Glazing shop drawings in the construction industry

Shop drawings play a crucial role in both building and repair endeavors, often considered
the cornerstone of the fabrication sector. They encompass essential details such as
measurements, production standards, and fabrication specifications, serving as a necessary
requirement for prefabricated components in projects.

Glazing shop drawings are meticulously detailed, ensuring a perfect fit for glazing products.
They provide comprehensive information regarding the dimensions, materials, and
requirements of glass items, allowing manufacturers to produce items tailored to customer
demands. The accuracy of these shop drawings minimizes the risk of errors and ensures that
the outcome meets required standards.

Why are the shop drawings needed?

Often, the blueprints and construction notes provide enough detail about the glass
components required for a building. However, they may lack the depth necessary for
achieving optimal quality. Glazing shop drawings provide manufacturers with a clear
understanding of the design intent, eliminating any ambiguity in the process.

In fact, the architect needs to review them, the glazing company uses them to order
materials, the shop team uses them to fabricate, Installers refer to them to put windows in
place, and even the end user might need them at some point for renovations or additions.

Glazing shop drawings includes detailed information drawings on storefront, handrails,

railings, curtain wall, glass items, ornaments, sunshades, and paneling.
 Figure 1. Example of storefront Figure 2. Example of a railing in a
skyscraper

Figure 3. Curtain wall example Figure 4. Curtain wall detail

Certain essential elements should always be featured in a window shop drawing:

1. Dimensions and Angles: This entails providing width, height measurements, and any
pertinent angles linked to the window or door frame.

2. Materials: It is imperative to specify the materials used in constructing the window

or door, which could range from wood, metal, glass, and beyond.

3. Hardware: All hardware pertinent to the project should be clearly depicted in the
diagram, encompassing bolts, screws, hinges, latches, and similar components.
 4. Accessories: If any additional accessories are required for installation (e.g.,
weatherstripping), they must be documented within the same diagram for easy
accessibility by all involved parties.

5. Sealing: Lastly, relevant sealing elements should be indicated on the diagram to

ensure contractors comprehend the type of sealant necessary for installing these
specific windows or doors.

Who could be the client?

Potential clients could include but not limited to:

1. Architects and architectural firms: They may require shop drawings to translate
their design concepts into detailed plans for construction and fabrication.

2. Engineers and engineering firms: They may need shop drawings for structural
elements or specialized components in their projects.

3. Contractors and construction companies: They may outsource shop drawing

services to ensure accurate and detailed plans for construction projects.

4. Manufacturers and fabricators: They may require shop drawings for producing
custom components or prefabricated elements according to specific design
requirements.

5. Interior designers: They may need shop drawings for custom furniture, cabinetry, or
other interior elements.
 6. Building owners or developers: They may commission shop drawings to ensure that
construction or renovation projects meet their design specifications and quality
standards.

7. Government agencies or municipalities: They may require shop drawings for review
and approval before issuing permits for construction projects.

How is the process done?

The process of creating shop drawings for glazing typically involves several steps (please, see
Figure 5):

1. Initial consultation and information gathering: The process starts with a discussion
between the client and the shop drawing provider to understand the project
requirements, design intent, and any specific preferences or constraints. The client
provides relevant information such as architectural drawings, design specifications,
material requirements, and project timeline.

2. Review of architectural drawings and specifications: The shop drawing provider

carefully examines the architectural drawings, elevations, and specifications
provided by the client to understand the layout of the building, locations of glazing
elements, dimensions, and other relevant details.

3. Drafting the shop drawings: Using specialized software, such as CAD programs or
Revit, the shop drawing provider creates detailed drawings that illustrate the
dimensions, materials, configurations, and installation details of the glazing
elements. This may include plans, elevations, sections, and detailed views of each
component.

4. Collaboration and revisions: The initial draft of the shop drawings is shared with the
client for review and feedback. In this step is important to do all the corresponding
adjustments due to the structural calculations. The client may request revisions or
modifications to ensure that the drawings accurately reflect their design intent and
meet their project requirements. This process may involve multiple rounds of
revisions and collaboration between the client and the shop drawing provider.
5. Finalization and approval: Once the client is satisfied with the shop drawings, they
are finalized and prepared for approval. The final drawings may include annotations,
callouts, and detailed notes to provide additional clarity and guidance for fabrication
and installation.

6. Delivery of shop drawings: The approved shop drawings are delivered to the client
in the desired format, typically as digital files or printed copies. These drawings serve
as a comprehensive guide for fabricators, contractors, and installers to ensure that
the glazing elements are manufactured and installed correctly according to the
client's specifications.

Figure 5. Flowchart of shop drawings

What can be found inside of a glazing shop drawing?
1. Title Block: This section provides
essential information such as the
project name, drawing title, date,
scale, and any relevant project
numbers or references.
3. Plans: Detailed floor plans showing
the layout and placement of glazing
elements within the building,
including dimensions, openings,
and any associated framing or
supports.
5. Sections: Cross-sectional views of
the building or specific areas
showing the vertical and horizontal
construction details of glazing
elements, including framing, seals,
and connections to adjacent
building elements.
7. Material Specifications: Detailed
specifications for materials used in
the glazing system, including types
of glass, framing materials, seals,
gaskets, hardware, finishes, and any
other relevant components.
9. Sealant and Gasket Details:
Information about the type,
location, and application of sealants
and gaskets used to weatherproof
and seal the glazing system.
11. Annotation and Dimensioning:
Clear and concise annotations,
2. General Notes: These are written
instructions or specifications that
apply to the entire set of drawings,
providing important information
about materials, construction
methods, and other project-specific
details.
4. Elevations: Front, rear, and side
views of the building or specific
areas showing the vertical
arrangement of glazing elements,
including dimensions, profiles, and
any decorative features.
6. Details: Close-up views of specific
areas or components, providing
detailed information about
connections, joints, fasteners, seals,
and other critical details necessary
for fabrication and installation.
8. Hardware Schedules: Lists or tables
specifying the types, sizes,
quantities, and locations of
hardware such as hinges, handles,
locks, and other accessories used in
the glazing system.
10. Installation Instructions: Step-by-
step instructions or diagrams
detailing the proper installation
methods and techniques for the
glazing system, including
anchorage, fastening, sealing, and
any special considerations or
requirements.
12. Revision History: A record of any
revisions or changes made to the
 callouts, and dimension lines drawings, including dates,
indicating specific details, descriptions, and authorship, to
measurements, and references track the evolution of the design
throughout the drawings to ensure and ensure that the most current
clarity and accuracy. information is being used.

What could be a good pricing for this kind of service?

It's essential to emphasize that the pricing for this service is highly dependent on the scope
of work and the project's specifications, resulting in considerable variability in costs.
However, as a general guideline, a reasonable rate for glazing shop drawings could be
around $50 per page.