August 26, 2024

Glass Storefronts vs. Curtain Walls: A Guide for Business Owners

As a business owner or a real estate developer, you may have heard terms like “glass storefront” and “curtain wall.” So what are the differences?

Curtain walls and storefronts not only shape the external appearance of a building but are also pivotal in making a strong first impression on your customers. Given the architectural styles and brand guidelines, these elements can significantly influence the aesthetic and functionality of your building, incorporating everything from commercial canopies to windows and signs.

The Differences Between Glass Storefronts and Curtain Walls

Both types of commercial glass refer to a building or its facade while talking with architects and project managers. Both of these terms are architectural and connect to the exterior part of the building. Storefronts and curtain walls have similar functionality. They protect the interior features of the building and its occupants from harsh weather conditions. They also serve to ensure maximum sunshine and insulation from the outside.

Choosing between these two types of glazing solutions requires careful consideration of their attributes and how they align with your business needs. A professional glass installer can provide invaluable insights into which system—glass storefront or curtain wall—would best suit your specific requirements. Their expertise ensures that you not only choose the right type of commercial glass but also maximize its benefits in terms of energy efficiency, customer appeal, and brand coherence.

Keep reading to learn how to compare and decide which type of commercial glass you’ll need.

1) Application

A glass storefront is a non-residential and non-load bearing that serves as a business entrance framework with commercial windows. The typical range of storefront windows is 10 feet high or less, connected to the main entrance of its commercial glass doors.

Architects usually utilize storefronts for ground-floor structures. While designing a building, they may even employ storefronts for the second or third floor. The storefronts are focus-coated and not self-depleting.

On the other hand, curtain wall systems are non-load-bearing at the exterior wall that hang like curtains from all the floor sections. According to the plan of the building structure, these walls may rise higher than 25 feet. Usually, the walls range from different floors and are typically front-coated. It also comprises a self-depleting framework. 

Therefore, curtain walls are taller than storefronts. They are applicable in high-rise buildings, while storefronts are on ground floors or low-rise buildings.

Glass Storefronts vs. Curtain Walls - A Guide for Business Owners - storefront glazing, glass storefront, storefront windows, storefront window replacement, aluminum storefront systems - Modern Glazing

2) Performance

Another contrasting factor between storefronts and curtain walls is performance. Both architectural systems work in different performances at different heights in different ways. For example, storefronts will function well on ground levels. Structural silicones or glazing gaskets may only perform well in high-rise buildings when protected from weather elements.

These walls will also have higher air, water, and structural performance. Gaskets form the seal of the walls to keep air and moisture out. Moreover, on the higher floors, curtain walls function better. They come with unitized systems. These systems are fabricated and pre-assembled into units in the shop. Fabrication and pre-arrangement of curtain walls ensure that performance requirements are not subject to uncontrolled circumstances in the field.

In addition to this, the thermal performance of curtain walls is also much better than storefront glazing. It is significantly higher than the storefronts due to the attachment of a thermal break. The thermal break separates the pressure plate from the back members during commercial glass repair. Other features that enhance and improve the function of aluminum storefront systems include polyamide pressure plates, P&D parts, and polyamide struts.

Hence, the architectural systems are different in terms of performance and features, with curtain walls performing better in many ways.

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3) Water Management

Another critical difference between curtain walls and storefronts involves managing water in these systems. In a curtain wall, the weeping of each glass sill occurs separately.

Meanwhile, in a storefront system, the weeping of the whole storefront occurs at the sill. The system directs any amount of water entering the system towards the vertical mullion of the sill. Through the vertical mullion, weeping occurs through the outer part of the building. As a result, it can lead to the system becoming overloaded when the exposure to weather becomes excessive. For this reason, storefronts are typically lower in height.

As a result of its water management system, the system becomes overloaded as the exposure to weather increases. For this reason, the storefront has a limitation in height. Business owners should locate their commercial windows below the fourth floor for ideal sunlight and weather protection. In this way, weather elements may not disrupt the functionality of storefront windows.

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4) Cost

Costs linked with storefront glazing and curtain wall systems differ with various variations in the region due to the labor market. Typically, the storefront is less expensive and budget-friendly. These cheaper costs of storefronts are due to the different products and materials of preference for entrance and elevations on the first and second floors.

