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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