ASTM C1487-19

Standard Guide for Remedying Structural Silicone Glazing

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Guidelines are provided for remedying existing SSG installations. Refer to Guide C1401 for a complete discussion of proper SSG design, installation, and materials.  
4.2 Due to the unlimited range of materials that may be used in a particular building, and because each design is unique, the information contained in this guide is general in nature.  
4.3 This guide should not be the only reference consulted when designing remedies for SSG. For example, the local building code and the manufacturers' product literature for the actual materials used, if known, also should be considered. The sealant manufacturer(s) should be involved fully with the remedial design.  
4.4 This guide is intended to be a resource, but it is not a substitute for experience and judgement in designing remedies for the specialized types of construction discussed. It is intended to be used in conjunction with other resources as an aid in remedying problems with existing SSG.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides recommendations for remedying existing structural sealant glazing (hereinafter called SSG) installations in situ. Remedial work may be necessary when a lite of glass is replaced, for routine maintenance, or after distress is discovered. This guide focuses on large-scale remedies, not isolated repairs or maintenance.  
1.2 Committee C24 is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Oct-2019
• ICS: 81.040.20 - Glass in building
• Technical Committee: C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
• Drafting Committee: C24.10 - Specifications, Guides and Practices

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1487-02(2012) - Standard Guide for Remedying Structural Silicone Glazing
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1392-20 - Standard Guide for Evaluating Failure of Structural Sealant Glazing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM C717-19 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM C717-18 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C717-17a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-17 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-16a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C717-16 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM E997-14 - Standard Test Method for Evaluating Glass Breakage Probability Under the Influence of Uniform Static Loads by Proof Load Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-14a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM C1392-00(2014) - Standard Guide for Evaluating Failure of Structural Sealant Glazing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM C717-13 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM C1394-03(2012) - Standard Guide for In-Situ Structural Silicone Glazing Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM C717-12b - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012

Overview

ASTM C1487-19: Standard Guide for Remedying Structural Silicone Glazing provides essential guidelines and recommendations for addressing issues and performing remedial work on existing Structural Silicone Glazing (SSG) systems in the field. This standard is designed for use when large-scale remedies-not isolated or routine repairs-are needed, such as after glass replacement, comprehensive maintenance, or observed system distress. The guide emphasizes the importance of qualified professional oversight, thorough evaluation of existing conditions, and adherence to relevant codes, manufacturer requirements, and best practices.

Key Topics

• Evaluation Before Remediation

  • Begin with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root cause of distress or failure in the SSG system.
  • Refer to ASTM C1394 Guide for in-depth evaluation procedures.
  • Common SSG distress includes sealant failures, shifting or loss of glass lites, and water infiltration.

• Remedial Design

  • Development of a practical remedial design must be led by a qualified person experienced in SSG.
  • Address compatibility of new materials with existing substrates.
  • Ensure calculations of sealant stress and joint capacity meet current codes and guidelines (see ASTM C1401).
  • Include accessory selection and thorough planning for each project.

• Testing and Implementation

  • Conduct field testing, such as in-situ adhesion tests and load verification, to validate product selections and installation procedures.
  • Mock-ups and sample installations are required to confirm the chosen remedy's performance under real conditions.
  • Document all testing and results diligently.

• Execution and Quality Control

  • Closely monitor the remedial work to ensure strict adherence to approved mock-up procedures.
  • Pay special attention to joint preparation, sealant application, and dimensional conformity.
  • Engage specialized crews and maintain clear communication with product manufacturers.

• Documentation

  • Keep comprehensive records of all evaluations, remedial actions, products used, and test results.
  • Maintain documentation for future reference, maintenance, and compliance.

Applications

ASTM C1487-19 offers practical value in the following scenarios:

• Building Restoration Projects

  • Used during large-scale facade remediation where original SSG performance is compromised.
  • Facilitates glass replacement and system upgrades while maintaining structural safety and weather-tightness.

• Maintenance Planning

  • Aids facility managers and building owners in planning systematic maintenance protocols for aging SSG systems.

