Ardıç Cam Important Warning!

GLASS USED IN BUILDINGS (MIRROR, FLOAT GLASS, TEMPERED GLASS, LAMINATED GLASS, INSULATING GLASS UNITS): POINTS TO CONSIDER, WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS FOR ORDERING, PRODUCTION / POST-PRODUCTION, DISPATCH–STORAGE–INSTALLATION

Mirror and glass products purchased from our company and used in buildings must be handled in accordance with the principles stated below for production, dispatch, storage, and installation. Our products are manufactured in compliance with the following International / National standards:

• TS EN 572 – Glass in building – Basic soda lime silicate glass products

• TS EN 1096 – Glass in building – Coated glass

• TS 3539 EN 1279 – Glass in building – Insulating glass units

• TS EN 12150 – Glass in building – Thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass

• TS EN 12543 – Glass in building – Laminated glass and laminated safety glass

• TS EN 1036 – Glass in building – Silver-coated float glass mirrors for indoor use

• TS EN 14179 – Glass in building – Heat soaked thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass

Disputes and complaint/claim feedback will be evaluated within the scope of the relevant standard(s) and/or our production tolerances.

PAINTED GLASS

Unless otherwise specified, painted glass is produced for spandrel areas with a closed back (light-blocking, no light transmission). If the back side of the glass is open and receives daylight, or if the glass will be used with bonding/adhesive application, this must be stated before order or quotation, and approval/agreement must be obtained based on a reference sample.

If each glass ply within a laminated configuration is requested to be painted, production can be made so that the two painted surfaces do not face each other (painted surfaces remain on the top side in the furnace) (one inside, one outside). Different requests may be produced using alternative technologies such as vacuum processes and must be specified at the ordering stage.

Production of painted glass (silk-screen, digital, or roller) is carried out in accordance with our factory production standards. For all feedback (unless agreed otherwise in advance), evaluation will be made based on the rule that installation must be done so the painted side is used for closed-back (non-light receiving) areas. For details, agreement during ordering and requesting a reference sample are required. If these steps are not performed/ requested before ordering, our defined production method and rules shall apply.

When light-colored ceramic frit (enamel) printed glass is mounted using silicone or similar materials, shadowing may occur in the appearance. Additionally, in light-colored enamel printed glass, color/tone differences may occur between small and large sizes. This is not a production defect; it is a requirement of the heat treatment (tempering) process. Please consult us before ordering for light colors that may be subject to such effects.

The technical feasibility of edge painting processes on soft-coated and other glass types must be determined before ordering. In particular, marks observed under the stripped edge area on coated glass are a process requirement and are kept to a minimum.

Visual imperfections that may occur due to these and similar circumstances, and pinpoint paint bubbles that can transmit light, are not evaluated as our responsibility.

TEMPERED GLASS

Visual distortions that may be noticeable under certain viewing angles and lighting conditions—such as distortion, tempering marks, bow and twist—are inevitable and unavoidable results of the heat treatment process, provided they remain within tolerances.

Depending on the application location, the feeding orientation (width/length) into the tempering furnace must be specified at the ordering stage. Orders must be placed within feasibility limits considering the furnace width. For all tempered glass orders, the furnace direction and the positioning of the glass on the tempering rollers must be specified by the customer at the ordering stage via a drawing. If no drawing is provided, tempering is carried out according to the appropriate furnace load/fill ratio.

When hot glass is in contact with the rollers (conduction) during tempering, surface deformations known as roller waves occur. These are physical results of the production technique and cannot be prevented. Marks may be more visible on glass with high reflectivity. Point or line defects on tempered or heat-strengthened glass are inspected and decided by observation from 3 meters, perpendicularly, in shade on a sunny day, without direct light falling onto the glass surface.

Due to internal stress distribution, anisotropy (air marks) may occur in tempered glass. It is not possible to prevent the dark rings seen under polarized light and perceived depending on the viewing angle. The relevant standard does not specify a lower/upper limit; therefore, it is not considered a defect.

Because of microscopic Nickel Sulphide (NiS) inclusions that may exist in the glass melt, fully tempered glass may have a risk of spontaneous breakage after tempering. To reduce this risk, fully tempered glass can be subjected to a heat soak test upon request. Although heat soaking does not eliminate the risk completely, it significantly reduces it. If heat soaking is required, it must be clearly stated at the ordering stage.

