Technical Info and Frequently Asked Questions (Stella Standard)

Technical Info and Frequently Asked Questions

WHY STANDARD? WHY NOW?

Tell me more about these standard products? Can I purchase separate parts and not the complete hardware set?
In short – no.
Walk in and walk out with Stella Standard parts. That’s the vision behind a brand-new partnership with an exclusive distributor across Canada – White Cap Supply Canada Inc.

If you haven’t heard of White Cap before, you’re likely more familiar with the stores on the ground including Brafasco, Brock White Canada, and National Concrete Accessories – over 70 locations across Canada.

We know that as glazing contractors you are busy; you need to keep your projects on time and on budget. The initial roll-out consists of 14 SKU’s of Stella’s most popular and in-demand parts including spider hardware, doc and pins, stand-offs, handrails and articulating glass bolts.

How do I find a store front location near me to pick up your parts?
Find the Canadian location closest to you – Brafasco here OR Brock White here.

What if I don’t see the exact product I want distributed via White Cap?
Let us know what products you’d like to see online. Send an email to standard@stellaglasshardware.com.
We’ll be expanding our product range in the upcoming months based on your feedback.

Is the hardware pricing the same between Stella and White Cap?
Yes – prices are comparable for the exact product.
If you want to modify the standard part with an additional spacer or longer bolt, there would be a price increase to cover these modifications.
The ability to “walk in and walk out” from a White Cap location with your Stella part is a huge advantage for these standard parts.

Can I use these products as an estimating tool?
No – we wouldn’t recommend this.
All items on this online shop have been standardized to offer you best pricing and fastest delivery.
Even a slight change in fastener lengths would likely result in a price increase.
Pricing may fluctuate due to material prices.
If you are using this as a pricing tool for purchases to be made more than 30 days in the future – it is recommended that you confirm the price with our sales team prior to doing so.

Can I buy the hardware in a different finish than as shown in Brushed/Satin finish?
Yes – we still offer our Stella Spectrum colour finishes for parts.
But this would not be considered a “standard” part, you would not be able to walk in and walk out with it.

I need a modification to this standard hardware (an additional spacer/longer stand-off/different bolt length/etc). What do I do?
We can help you with that. Send an email to standard@stellahardware.com with a detailed request of what you’re looking for and your contact details.
Note that this would not be considered a “standard” part, you would not be able to walk in and walk out with it.

ALL ABOUT GLASS

What kind of glass should be used with point-supported glazing?
When looking at point-supported applications and glass, always choose tempered glass.
Why? If glass was to break – it would break into small cubes that are much less likely to cut/harm than those sharp shards of annealed glass.

Do I need a glass engineer to review my project?
Yes – we’d recommend that.
White Cap Supply Canada Inc./Stella does not warrant that the products supplied meet your design intent.
You are responsible for ensuring the components or systems are suitable and fit for the purpose.

When do you recommend laminated tempered glass?
We always recommend tempered glass.
For overhead glazing (like canopies) and/or glass guards near/above pedestrian access , codes require tempered laminate​.
Laminate is 2 or more pieces of glass with a plastic-interlayer “placed” or “bonded” between them​.
Laminate interlayer can vary in thickness – 1.52mm is our  go-to rec​commendation.

Two popular choices for interlayer are:

• PVB – a flexible/pliable material
• SGP – (tradename for SentryGuard Plus)

Comments re: SGP option for laminate interlayer:

• SGP is usually specificied for glass fins, canopies, and cantilevered guards.
• PVB can yellow over time – another reason to choose SGP.​
• SGP performance is remarkable as it’s a more rigid material.​This means that if the glass was to break – SGP would prevent it from “sagging down” like a wet blanket.​
• SGP has a higher performance (and price tag)

STELLA PRODUCT TIPS

Guidance for placing your adjustable stand-offs on a frameless balustrade? 
When looking at a cantilever base stand-off, a rule of thumb is typically 4 per 1500mm [59”] wide panel​.
With regards to vertical spacing between bolts, we suggest minimum of 200mm [7 7/8”] for optimum glass specification (aka lower glass thickness). ​You may be able to lower the vertical spacing to 150mm [5 7/8”] by by re-looking at glass specification.

Tell me more about the front-mount option on Stella articulating glass bolts and Stella adjustable stand-offs.
Useful for situations where access from the back is not possible, the easy 4-step install process of a front-mounted bolt can save you install hours (& money!)

• Step One – Fix the Stella bolt for glass to mounting structure.
• Step Two – Remove the front cap of Stella bolt.
• Step Three – Place the glass on Stella bolt.
• Step Four – Secure the front cap of Stella bolt.

How does your fitting(s) account for the expansion and contraction of the glazing? 

It is usually the structure which expands and contracts whilst the glass has quite a low coefficient of expansion so it doesn’t expand or contract at the same rate.
Typically point-supported systems are constructed on the basis that each panel is supported independently of its neighbor and the relative movement of the structure in relation to the glass is fairly small (in the region of ±0.0025”).

There are a number of ways to accommodate this movement.
One is the type of bolting system – some systems have a small amount of in-plane movement built into them. Another way is to support the glass bolts onto the spiders or structural support and allow slippage by means of oversize holes and/or slots.

What is a suitable climate for point supported design applications?
Anywhere. We have done projects (walls, canopies, balustrades, more) in projects across North America. We’ve completed many projects in our 22-years plus experience in like Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, which have temperature variations between -45⁰C [-50⁰F] and +45⁰C [+115⁰F] without problems.

DIDN’T ANSWER YOUR QUESTION?
Send it over to standard@stellaglasshardware.com