Spandrel glass refers to an opaque glazing panel typically used in non-vision areas of a building facade—such as between floors—to conceal structural elements, mechanical equipment, HVAC components, or wiring. Unlike vision glass, spandrel glass is designed to obscure the view and does not allow light transmission.
Spandrel units are created by applying a ceramic frit or silicone-based opacifier to the interior surface of the glass, which is then typically incorporated into an insulated glazing unit (IGU). The result is a uniform external appearance that aligns with adjacent vision panels while serving a concealment function.
Spandrel glass can be produced from various base glass types, including:
- Low Iron Glass
- Clear Float Glass
- Tinted Glass
Tempered (heat-strengthened) glass is preferred in most applications due to its impact resistance, thermal durability, and code compliance in building exteriors.