What is dry glazing?
Dry glazing is a method of securing glass in a frame without putty or wet sealant, using only pre-formed gaskets of rubber, EPDM, neoprene or silicone. The glass is clamped dry in the rebate and remains airtight and watertight without any wet seal.
How does dry glazing work?
In wet glazing, glass is fixed in the rebate with putty or sealant. In dry glazing, pre-formed gaskets do this job. The gaskets sit on both sides of the glass and form an elastic seal.
The glass rests on setting blocks and is pressed against the glazing bead by the gaskets. The elastic profiles keep the glass centred in the rebate and can absorb thermal movement without losing their seal.
Application
- Timber windows — particularly in modern joinery and renovation
- uPVC windows — almost always dry-glazed
- Aluminium windows — with EPDM profiles in a groove or clamping bead
- Steel windows — with thin sections and clamp-type seals
- Renovation — when replacing single glazing with double glazing in an existing frame
Points of attention
- Choose gaskets that match the glass thickness and the rebate dimensions
- Place setting blocks correctly so the glass does not bind in the frame
- Provide ventilation and drainage in the rebate
- Avoid mixing dry and wet glazing details in the same connection
- Check that the gaskets are UV-resistant and durable
Related terms
- Glazing
- Setting block
- Glazing bead
- Insulating glass
- Window rebate
Looking for more DIY plans? Check out fredsdiyplans.com.