Curtain walls tend to be more expensive in material and labor. However, it enables architects and designers to enjoy higher flexibility in both design and performance. Other common aspects that affect the cost of both architectural structures may include the type of glass storefronts, aluminum storefront systems, or curtain walls. Your other material selections might include thermal break methods and finishing choices.

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5) Longevity

Storefronts and curtain walls differ significantly in terms of their longevity and durability. While both options provide robust solutions, the curtain wall typically outlasts its counterpart due to its superior resistance to harsh environmental conditions. The structural design of curtain walls allows for better thermal efficiency, which not only contributes to energy savings but also reduces the stress placed on the materials from temperature fluctuations. This precaution makes curtain walls particularly advantageous for high-rise buildings where exposure to elements is more significant.

Moreover, the materials and construction methods used in curtain wall systems are geared toward long-term sustainability and minimal maintenance. These systems are designed to withstand the rigors of time, providing a reliable barrier against weather-related wear and tear. Consequently, businesses can expect curtain walls to require fewer repairs and replacements over their lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run. The investment in a curtain wall system translates to less frequent needs for commercial glass repairs, lower maintenance costs, and greater overall value retention of the property.

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Key Takeaways

Curtain wall and storefront window replacement vary in performance, costs, duration, and water management. Some other internal factors also differentiate the curtain wall systems and storefront walls.

All in all, these are the critical differences between storefront glazing and curtain walls. Analyzing these differences can help you choose between the best choice among various storefronts and curtain walls.

Choosing the better option may also differ according to the distinct requirements of the business owner and their businesses, including architectural needs, budget, and aesthetics.

In these cases, a glass installer service may come to your service to help you and ease the installation with efficiency and professionalism. At Modern Glazing, our glass installers ensure that your storefront window replacement stands out and looks unique.

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THE HIGHEST-RATED COMMERCIAL GLASS IN MA

At Modern Glazing, we offer an extensive portfolio of commercial glass to transform your business. As MA’s leading commercial glass company, we provide versatile, durable, and functional storefront window replacements for businesses of all sizes. Since 1952, we’ve built custom architectural glass installations all over New England. View our commercial glass portfolio today to see how Modern Glazing can renovate your storefront.

Your satisfaction is our priority. We perform a walk-through upon project completion to ensure you love every detail of your glass installation.

You can also follow us on Instagram for project updates to see our latest glass installations!

May 17, 2021

What Is A Curtain Wall System?

A Curtain Wall System serves as an external cladding for glass architecture and buildings with non-structural outer walls. Typically, a Curtain Wall System consists of aluminum-framed commercial glass or metal planes. The Curtain Wall System has been a distinctive feature of modern architecture and has been widely adopted commercially. The rise in the adoption of the curtain walls have also given an immense boost to the businesses of glass manufacturers and commercial glaziers. It is one of the most sought-after glazing systems that add to the aesthetic and robust design of the building and, commercially, offers a multitude of advantages.

What you’ll learn in the rest of this article:

Curtain Wall System designed and constructed by Modern Glazing

What are different types of curtain Wall Systems?

The Curtain Wall Systems are differentiated based on their fabrication and the way they are installed. They are distinguished in the two following categories as follows:

Unitized or Modular Systems:

Unitized and Modular System involves arrangement and glazing of significant components into a single unit at the factory site. It doesn’t include a separate installation of a single unit. This type of curtain wall is usually preferred for large towering buildings. Other advantages of unitized systems include a faster mode of construction at a lower labor cost. However, shipping charges to transport are often high due to the transportation of a large curtain wall unit and escorting it with safety at the main building site.

Stick Systems:

Stick systems are given preference for the construction of small buildings and regions. It involves arranging and installing the small units of the curtain wall in the region where the curtain wall system is installed. However, compared to unitized systems, the time consumption in stick systems is much greater, and labor costs are also higher. But the shipping charges are lower comparatively.

The project requirements are an essential factor while choosing between these types of curtain wall systems.