LAMINATED GLASS & LAMINATED SAFETY GLASS

For laminated glass produced by our company, unless the interlayer (EVA–PVB–PU) manufacturer/supplier provides a guarantee, we do not accept responsibility for post-delivery issues such as delamination (blooming, opening, fogging) or color change. Edge, hole, and cut-out areas must be sealed by the applicator (installation company) using approved/compatible materials and corner sealing must be ensured.

For PVB-laminated glass, edges and/or hole perimeters and detail edges must be made watertight using silicone, tape, and similar materials approved/compatible with the interlayer used. This is the responsibility of the applicator.

Depending on content (holes, CNC edges, cut-outs, etc.) and based on static calculations, the plies forming the laminate may be annealed, heat-strengthened, or fully tempered. Static calculations and strength selection according to the place of use are the responsibility of the applicator.

Our company is obliged to manufacture products in the written dimensions and specifications received from the applicator within the framework of relevant standards. We do not assume responsibility for purpose of use, structural performance, or location of use of the products.

For glass balustrades and similar applications, using laminated glass without tempering is not recommended; and with tempered laminated glass, it may create a blanket effect during breakage that can unload the system—therefore usage may not be suitable. In such applications, basing decisions on static calculations and using heat-strengthened laminated glass or extra-strong (strong) PVB or similar solutions is recommended.

For laminated glass where tempering is not requested, there may be a risk of thermal breakage; applying edge processing (edge grinding—polished edge recommended) reduces the risk. Edge processing must be specified by the customer at the ordering stage.

For our bullet-resistant glass productions supplied by our company, in addition to the lamination rules stated above, all written instructions on the product must be followed completely. For orders where polycarbonate (PC) is used on the outside, to ensure suitability and prevent deterioration of PC during use:

• The PC surface must be positioned to the inner side during installation (not on the attack side).

• The protective film on the PC surface must not be removed during installation. The PC surface is sensitive and must also be protected after installation. If required, we recommend applying a compatible protective film.

• Cleaning of the PC surface must be performed only with methods specified by the manufacturer; chemicals and hard objects must not be used.

• The PC surface must not be exposed to high heat (flame, steam, etc.); otherwise, it may lose optical and strength performance.

Framing systems in which laminated glass is installed must be designed to protect the glass against building movements such as beam deflection and expansion joint displacement.

Our products are prepared for dispatch primarily for transportation purposes, not for long-term stacking/storage. Upon receipt, products should be unpacked as soon as possible (if packaged), and the glass sheets should be separated. Until installation day, they must be stored on suitable angled racks in dry, well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight.

Damages such as lamination degradation, thermal glass breakages, etc., that may occur due to the above and similar circumstances are not within the responsibility of Ardıç Cam San. A.Ş.

INSULATING GLASS UNITS (IGU)

Curtain wall design details—such as aluminum profiles, U-channels, special channels, infill apparatus, infill details, glass selection—along with dimensioning, static calculations, application, and installation works are not within the responsibility of Ardıç Cam San. A.Ş. Our company is responsible for manufacturing, using our existing equipment, in the dimensions, thicknesses, and glass combinations provided to us, in line with details and technical drawings. Given technical details may be applied with certain tolerances during production. If written agreement is not obtained at the ordering stage, we cannot be held responsible for differences between details and production arising later. Unless stated otherwise in advance, production will be carried out within our tolerances according to methods accepted by the glass industry.

Surfaces of aluminum cassettes to be used for bonding must have an anodized finish compatible with silicone adhesion. Silicone adhesion to painted, ground, steel, or similar surfaces may be problematic. Bonding is not performed on such materials; if requested, customers must provide a bonding approval/liability letter and use safety clips/tabs.

After mock-up and written approvals, new cassette types different from the approved system/model should not be sent. Bonding infill surface area must be calculated project-specifically and submitted to us with technical drawings before production. After bonding, before installation, fixing the glass to the cassette with safety clips/tabs at least at four points is recommended.

Example 1: For bonding infill details shown as 6 mm × 16 mm (width/height) in technical drawings, we work with ± tolerances. Local height differences are required due to silicone behavior and the need to stack cassettes for curing.

Example 2: For an IGU with an infill detail having a 20 mm cavity, if a 4 mm × 4 mm clip gap is requested at the outer mid area, differences may occur between the technical drawing and the finished product. Due to material flow and force majeure, exact replication may not be possible; production is performed within tolerances.

