Spandrelite™ Glass

Spandrelite™ glass is shipped as annealed and must be heat-treated as part of final processing to fully cure the coating and to withstand thermal shock, impact and scratches that pose a threat to exterior glass. As a result, pre-coated stock sheets of Spandrelite™ glass can easily be kept in inventory by fabricators across the country for faster order fulfillment.

Spandrelite™ glass uses low VOC water-based ceramic coatings that are more environmentally responsible than solvent-based alternatives.

Vitro Architectural Glass provides abundant opportunities for architects and building owners to realize their sustainability objectives. For information about Vitro’s commitment to sustainability and responsible manufacturing, visit our Sustainability page.

Spandrel glass is used in the opaque, non-vision glass panels in building exteriors and interior walls to conceal architectural, mechanical or structural elements like floor slabs, vents, wiring and columns. They're often placed between transparent vision glass on curtain wall façades.

In addition to creating uniformity and visual continuity, spandrel glass hides the back-of-the-house infrastructure components to enhance façade aesthetics. The many benefits of spandrel glass include:

• Aesthetic Integration: Creates a sleek, uniformly glazed façade, enhancing visual continuity and modern appeal.
• Custom Design Options: Available in countless colors, textures, patterns and even graphics, designs are created with ceramic frit, digital printing or specialty coatings, including decorative control over opacity.
• Energy Efficiency & Insulation: As insulated glass units, spandrel glass can reduce heat transfer and improve thermal performance, supporting energy-conscious design.
• Durable & Low Maintenance: Delivers remarkable strength and resistance to environmental wear. Cleaning needs are reduced due to its non-transparent nature.
• Functional Coverage: Effectively hides unsightly building functions without compromising the overall façade unity. Spandrels are common for concealing building elements such as vents, wires, pipes, columns and floor slabs.

Spandrel glass designs should be fire resistant and heat strengthened for durability and longevity. Good acoustics, insulation and aesthetics are also recommended.

• Fire Resistance: Spandrel panels should meet local fire safety standards.
• Acoustic Performance: The panel's ability to reduce sound transmission is important for occupant comfort. Different material thicknesses and densities will factor into sound reduction values.
• Aesthetic Integration: The choice of material and finish should complement the building's design. A wide range of options allows for diverse architectural expressions. Color harmonization with spandrels is easier with darker and more reflective, tinted glass.
• Heat-Strengthened: All glass used in spandrel should be heat-strengthened to resist the thermal stresses associated with potential heat absorption and build-up.
• Insulation: If insulation is used with an insulating glass panel, the fabricator should ensure that the adhesive and insulation are designed for such use. Added insulation can trap solar energy inside the spandrel unit, allowing heat build-up and increasing the risk for thermal breakage or failure of the adhesive, insulation or other critical components.