When glass or insulating glass units (IGUs) are installed directly onto screw heads, beads, or uneven frame surfaces, stresses can build up in the unit, increasing the risk of breakage, unit failure or distortion. Bridge packers are engineered to span these obstacles while still providing a stable, level support point in the correct glazing positions.

Manufactured from high‑quality plastic, these packers are dimensionally stable and resistant to moisture, rot and corrosion. They are suitable for use in:

• uPVC windows and doors
• Aluminium frames and curtain wall systems
• Timber windows and doors
• Composite and commercial glazing systems

Bridge packers are typically used in conjunction with standard flat glazing packers to achieve correct load bearing, toe‑and‑heeling and edge clearance in line with industry best practice and manufacturer guidelines.

Typical Applications & Use Cases

• uPVC window & door glazing
  Supporting double and triple glazed units while maintaining drainage slots in the frame rebate.
• Aluminium and curtain wall glazing
  Providing stable bearing points for IGUs and panels above pressure plates, fixings and gaskets.
• Timber window installations
  Ensuring glass is lifted clear of frame rebates, sealant beds and irregular surfaces while keeping drainage paths open.
• Composite doors & glazed panels
  Supporting vision panels and sidelights where fixings and hardware must be bridged.
• Commercial & façade glazing
  Used as part of a controlled glazing packer layout in shopfronts, screens and façades.

Installation Guidance

Basic Use of Bridge Packers

1. Identify glazing positions
   Refer to the frame and glass manufacturer’s instructions for recommended packer locations (e.g. setting blocks, toe‑and‑heel points).
2. Place bridge packers
   Position bridge packers in the frame rebate where they will span screw heads, drainage slots or uneven areas, ensuring the bridge sits uppermost.
3. Combine with flat packers (if required)
   Use flat glazing packers alongside or above/below bridge packers to achieve the correct height, edge clearances and load distribution.
4. Install the glass/unit
   Carefully place the glass or IGU onto the packers, ensuring it is fully supported on the bridge sections and not touching frame fixings or the rebate floor.
5. Check alignment and clearances
   Confirm the unit is plumb, level and square, with appropriate edge gaps all round before fitting beads or gaskets.

Best Practice Tips

• Always follow the glazing specification and manufacturer guidance for packer type, size and location.
• Use bridge packers wherever glass would otherwise sit directly over drainage slots or screw heads.
• Do not over‑pack – packers should support the unit evenly without forcing frames out of square.
• Combine different packer thicknesses to fine‑tune height and toe‑and‑heel arrangements.

Key Features & Advantages

• Raised “Bridge” Profile
  Feature: Elevated support surface with open underside.
  Benefit: Spans screws and drainage slots while maintaining a clear path for water and air beneath.
• Non‑Compressible Plastic
  Feature: Rigid, high‑strength plastic formulation.
  Benefit: Provides long‑term, stable support without crushing or deforming under the weight of glass units.
• Precise Dimensions
  Feature: Manufactured to tight thickness tolerances (variant‑dependent).
  Benefit: Enables accurate packer layouts and consistent support in professional glazing systems.
• Compatible with Flat Packers
  Feature: Designed to work alongside standard glazing shims/packers.
  Benefit: Allows installers to create custom support stacks for almost any frame and unit configuration.
• Suitable for Multiple Frame Types
  Feature: Safe for use with uPVC, aluminium, timber and composite frames.
  Benefit: One solution for mixed‑material projects and multi‑system installers.

Technical Information

• • Product Type: Bridge packers / bridge glazing shims
  • Profile: Raised bridge with open underside for drainage/ventilation
  • Material: High‑strength plastic (non‑corrosive, non‑rotting)
  • Compatibility: uPVC, aluminium, timber and composite frames
  • Typical Use: Supporting glass and IGUs above fixings and drainage slots
  • Usage: In conjunction with flat glazing packers and to manufacturer’s glazing specifications
  • Environment: Suitable for internal and external glazing applications

Bridge Packers Glazing Shims Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between bridge packers and flat glazing packers?

Bridge packers have a raised support surface with a gap underneath to span fixings and drainage slots. Flat packers are solid shims used for general support where no drainage path or fixing needs to be bridged. In practice, they are often used together.

2. Do I always need to use bridge packers?

Use bridge packers wherever the glass or IGU would otherwise rest on screw heads, beads, frame irregularities or over drainage channels. In other positions, standard flat packers may be sufficient, following the glazing specification.

3. Can bridge packers be used with triple glazing?

Yes, provided they are of suitable size and load capacity and installed according to the frame and glass manufacturer’s recommendations. Always check the glazing instructions for heavy or oversized units.

4. Are these packers suitable for external use?

Yes. They are made from durable plastic designed for use inside frame rebates, where they are protected but still exposed to moisture and condensation paths.

5. How do I choose the correct thickness of bridge packer?

Select thicknesses based on the required support height, edge clearances and load positions specified by the frame/glass manufacturer. Different thicknesses can be combined or used with flat packers to fine‑tune the glazing setup.