We declare that such differences/tolerances between technical drawings and production feasibility may occur. Unless agreed in writing at the beginning of the project, our methods and tolerances shall apply. Unless otherwise stated after the first shipment, production carried out within our capabilities and defined tolerances cannot be considered a defect.

At the ordering stage, the customer must declare the installation altitude and the highest altitude the glass will pass during transportation. Based on this information, a pressure equalization valve or hole may be applied to the IGUs with your approval. For pressure-equalized units, details will be notified in writing to the buyer, and pressure equalization must be performed according to the written method as soon as the products arrive at the installation site. Any deformation arising from late application and/or application errors is out of warranty and is the responsibility of the installation company.

All spacer/profile systems used in IGUs other than aluminum and warm-edge spacers (including U profiles, infill details, and other company systems) are not covered by our warranty. Warranty period/conditions must be stated at the ordering stage.

For all soft-coated glass used in IGUs, edge deletion is applied. After edge deletion, color differences and linear marks may occur. This is not a production defect; it is a process requirement. Edge deletion is limited to minimum 10 mm and maximum 50 mm. For requests exceeding 50 mm, agreement must be reached on a sample at the ordering stage. If no approval is obtained via a reference sample, Ardıç Cam production conditions apply.

Installation materials in contact with IGUs (structural silicone, sealing silicone, etc.) may, in some cases, chemically react with primary/secondary sealants (butyl, polysulfide, polyurethane, IG silicone) used in IGU production and cause degradation—commonly referred to as “butyl leakage”.

Junction areas of IGUs with frames must be isolated from moisture and harmful chemicals and must be fully covered with installation elements to protect against UV exposure. Frame drainage holes must be checked during installation. Any degradation due to such issues is the responsibility of the installation company. If UV resistance is required, silicone secondary sealing must be specified in the order.

All chemicals used in installation of IGUs (structural silicones, sealing silicones, joint fillers, adhesives, etc.) must be non-acidic, must not contain aggressive solvents, and must be compatible with our primary and secondary sealants. Please also observe expiry dates and correct surface compatibility.

If installation materials come into contact with our IGUs, compatibility tests must be conducted between these materials and our primary/secondary sealants. Arranging such tests through chemical manufacturers or internationally accredited laboratories is the responsibility of the installation company.

When requested, the installation company must provide compatibility/approval documentation. All installation materials must be approved and compatible with our IGU chemicals. Please ask which components we use and obtain commitments from your chemical suppliers confirming compatibility with our products.

Installation of IGUs must comply with TS EN 12488 – Glass in building – Recommendations for glass installation – Installation principles for vertical and sloped glazing.

To avoid damage to external sealants and glass surfaces, post-installation works on the building façade are not recommended. Mechanical parts such as screws must not contact surfaces; external sealants must not be damaged for any reason. Glass dimensions must not be modified on site; site repairs must not be attempted; installation of glass with damaged edges or heavy burrs is strictly prohibited.

We recommend informing end users about potential negative effects of dark curtains, roller blinds, foil/film, stickers, etc., which may cause heating/cooling differences after installation. Such applications may cause localized heating and expansion, leading to glass breakage risks (especially in annealed, tinted, reflective, and laminated glass).

IGUs must not be stored outdoors (under direct sunlight, wet/icy conditions). Glass heated by temperature may expand and press against adjacent units, leading to breakage. Rainwater remaining on glass may cause corrosive effects and may cause glass to stick together. Also, if ventilation between panes is insufficient for laminated/tinted/reflective glass stored under sunlight, thermal breakage risk increases. If polysulfide or polyurethane is used as the external sealant, UV exposure may deteriorate the sealant due to lack of UV resistance, leading to separation. We are not responsible for errors arising from improper storage conditions. Product inspection must be performed at delivery. We do not accept responsibility for external scratches/stains, breakage, cracks, edge chips/burrs detected after delivery, or defects arising from wetting of glass.

If glass is to be stored before installation, units must be supported against the pallet, the back/ground angle must be adjusted, and point loads must be avoided. Breakages may occur due to pressure-related bulging and 2–3 times higher load effects. Stacking must not be done directly on concrete or soil; wet and humid environments must be avoided.

Palletized or crated products must not be stored outdoors. They must be stored in a closed environment with suitable temperature and humidity conditions. For ideal storage, 9–25°C and below 70% humidity are recommended. Palletized/crated glass must be protected from water exposure such as rain and snow. Wet glass has a high corrosion risk; if glass becomes wet due to condensation or any other reason, it must be cleaned before drying.