Spandrel Glass
The interior-facing surface of spandrel glass is not intended or suitable for use as a finished wall. When used in quasi-vision applications, such as transom lites or column covers, additional interior finishes, such as gypsum board, must be installed on the building interior side of the glass.
Spandrel Coating Options
Manko also offers Guardian Spandrel HT®, a factory-applied, pre-coated spandrel glass option. Both OPACI-COAT-300® and Guardian Spandrel HT® are intended strictly for non-vision applications.
Stock OPACI-COAT-300® Colors
Primary White
#0-1060
Snow White
#0-0020
Warm Gray
#3-0770
Harmony Bronze
#4-822
Harmony Gray
#3-820
Black
#1-818
Standard OPACI-COAT-300® Colors
Medium Gray
#3-0586
Charcoal
#1-0016
Harmony Blue
#6-0025
Harmony Solex
#2-743
Evergreen
#2-0225
Lava Bronze
#4-975
Product Features
- Intended for non-vision area installation (per GANA guidelines)
- Minimum coat thickness of 8 mils wet or 4 mils dry (single coat)
- Double-coat option available for fall-out protection
- Glass must be heat-treated to accommodate heat buildup
- May be applied to the #2 surface in monolithic applications
- Commonly applied to the #2 or #4 surface in insulated glass units (IGUs)
- When used with Low-E glass, the spandrel coating must be on the #4 surface with Low‑E on the #2 surface, due to off-gassing
- Coating should always be applied to the smooth surface when viewed from the exterior
- Virtually unlimited opaque color palette available with OPACI-COAT-300®
- Guardian Spandrel HT® is available in three standard colors: White, Warm Gray, and Black
Spandrel Glass Design Considerations
Condensation may form on the inboard surface—whether glass, ceramic, film, or silicone—when exterior temperatures are lower than interior temperatures, creating vapor pressure across the insulation. Openings in the vapor barrier may allow moisture vapor or water to migrate into the spandrel cavity.
Construction debris may accumulate in conjunction with condensation between glazing installation and insulation placement, potentially leading to glass staining or delamination of film-applied opacifiers.
Volatile components from certain glazing lubricants, gaskets, or sealants may condense and damage coatings, either independently or in combination with water, heat, or other environmental factors.
Insulation that comes into spot contact with the glass, ceramic, or film-coated surface may cause localized discoloration, residue, or surface scum.
