Glass (Glazing) Seals: Installation and Protection of the Glass Unit
The correct fixing and protection of the glass unit within the profile directly depend on glazing seals. These seals act as both a mechanical cushion and a sealing layer between the glass and the aluminum or PVC profile. As NUR KAUÇUK MMC, we manufacture precisely dimensioned glass seals for window, showcase and facade systems.
What is a glazing seal and why is it important
The glass unit is a heavy and fragile element. During its direct contact with a metal or plastic profile, vibration, thermal expansion or impact can cause the glass to crack. The glass seal softens this contact, distributes the load evenly, and at the same time prevents water and air from entering the profile.
Main functions
- Mechanical support — centers the glass within the profile and protects it from vibration.
- Sealing — prevents the passage of rainwater and air.
- Thermal compensation — regulates the different expansion coefficients of the materials.
- Acoustic cushioning — reduces the transmission of external noise.
Types of glazing seals
Different profile shapes are used depending on the application:
- Compression (wedge) seal — wedged between the glass and the bead, holding the glass firmly.
- U-profile glazing — wraps around the edge of the glass, fully enclosing it.
- Dry sealing seal — provides clean and fast installation without silicone.
As a material, EPDM is mainly chosen, because it is resistant to weather conditions and retains its elasticity for a long time. In projects with high-temperature or fire requirements, silicone predominates — on this topic, see our article silicone rubber applications.
The principle of installation
After the glass unit is placed in the profile, the glazing seal is pressed evenly toward the corners and seated. The seal must not shorten under tension or be cut at the corners. A correctly sized seal keeps the glass stable both in room conditions around 20 °C and in the heat. A low-quality seal shrinks over time, leading to the sliding of the glass and leakage.
Durability and care
A quality EPDM glazing seal retains its function for decades. You can read about our approach to production and quality control on our quality page.
Glazing seals are a component of window and facade systems — for related topics, see the articles window seals and energy saving and choosing facade seals.
To choose a glazing seal suitable for your glass system, review our products and contact us for technical advice.