---
catalog: WEB-I3
catalog_name: Insulating Glass Fabrication Supplies
page: 24
sku_count: 0
generated_at: "2026-05-21T23:30:08Z"
---

# Insulating Glass Fabrication Supplies -- Page 24

## Page Content

FHC INSULATING GLASS FABRICATION, SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
SECTION 3
THE GLAZING SUPPLY COMPANY
E X P E R I E N C E  A N D  I N N O V A T I O N
IG22
Bulk Quantities Available
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Insulating Glass
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Enter the Item Number or scan QR code with  
your smartphone for complete product details
FHC IG Terms and Definitions 
Accelerator
A chemical that is added to a polymer 
to affect a cure.
Adhesion 
A substance introduced into a polymer  
to initiate the curing process.
Adhesion Buildup
This process occurs within the first five 
to seven days after producing two-part 
and silicone sealant units. While the 
sealant may appear to have cured within 
three hours, it does not reach maximum 
adhesion at this stage. However, after the 
initial curing, the adhesion is sufficient 
to move the unit for further fabrication 
or packaging for shipment. If thorough 
testing is required, a full seven days 
are necessary for the sealant to reach 
its optimal performance and maximum 
adhesion levels. Furthermore, freshly 
mixed sealant adheres better to the 
surface compared to material that has 
exceeded its application life. To achieve 
the best results, ensure that properly 
mixed sealant is applied to clean, dry glass 
and spacers that are free of oil residues.
Adhesive
A material that can bond two separate 
surfaces together through adhesion, often 
used in the sealing or binding process.
Adhesive Failure
The type of failure characterized by the 
adhesive or sealant pulling loose from 
the substrate.
Adsorbent
A substance with the ability or inclination 
to adsorb moisture. It is also commonly 
known as a desiccant.
Adsorption
The attachment of gas or liquid atoms 
or molecules to the surface of another 
substance, which is referred to as 
the adsorbent.
Back Fill
This process is known as “back bedding,” 
which involves placing a material into 
the gap or space between the glass and 
glazing stops.
Bead
A continuous strip of caulking or glazing 
material is often referred to as a “bead”.
Bedding
Setting a glass or insulating glass panel 
into a sealing compound.
Blend
A physical combination of Silica Gel and 
4-A Molecular Sieve, typically assumed
to be a 50-50 mixture by weight for the
purposes of this manual.
Bond
The connection or bonding that occurs at 
the boundary between two substrates is 
commonly referred to as “adhesion”.
Breather Tube
A narrow tube with a diameter of .030 
inches (.76 mm), inserted into the spacer 
through the perimeter wall. Its purpose 
is to balance the air pressure within the 
unit during shipping when traveling at 
varying elevations, particularly at altitudes 
exceeding 5,000 feet. Please note 
that breather tubes should be crimped 
and sealed upon reaching their final 
destination.
British Thermal Unit (BTU) 
Measures the amount of heat that passes 
through glazing materials, such as window 
glass. It is used to indicate how much 
heat is gained or lost through the glass.
This measure

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