More than 35 companies worldwide now manufacture commercial, institutional and residential “multi-chamber” IG units based on a performance array of crystal-clear, low-emissivity films suspended midway between two panes of glass. In its leadership role among all worldwide Suspended Film (SF) fabricators, SeriousGlass SSG insulating glass units, are uniquely certified by the Insulating Glass Certification Council (IGCC) at a Double-A level.

Certification and Testing

IGCC/GANA Certification - IGCC testing involves high humidity, accelerated weathering, alternate high temperature/low temperature exposure, UV bombardment, and volatile fogging of the insulating glass units. The SF sealing technology used in SeriousGlass SSG insulating glass units, were tested by Architectural Testing Incorporated (ATI). Thorough back-to-back A-Level test were performed; all 16 units submitted passed in excellent condition. ATI test personnel stated that this was their first documentation of “IGCC Double-A Level” performance.

SeriousGlass has been consistently certified at the IGCC’s “A” level since the early 1980s.

European CE Certification - In Europe the standards of SF testing are not the same as in the U.S. and to further establish the reliability of the SF technology used in our glass packages, Serious Materials pursued European certification through the Communauté Européenne (CE). After more than two years of extended testing that focused on each component of Serious Materials’ insulating glass unit, the CE granted a confirmed “Declaration Of Conformity” passage of Serious Materials’ SF glass technology.

Adhesion and Sealant Reliability

Film Adhesion Verification - Testing extending back to 1979, has systematically stressed the spacer/film/spacer bond in excess of twice the actual tension level resulting from heat shrinking for each new SeriousGlass configuration. Again with reference to 29 years of exclusive SF projects throughout the United States and Europe, evidence is strong that the film used in SeriousGlass insulating units are both securely anchored and tensioned.

Sealant Edge “Bite” - The cross-section construction of SF in SeriousGlass units provides two computer-bent steel spacers. The coated film extends completely through the spacer assembly to be securely “locked” in place by the secondary sealant. The inspected variance of this nominal ½” spacer/sealant sightline may not exceed 1/16”. The SeriousGlass perimeter face-width of dual-seal silicone units may be increased in response to high windload or blast requirements.

Aesthetics and Extreme Environments

Optical Clarity - Perhaps the best reference for SeriousGlass optical clarity is the product’s repeated use, during the past two decades, by numerous art galleries. Gordon Anson, Exhibit Designer at the National Gallery of Art, specifically studied SeriousGlass, approving not only its clarity but assigning a Color Rendering Index of 92. SeriousGlass is now installed throughout the National Gallery, as well as the National Portrait Gallery, Freer Gallery, Art Institute of Chicago skylights and Pennsylvania State Museum.

Thermal Stress & Wet Environments with SeriousGlass - Suspend Film has been preferentially specified in the harshest of municipal, institutional and residential swimming-pool environments for more than two decades.  One very demanding project was the University Of Colorado’s Recreation Center that maintained at 85˚F and approximate rh of 70%.  By replacing their 22’ high curtainwall with SeriousGlass, the University of Colorado [Hotlink to University of Colorado story] has benefited from virtually condensation free, near constant glass temperatures resulting in a reduction heating loads for 30 years. 

Suspended Film over the Years

Serious Materials has provided dual-seal silicone units to countless projects nationwide during the past decade and beyond. A few SeriousGlass SF projects and dates installed include:

• Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C., 1991
• New York Historical Society, NYC, 1982
• Smithsonian Freer Art Gallery, Washington D.C., 1992
• Holy Cross Energy, Glenwood, CO, 1981
• San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, CA, 1994
• Colorado State Services Building, Grand Junction, CO, 1982
• 700 Broadway (1891 Schermerhorn Building), NYC, 1992
• Virginia Air and Space Museum, Hampton, VA, 1984

Commercial Project Directory

To review just a sample of our project success stories, use our Project Directory search engine here.

With 29 years of manufacturing experience and more than 10,000 installed projects, Serious Materials provides commercial glass and windows that save more energy than any other brand. Period.