Curtain Wall System at Holley Cross Loyola Hall

Commercial benefits of using a Curtain Wall System?

The Curtain Wall System is widely being installed commercially, and it’s one of the most noticeable features in modern architectural designs. Most business owners are choosing Curtain Wall Systems due to the plethora of commercial gains it provides them. It is one of the commercial glaziers’ recommended systems and one of the most feasible options.

The most significant benefits of the Curtain Wall System are discussed below:

Impressive visuals:

The striking and stunning visuals that a curtain wall adds to the design of the building are indubitable. With the installment of curtain walls, the stylish and sturdy design of the building is impressive enough to attract clients and meet the standard demands of modern architectural structures and design.

Robust and durable built:

Curtain walls primarily consist of high-quality contents like Aluminum which are low in weight yet strong and robust. The Aluminum also increases the durability of the building structure.

Flexibility in design:

Another excellent advantage is, curtain walls provide flexibility in design. While planning and designing your project, you have a great range of autonomy to build customized structures with the help of commercial glass manufacturers. As mentioned, the building of curtain walls involves Aluminum which is a highly flexible metal; thus, there are no design obstructions. Commercial glaziers and glass manufacturers can quickly meet the project criteria that help you reflect the business branding.

Lower Construction Costs:

Since the manufacturing of the Curtain Wall System involves lightweight materials, it reduces the cost of construction to a great extent.

Supports its weight:

The curtain walls are technically designed so that it supports its weight without taking support from the building.

Reduces power consumption:

Installing curtain walls might prove a cost-effective investment since it reduces power consumption to a great deal. Curtain walls help in stabilizing the building temperature. Compared to ordinary glass, the latest curtain walls reduce 40.8% of the heating demands of the building. The curtain walls also increase lighting efficiency, thereby reducing the lighting bills. Thus, overall, they reduce power consumption. In addition to this, curtain walls also mitigate the penetration of UltraViolet rays.

Safety against Fire:

Curtain walls create a buffer between the compartments of the building which increases the safety against Fire. In case of an accident or emergency, Curtain walls help reduce the spread of fire movement in facilities. The exterior walls of the curtain walls are the first barrier towards the accidental blasts and fire outbreak. Specially designed laminated glass used in curtain walls can be blast resistant. It can withstand forces so that the interior and the workers inside the buildings stay protected.

Eliminates water and pollutants infiltration:

The curtain walls don’t allow water infiltration during precipitation. It also does not allow the entry of air pollutants. These functions are environmentally friendly since it also blocks the access of carbon dioxide and increases the building structure’s durability.

Protection against winds:

Curtain walls provide the building structure resistance and protection against the winds. The Curtain Wall System does this by equally distributing the kinetic force along the surface of the structure. Hence, the structure develops more resistance against the wind forces and stays secure.

Protection against extreme weather conditions:

The curtain walls protect against any sort of extreme weather conditions such as high precipitation in the form of rainfall or snowfall. The curtain walls are specially designed to withstand the weather extremities without collapsing. It can bear a sufficient seismic load and other harsh weather calamities without causing fatal damage to the building structure and it’s interior. In this way, the cost of damage and repairing the damages are also saved. You can also install special commercial glass while designing your curtain walls prone to weather calamities such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

Positive impact on the interior of the building:

The curtain walls ensure more excellent illumination inside the building that enhances the working environment, especially during the daytime. With curtain walls, the interior of the building gives an extensive spacious look. This helps you optimize a smaller space in a significant way.

Thus, you can build a brighter and bigger space inside your building.

Next Steps

Curtain walls are an icon of contemporary architecture and render structural stability to the building. They can also function as a protection for your building model, keeping the interior safe and appeasing at the same time. Moreover, it can even gain business owners long-term commercial benefits such as low maintenance costs and mitigate repair costs. In the long run, it can prove to be a cost-effective investment.  Hence, curtain wall system can be a perfect addition to your business buildings and offices.

Modern Architectural Glazing has been designing and developing Curtain Wall Systems for some of the leading business in the area for years. We have the knowledge and expertise to craft your project to your desired specifications. Click below to learn more about everything we have to offer. Or you can follow us on Instagram to see highlights of our latest projects!

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