CURTAIN WALL
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CURTAIN WALL SYSTEMS
A curtain wall can instantly transform the exterior of any commercial or residential property. On top of looking modern and sleek, curtain walls can increase a building’s structural stability and help keep out the elements. If you want to incorporate a curtain wall into your next build, the team at All-West Glass can help. For expert window and glass advice, contact us today.
WHAT’S A GLASS CURTAIN WALL?
A curtain wall is a thin, non-load-bearing exterior wall that hangs from the floor slabs of a building. Curtain walls are typically fitted with double or triple-paned glass and span multiple floors.
TYPES OF CURTAIN WALLS
There are two main types of curtain wall systems: unitized curtain walls and stick curtain walls. Although the glass walls look similar, the way they’re made makes them suitable for different applications.
UNITIZED CURTAIN WALL SYSTEMS
are assembled and glazed at a manufacturing facility and then shipped to the worksite for quick installation. These units are uniform and structurally engineered to withstand environmental stresses. Because of this, they’re most often used on high-rise buildings.
STICK CURTAIN WALL SYSTEMS
are shipped directly to the worksite in pieces, where they’re then assembled, glazed and installed. This type of curtain wall allows for more customization and can be made to meet the specific dimensions for any given project. However, because of the increased complexity, they usually take longer to install and are more suitable for low to mid-rise buildings.
If you need help deciding which type of construction is best for your building, the experts at All-West Glass would be happy to point you in the right direction.
CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
If you’re looking to make an impact with your curtain wall, here are a few customization options you may want to consider:
TINTS AND COATINGS.
Low-E tints can be used on curtain walls to limit UV penetration and help maintain a constant and comfortable indoor temperature year-round. In addition, condensation-resistant and reflective coatings can be applied to help enhance the performance of the curtain wall.
DECORATIVE GLAZING.
Unique design elements can be incorporated into curtain walls to add visual interest. For example, the glass panels can be lightly etched or sandblasted with a specific design. In addition, spandrel glass is designed to be opaque and is an attractive way to hide structural elements like columns or vents between the floors of a building.
MUNTINS.
These thin horizontal and vertical bars can be incorporated into curtain walls to create a more traditional look. This style of curtain wall is often used for solariums, sunrooms and pool houses.
ALTERNATE MATERIALS.
Natural stone, metal and terracotta can be used in place of glass to make a state mentor increase a building’s fire-rating.
To learn about further customization options, speak with one of the knowledgeable staff members at All-West Glass.
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CURTAIN WALLS
If you need a curtain wall installed for your home or business, All-West Glass has you covered. Our all-service glass team specializes in installing, repairing and maintaining a wide variety of residential and commercial glass products, including windows, doors, skylights, storefronts, railings and more. Contact us today to discuss your project.