
Start the conversation about glazing options for sustainable design today.
