Sloped glazing is a system of exterior cladding which is attached to the main force resisting system (structure) of a building roof or sloped façade and usually supported by an elevated curb.

The sloped glazing system is designed to withstand uniform gravity loads, such as dead load, wind load and snow load, as well as concentrated live and impact loads, and transfer them to the structure.

Although sloped glazing systems come in a variety of design appearances they are generally characterized by spaced vertical and horizontal elements with glass, metal or other infill materials. Sloped glazing systems are often designed to span larger distances and, therefore, must take into consideration design requirements, such as thermal expansion and contraction. 

Sloped Glazing Systems*

• Defined by the building codes as elements used on a slope greater than 15 degrees from vertical (Note: 30 degrees from vertical is the dividing line for energy code compliance)
• Relatively Large Unsupported Spans
• Entrance or Lobby Areas
• Typical Fabrication Methods
• Shear Block
• Stick
• Modular glazed assemblies
• Installation Methods
• Stick
• Pre-engineered support brackets and perimeter closure systems
• Water Control/Drainage
• Notched and stacked from horizontal purlins to sloping rafters to sill
• Include provisions for controlling/channeling interior condensation 
• Typically tested from 6–12 psf
• Glazing Options
• Outside glazed
• Field Glazed
• Pre-glazed modules
• Anchorage
• Installed on elevated curb
• Typical Dimensions
• Sightlines - Typically 2-1/2” to 3-1/4” Wide
• System Depth – Typically 3” to 10” Deep
• Additional Optional Features
• Accommodate Individual Operable (Venting) Units
• Accommodate Exterior or interior Sunshade Devices
• Accommodate Electrical Lighting and Fire Suppression (Sprinkler) Fixtures

*For more details on sloped glazing systems, refer to:
AAMA TIR-A7, Sloped Glazing Guidelines
GDSG-1, Glass Design for Sloped Glazing