PinnShield Step: Stepped Insulating Glass Unit

Stepped Insulating Glass Unit

PinnShield is an insulating glass unit: two or more lites separated by a sealed cavity. It is chosen for thermal comfort and sound control.

Typical uses

• Structural glazing facades
• Spider-glass systems
• Minimal-frame doors
• Frameless shopfronts

What it is

PinnShield Step is a stepped insulating glass unit, made for designs that need a stepped edge. One lite extends beyond the other, creating an offset profile, while the unit keeps the PinnShield construction of a sealed cavity on a desiccant-filled spacer frame with primary and secondary seals.

How it differs from other PinnShield options

PinnShield Dual has lites of matching size; Step offsets them. The stepped edge changes how the unit is supported and sealed, so it is specified with the facade system rather than as a direct substitute. Glass types inside the unit can still be chosen as for other configurations.

Where it is used

Typical uses include structural glazing and frameless facade systems, skylights and roof glazing, and curtain wall designs where the outer lite needs to cover the frame line. Structural suitability must be confirmed by the project engineer.

Working within the PinnShield range

All PinnShield configurations share one construction: prepared lites, a spacer frame filled with desiccant to form the cavity, a primary seal and a secondary sealant that completes the unit. The configurations differ in the glass chosen for each lite, the number of lites, the edge geometry and features inside the cavity. Low-E and solar control glass can be used, and toughened or laminated lites can be combined, so a single unit can answer several parts of a brief. Coating type and position, cavity width and gas fill are agreed per project at quotation, together with the intended frame system.

How it is processed

1. 1. Prepare lites. Lites are cut, processed and washed.
2. 2. Spacer frame. A spacer frame filled with desiccant forms the cavity.
3. 3. Assemble. Lites are pressed against the spacer with a primary seal.
4. 4. Seal. A secondary sealant completes the unit.

Technical specifications

Specifying PinnShield Step

Send drawings showing both lite sizes, the step dimension on each edge, glass types, spacer and the facade system. Edge treatment and build-up are agreed at quotation. Coating type and position, cavity width and gas fill are agreed per project at quotation.