Few glazing jobs are as demanding as a public library: public safety, strict codes, an existing building under renovation and a design built around daylight. This is how our team handled the glazing on a DC Public Library renovation in Washington, DC.
Project scope
- New skylights and roof glazing above the main rooms
- Aluminum exterior louvers
- Interior glass guards at stairs and floor openings
The challenge: rooftop work on a busy site
Big laminated skylight panels were hoisted to the roof by crane and then set into the frames by hand. Every pick was planned with the general contractor, materials were staged with care and the crew worked tied off with fall protection.
Moving heavy laminated glass
Overhead glass has to be laminated so it stays in the frame if it breaks. We handled these heavy units with vacuum lifters and placed them precisely so the gaskets and seals could do their job, then sealed and checked every joint to keep the roof dry.
Glass guards inside the building
Indoors, frameless glass guards protect stair edges and floor openings while keeping sightlines open. Each panel was set level and plumb with hardware rated for code loads.
Outcome
Daylight now streams into the reading rooms through the new skylights, and the interior glass keeps every area open and safe. See the project photos and read more about our skylight work and our schools and public buildings experience.
Planning a commercial glass project?
Businesses, building managers and general contractors throughout Washington DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia work with CBE Glass. Phone (202) 492-0676 (answered 24/7 for emergencies), write to bid@cbeglass.com or ask for a free estimate.
