The article deals with the issues of glass use in the enclosing structures of large-span coverings, which have such advantages as ensuring the penetration of natural light, tightness, minimum labor costs for repair and maintenance. Design shortcomings: the high cost, the need for protection of the internal volume against the penetrating sun rays in the warm season (hothouse effect); arrangement of devices for operation of a roof. The key technical properties and characteristics of glass panels and pane-glass sets, constructive decisions, including interface to the main bearing structures of a large-span covering are given. Peculiarities of their design with due regard for ventilation and smoke removal, a drainage of condensate, ways of fight against frosting and snow drifts on the roof are reflected. Features of the account of loadings, the basic approaches to their calculation are considered. Various design solutions for the spatial metal trussed systems with the original nodal connections are presented. Information on modern solutions of translucent roofs using glass for large-span coverings is given.