• Post-Distress Repairs

  • Supports interventions after structural distress, water infiltration, or sealant failure has been detected, ensuring remedies are effective and durable.

• Code Compliance and Quality Assurance

  • Helps design teams meet local building code requirements and industry best practices during remedial work.
  • Reinforces field quality control and testing protocols for building envelope reliability.

Related Standards

For comprehensive remediation of structural silicone glazing and related building envelope systems, users should consult the following ASTM standards:

• ASTM C717 - Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• ASTM C1392 - Guide for Evaluating Failure of Structural Sealant Glazing
• ASTM C1394 - Guide for In-Situ Structural Silicone Glazing Evaluation
• ASTM C1401 - Guide for Structural Sealant Glazing (design, materials, and installation)
• ASTM E330 - Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Doors, Skylights, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
• ASTM E997 - Test Method for Evaluating Glass Breakage Probability Under Uniform Static Loads
• ASTM E1233 - Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Envelope Components by Cyclic Air Pressure Differential

By following ASTM C1487-19 in conjunction with these related standards, professionals can ensure effective, safe, and code-compliant remedial work in structural sealant glazing applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C1487 − 19
Standard Guide for
Remedying Structural Silicone Glazing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1487; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This guide provides recommendations for remedying 3.1 Definitions—Definitions of the terms used in this guide
existing structural sealant glazing (hereinafter called SSG)
are found in Terminology C717.
installations in situ. Remedial work may be necessary when a
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
lite of glass is replaced, for routine maintenance, or after
3.2.1 distress, n—the individual or collective physical mani-
distress is discovered. This guide focuses on large-scale
festations of a failure as perceivable problems. For SSG, such
remedies, not isolated repairs or maintenance.
distress may include sealant adhesive failure, sealant cohesive
1.2 Committee C24 is not aware of any comparable stan-
failure, shifting of a lite, loss of a lite, or water infiltration (see
dards published by other organizations.
Guide C1394).
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.2 qualified person, n—one with a recognized degree or
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
professional registration and extensive knowledge and experi-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ence in the field of SSG, and who is capable of design,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
analysis, and evaluation in the subject.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Guidelines are provided for remedying existing SSG
2. Referenced Documents
installations. Refer to Guide C1401 for a complete discussion
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of proper SSG design, installation, and materials.
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
4.2 Duetotheunlimitedrangeofmaterialsthatmaybeused
C1392 Guide for Evaluating Failure of Structural Sealant
in a particular building, and because each design is unique, the
Glazing
information contained in this guide is general in nature.
C1394 Guide for In-Situ Structural Silicone Glazing Evalu-
ation
4.3 This guide should not be the only reference consulted
C1401 Guide for Structural Sealant Glazing
when designing remedies for SSG. For example, the local
E330 Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior
building code and the manufacturers’ product literature for the
Windows, Doors, Skylights and CurtainWalls by Uniform
actual materials used, if known, also should be considered.The
Static Air Pressure Difference
sealant manufacturer(s) should be involved fully with the
E997 Test Method for Evaluating Glass Breakage Probabil-
remedial design.
ity Under the Influence of Uniform Static Loads by Proof
4.4 This guide is intended to be a resource, but it is not a
Load Testing
substitute for experience and judgement in designing remedies
E1233 Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior
for the specialized types of construction discussed. It is
Windows, Doors, Skylights, and Curtain Walls by Cyclic
intended to be used in conjunction with other resources as an
Air Pressure Differential
aid in remedying problems with existing SSG.
5. Introduction
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC24onBuildingSeals
and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.10 on
5.1 There are numerous reasons that a building owner or
Specifications, Guides and Practices.
manager, hereinafter referred to as owner, may choose to
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2019. Published October 2019. Originally
remedy an SSG system, including routine maintenance or to
approvedin2000.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2012asC1487–02(2012).DOI:
10.1520/C1487-19.
correct discovered deficiencies. Regardless of the reason that
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
such a remedy is undertaken, it is recommended that the
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
remedial design and construction be performed under the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. supervision of a qualified person.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1487 − 19
5.2 It is essential to begin the remedial process with a for the selected product combination, including cleaner,
comprehensive evaluation, in accordance with the guidelines primer, sealant, and the actual adhesion surface of the sub-
established in Guide C1394. The underlying cause of failure strate.
must be understood fully prior to implementing a remedy;
7.2 Field testing of the actual adhesion surface of the
otherwise, the failure may be repeated.
substrate is recommended, rather than another face of the same
5.3 Based on the outcome of the evaluation, various rem- component,becausetheadhesioncharacteristicsmayvarywith
exposure. It may be necessary to deglaze a lite to access the
edies may be indicated. The potential remedies include, de-
pending on the pervasiveness and the nature of the problem, actual adhesion surface. It is not recommended to test faces of
components other than those actually scheduled for permanent
the following:
adhesion because the adhesion characteristics can vary with
5.3.1 Isolated repairs (such as the replacement of an indi-
exposure and manufacturing processes.
vidual lite of glass) can be performed by a competent glazier
trained in the proper installation of SSG. If the original SSG
7.3 Because the field test procedure may be cumbersome
was properly performed, then such minor repairs can be
and expensive to perform, it is recommended to perform
effected by careful duplication of the original procedures.
pretesting to screen possible combinations of products. These
5.3.2 In-situ remedial work is necessary where pervasive
preliminary tests may be performed in the laboratory or in the
problems exist in an SSG application, such as due to poor
field on convenient surfaces of the components, rather than the
design or workmanship during original construction.
actual adhesion surfaces.
5.3.3 Complete reglazing may be necessary in extreme
7.4 To verify adhesion with the final product combination,
cases or at the end of the useful service life, in accordance with
one field test procedure is as follows:
the principles for new SSG. For example, if the existing joint
7.4.1 Perform a minimum of three tests in selected mock-up
configuration does not allow adequate cleaning to replace a
areas. More tests should be performed depending on the
structural joint, it may be necessary to reglaze, because
reasons for repair, or if the existing conditions vary with
adhesion is critical to the performance of SSG and cleaning is
exposure or other variables.
critical to adhesion.
7.4.2 Apply structural sealant and accessories to actual
5.4 The remainder of this guide particularly addresses the
adhesion surfaces exactly as they are intended to be installed
type of in-situ remedial SSG projects as described in 5.3.2,to
during full-scale production work.
correct a pervasive problem without comprehensive reglazing.
7.4.3 Adjust the installation so that the structural sealant is
exposed, for example, a weatherseal joint may have to be
6. Remedial Design
omitted during testing.
7.4.4 After the cure time recommended by the sealant
6.1 If it is determined that a large-scale re
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1487 − 02 (Reapproved 2012) C1487 − 19
Standard Guide for
Remedying Structural Silicone Glazing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1487; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide provides recommendations for remedying existing structural sealant glazing (hereinafter called SSG)
installations in situ. Remedial work may be necessary when a lite of glass is replaced, for routine maintenance, or after distress
is discovered. This guide focuses on large-scale remedies.remedies, not isolated repairs or maintenance.
1.2 Committee C24 is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
C1392 Guide for Evaluating Failure of Structural Sealant Glazing
C1394 Guide for In-Situ Structural Silicone Glazing Evaluation
C1401 Guide for Structural Sealant Glazing
E330 Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air
Pressure Difference
E997 Test Method for Evaluating Glass Breakage Probability Under the Influence of Uniform Static Loads by Proof Load
Testing
E1233 Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Doors, Skylights, and Curtain Walls by Cyclic Air Pressure
Differential
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of the terms used in this guide are found in Terminology C717.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 distress, n—the individual or collective physical manifestations of a failure as perceivable problems. For structural sealant
glazing, SSG, such distress may include sealant adhesive failure, sealant cohesive failure, shifting of a lite, loss of a lite, or water
