See how UltraGlaze SSG4600 structural glazing sealant helped support façade performance on one of Canada's tallest residential towers.
SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge in Toronto is one of the tallest residential buildings in North America, rising 353 metres across 106 storeys. As part of the larger Pinnacle One Yonge waterfront development, the project required a façade system capable of supporting long-term performance under high wind loads, temperature fluctuations, and continual building movement.
To help meet these demands, UltraGlaze™ SSG4600 silicone structural glazing sealant was selected for the building's glass façade system.
Located on Toronto's waterfront, SkyTower forms part of the Pinnacle One Yonge mixed-use development, which combines residential, hotel, retail, and public spaces within a landmark urban development.
The building contains more than 950 residential units alongside a range of amenities, including fitness, wellness, and entertainment facilities. The first twelve floors accommodate the 223-suite Le Méridien Hotel.
The tower's distinctive 12-sided profile was inspired by the geometry of a faceted jewel, helping create a striking visual presence on Toronto's skyline. Its tapered form, wind slots, and sloped corners were incorporated to help reduce wind-induced loads while maintaining the architectural vision.
Buildings exceeding 300 metres in height are exposed to significantly greater environmental stresses than conventional structures.
High-rise façades must accommodate:
These factors place additional demands on glazing systems and façade sealants, particularly in exposed waterfront locations such as Toronto.
Silicone structural glazing sealants are commonly specified for high-rise and supertall construction because they are designed to combine strength, flexibility, and long-term weather resistance.
For SkyTower, UltraGlaze SSG4600 sealant was selected to help support the performance of the curtain wall system while accommodating movement caused by wind loading and thermal expansion.
The sealant offers:
These properties make silicone structural glazing sealants well suited to demanding façade applications where long-term durability is a key consideration.
Toronto's waterfront location exposes buildings to challenging environmental conditions throughout the year.
Strong winds from Lake Ontario, seasonal temperature changes, and prolonged exposure to moisture can place additional stress on façade systems. Materials used within the building envelope must therefore be capable of maintaining performance under a wide range of environmental conditions.
UltraGlaze SSG4600 sealant is designed to provide long-term resistance to these conditions while maintaining elasticity over time.
Alongside performance benefits, installation efficiency was also an important consideration.
UltraGlaze SSG4600 sealant is designed for efficient application, offering primerless adhesion, rapid strength build-up, and flexible working time.
These characteristics helped support installation by BV Glazing, the façade contractor responsible for the design and installation of the curtain wall system.
Developer: Pinnacle International
Architect: Hariri Pontarini Architects
Curtain Wall Contractor: BV Glazing
What is structural glazing sealant?
Structural glazing sealant is a high-performance silicone adhesive used to bond glass to curtain wall framing systems. It helps transfer loads while maintaining weather resistance and accommodating movement within the façade.
Why is silicone used in skyscraper façades?
Silicone is commonly used in skyscraper façades because it offers a combination of strength, flexibility, UV resistance, and long-term durability. These properties help support façade performance under wind loads, temperature changes, and environmental exposure.
How do supertall buildings accommodate movement?
Supertall buildings are designed to move slightly in response to wind and thermal expansion. Flexible façade materials, including structural glazing silicone sealants, help accommodate this movement while maintaining the integrity of the building envelope.
What is a curtain wall system?
A curtain wall system is a non-structural exterior façade that encloses a building. It is designed to resist weather, manage moisture, and support the building's architectural appearance while transferring loads back to the primary structure.
What environmental conditions affect high-rise façades?
High-rise façades are exposed to wind, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycling. Over time, these conditions can affect building envelope performance, which is why material selection is an important part of façade design.
Performance results are those of customer reported accounts, and are not to be relied upon as typical or expected under any other circumstances. Performance results will vary depending upon a number of process-related factors. Prospective customers should rely solely upon their own evaluative techniques to determine what processing parameters are attainable and optimal to their specific needs. Further note that Momentive is not endorsed by or affiliated with any ownership authority of SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge.
P.E., CSI, Application Development Leader at Momentive Performance Materials Inc. Member: IIBEC, ASTM C24, ISO TC59/SC8
With over 25 years of global experience in construction sealants, adhesives, and coatings, Errol is an expert in structural glazing, sealant performance. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering.
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