INSTALLATION NOTES – CR LAURENCE AWS ALUMINUM WINDSCREEN SYSTEMS
We were recently contracted to install a CRL AWS Aluminum Windscreen System for a rooftop pool area in Brooklyn New York. The CR Laurence AWS System was selected by the project Architects and the engineering specifications were prepared by the project Engineers. The screen would consist of CRL 72″ high aluminum posts in matt black. The posts would be slipped over steel stanchions that would be set into core drilled holes in the footing. A gate would be supported by stainless steel posts.The CRL instructions call for the stanchions to be set in advance, the posts to be slipped over the stanchions and the glass to be slipped into the post channels from above.
This is not a practical method of installation. There is too much play between the stanchions and the post. Hoisting a 72″ x 48″ panel of 1/2″ tempered glass six foot into the air would be dangerous and impractical. Aligning the panels would also be difficult with so much play between the stanchion and post. The CRL Representative suggested using silicone. Right?
We opted to complete the installation using an alternative method detailed here.
STEP 1 – The steel stanchions were installed into the aluminum posts and secured in place using a Hilti construction adhesive/epoxy. We injected it at various levels through pre-drilled holes. A solid rubber stopper was installed at the bottom of each channel to support the glass (We will use solid aluminum bar in future installations).
We decided to use 2”x 2” stainless steel posts to support the gate. These were powder coated to match the aluminum posts. The first channel post was attached to the gate post.
STEP 2 – Holes were marked out and drilled using a 3” core drill. The Engineers had specified 6” embedment and non shrinking anchoring cement. We started the installation by installing the gate posts first. These were allowed to fully set before proceeding with the rest of the installation.
STEP 3 – The first panel of glass was inserted into the open channel and supported by US Glass Fence Adjustable Lifters. The second post was then positioned into its hole and snugged up to the glass using straps. The height was adjusted and the panel was plumbed to vertical using a US Glass Fence Stand and a digital level. Alignment was checked to a string line and the posts were champed to an 8’ level to ensure that the faces were oriented correctly. After a final check the cement was poured.
At this stage we moved to the other side of the gate while the cement was setting.
By installing using this method we ensured that the posts were perfectly aligned, plumb and level before moving on to the next post.
STEP 4 – After the cement had dried and fully cured we then installed the gate and caulked the small gap between the glass and the channel. We found that the easiest way to caulk was to tape either side of the gap; pump the silicone into the gap; spray with Windex; squeegee off the excess using a plastic caulking tool; remove the tape.
We were pleasantly surprised with this installation. It is perfectly aligned and very rigid.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact us at mail@usglassfence.com or call (888) 814-9346.