infiltration (see Guide C1394).
3.2.2 qualified person, n—one with a recognized degree or professional registration and extensive knowledge and experience
in the field of structural sealant glazing, SSG, and who is capable of design, analysis, and evaluation in the subject.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Guidelines are provided for remedying existing SSG installations. Refer to Guide C1401 for a complete discussion of proper
SSG design, installation, and materials.
4.2 Due to the unlimited range of materials that may be used in a particular building, and because each design is unique, the
information contained in this guide is general in nature.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.10 on Specifications,
Guides and Practices.
Current edition approved June 1, 2012Oct. 15, 2019. Published July 2012.October 2019. Originally approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 20072012 as
C1487–02(2007).C1487–02(2012). DOI: 10.1520/C1487-02R12.10.1520/C1487-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1487 − 19
4.3 This guide should not be the only reference consulted when designing remedies for SSG. For example, the local building
code and the manufacturers’ product literature for the actual materials used, if known, also should be considered. The sealant
manufacturer(s) should be involved fully with the remedial design.
4.4 This guide is intended to be a resource, but it is not a substitute for experience and judgement in designing remedies for
the specialized types of construction discussed. It is intended to be used in conjunction with other resources as an aid in remedying
problems with existing SSG.
5. Introduction
5.1 There are numerous reasons that a building owner or manager, hereinafter referred to as owner, may choose to remedy an
SSG system, including routine maintenance or to correct discovered deficiencies. Regardless of the reason that such a remedy is
undertaken, it is recommended that the remedial design and construction be performed under the supervision of a qualified person.
5.2 It is essential to begin the remedial process with a comprehensive evaluation, in accordance with the guidelines established
in Guide C1394. The underlying cause of failure must be understood fully prior to implementing a remedy; otherwise, the failure
may be repeated.
5.3 Based on the outcome of the evaluation, various remedies may be indicated. The potential remedies include, depending on
the pervasiveness and the nature of the problem, the following:
5.3.1 Isolated repairs (such as the replacement of an individual lite of glass) can be performed by a competent glazier trained
in the proper installation of SSG. If the original SSG was properly performed, then such minor repairs can be effected by careful
duplication of the original procedures.
5.3.2 In-situ remedial work is necessary where pervasive problems exist in an SSG application, such as due to poor design or
workmanship during original construction.
5.3.3 Complete reglazing may be necessary in extreme cases or at the end of the useful service life, in accordance with the
principles for new SSG. For example, if the existing joint configuration does not allow adequate cleaning to replace a structural
joint, it may be necessary to reglaze, because adhesion is critical to the performance of SSG and cleaning is critical to adhesion.
5.4 The remainder of this guide particularly addresses the type of in-situ remedial SSG projects as described in 5.3.2, to correct
a pervasive problem without comprehensive reglazing.
6. Remedial Design
6.1 If it is determined that a large-scale remedial program is necessary, then a remedial design should be developed by a
qualified person.
6.2 Depending on the cause of the problem(s) with the existing installation, it may not be prudent to rely on the original SSG
design.
6.3 The remedial design should include the following:
6.3.1 Calculations of the structural sealant stress so that the final installation will comply with the SSG industry guidelines (see
Guide C1401) and applicable codes. In some jurisdictions, glass replacement triggers the requirement to comply with the current
building code for glass strength and structural sealant joint capacity, rather than the code under which the building was originally
constructed.
6.3.2 Sealant product selection to be compatible with all existing materials that it will contact.
6.3.3 Accessory product selection, if any are replaced or added by the remedy, to be compatible with all existing materials that
they will contact.
7. Field Testing
7.1 Prior to implementing the proposed remedial work, field testing should be performed under the direction of a qualified
person. Whereas,Whereas in new SSG installations it is possible to perform laboratory testing to verify the adhesion characteristics
of the products and substrates, remedial SSG usually requires field testing. In-situ adhesion testing is strongly recommended for
the selected product combination, including cleaner, primer, sealant, and the actual adhesion surface of the substrate.
7.2 Field testing of the actual adhesion sur
...