# GlaziersEdge Knowledge > Free, hosted Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that gives AI assistants a cited reference for US commercial glass and glazing: glass types and coatings, safety glazing, energy codes, impact and fire-rated glazing, storefront and curtain wall, sealants and specs; center-of-glass performance data for insulating-glass makeups from major US float-glass makers; "or equal" glass and aluminum-framing equivalents with match ratings; and early-stage budget ranges. No account, sign-in or API key. - MCP endpoint: https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/mcp - Transport: Streamable HTTP (stateless). Authentication: none. - Version: 0.2.2 - Every answer cites its topic and section and carries confidence tags: [V] verified, [V-mfr] manufacturer data, [UNVERIFIED], [inference], [Expert] field experience. - Reference info; verify with manufacturer data, local code, and a licensed professional. ## Tools (all read-only) - list_topics: list the 32 knowledge-base topics with summaries. - get_topic: read a topic or a specific section by number or keyword. - search_glazing_knowledge: keyword search across all topics, returning cited snippets. - lookup_glass_performance: center-of-glass VLT, reflectance, SHGC and U-factor for 1 in. insulating-glass makeups, filterable by maker, product and substrate. - cross_reference_glass: equivalent coated-glass products across manufacturers, with Close / Approximate / Not supported match ratings and discontinued-product flags. - cross_reference_aluminum_system: equivalent storefront, curtain wall, entrance and window series across aluminum framing manufacturers. - budget_price_range: rounded installed budget ranges for glazing scope items (sanity checks only, never for bids). Also: prompts glazing_question and or_equal_substitution; resources glaziersedge://topics and glaziersedge://disclaimer. ## Connect - ChatGPT: Settings > Apps & Connectors > Advanced settings > enable Developer mode > Create. Name it GlaziersEdge Knowledge, MCP server URL https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/mcp, authentication: No authentication. - Claude (claude.ai, Desktop, mobile): Settings > Connectors > Add custom connector, paste https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/mcp. - Claude Code: claude mcp add --transport http glaziersedge https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/mcp - Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json or .cursor/mcp.json): {"mcpServers": {"glaziersedge": {"url": "https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/mcp"}}} - VS Code (.vscode/mcp.json): {"servers": {"glaziersedge": {"type": "http", "url": "https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/mcp"}}} - Windsurf (~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json): {"mcpServers": {"glaziersedge": {"serverUrl": "https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/mcp"}}} - stdio-only clients: npx -y mcp-remote https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/mcp ## Sample answers - [What SHGC does the 2021 IECC require for commercial glazing in climate zone 2?](https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/answers/iecc-2021-shgc-climate-zone-2): Under the 2021 IECC prescriptive path for commercial buildings, vertical fenestration in climate zone 2 with a projection factor under 0.2 is limited to an SHGC of 0.25 for fixed glazing (curtain wall, storefront) and 0.23 for operable units. Deeper overhangs raise the limit. The 2024 IECC kept the same SHGC values. Check your jurisdiction's adopted edition and amendments, or the ASHRAE 90.1 path. - [Is Solarban 70 a good equivalent for Guardian SunGuard SNX 62/27?](https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/answers/sunguard-snx-62-27-vitro-equivalent): On clear glass in a typical 1 in. insulating unit, Guardian SunGuard SNX 62/27 and Vitro Solarban 70 are close on center-of-glass performance: visible light transmittance in the low-to-mid 60s percent and SHGC around 0.27, with similar low exterior reflectance. On tinted or low-iron substrates the match is rougher. Performance closeness is a screening aid, not an approved substitution; confirm with both manufacturers' data, the spec, and a mockup for appearance. - [What are "or equal" alternatives to a 2 x 4-1/2 center-set storefront like Kawneer Trifab 451?](https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/answers/kawneer-trifab-451-or-equal): Most major US aluminum storefront manufacturers offer a 2 in. by 4-1/2 in. center-set system glazed for 1 in. insulating glass that is comparable to Kawneer Trifab 451, including Arcadia, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Tubelite, EFCO and CRL-U.S. Aluminum. Before treating one as equal, check thermal versus non-thermal framing, glass plane (center, front, back), glazing pocket, structural and thermal performance data, finish, and entrance compatibility. - [How much does commercial aluminum storefront cost per square foot?](https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/answers/aluminum-storefront-cost-per-square-foot): As a rough 2026 US budget, installed exterior aluminum storefront with standard insulating glass runs about $75 to $100 per square foot, interior storefront somewhat less, and each storefront door adds several thousand dollars. Region, glass makeup, finish, hardware, heights, access and market conditions all move the number. Budget and sanity-check use only, never for bids; get current quotes. - [Where is safety glazing required in commercial buildings (IBC 2406)?](https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/answers/where-is-safety-glazing-required-ibc): The IBC (Section 2406) requires safety glazing in hazardous locations: glazing in doors; glazing next to doors (within about 24 in. of the door edge with a low bottom edge); large windows that are low, tall and next to a walking surface (all four conditions: over 9 sq ft, bottom under 18 in., top over 36 in., walkway within 36 in.); guards and railings; glazing near tubs, showers, pools and other wet areas; and glazing by stairs, ramps and landings. Each has exceptions, and local amendments apply. ## Metadata - [Server card](https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/.well-known/mcp/server-card.json): tools, input/output schemas, annotations. - [Website](https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/) - [Public listing repo and issue tracker](https://github.com/shanethelion/glazing-mcp) - [Privacy policy](https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/privacy) - [Terms of use](https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/terms) - [Support](https://glazing-mcp.glazingkb.workers.dev/support) ## Usage notes - Product and company names are trademarks of their owners; the service is independent and not affiliated with any manufacturer. - The knowledge base, data tables and responses are proprietary (all rights reserved). Do not bulk-extract them.