What is Curtain Walling?
If you’ve spent time exploring architectural glazing, you may have encountered the term “curtain walling.” While it may not be commonly known in home improvement discussions, curtain wall systems play a significant role in modern construction.
In this guide, we will explore curtain wall systems, their composition, ideal applications, and the practical benefits they offer.
Definition and Purpose
A curtain wall is an outer covering of a building designed to protect it from weather elements. Unlike traditional structural walls, curtain walls are non-load-bearing and can be made from lightweight materials, reducing the overall weight and cost of construction.
Curtain wall systems can be custom-designed for specific projects or purchased as proprietary off-the-shelf solutions. Both horizontal and vertical curtain walling options are available, making them suitable for residential and commercial installations.
Multiple glazing treatments can be used in curtain walling, including transparent, translucent, and opaque glass, offering varying degrees of visibility and privacy. Solar control glazing is often preferred to minimize heat buildup while maximizing natural daylight.
How is Curtain Walling Made?
Since curtain walls are non-structural, they can be fabricated using lightweight materials, significantly reducing construction costs. Typically, curtain walls are fitted within extruded aluminum members, as aluminum offers the necessary strength and stability to support large glass panels.
Historically, curtain walls were constructed using glass over a steel frame. However, modern curtain wall systems primarily use aluminum frames due to their durability and sleek appearance. These thinner aluminum frames enable striking architectural facades that allow maximum natural light penetration in buildings of all sizes.
Some curtain wall systems incorporate alternative materials such as stone veneer, metal panels, or operable vents. Regardless of the material used, curtain walls differ from traditional external walls because they do not contribute to a building’s structural integrity.
Benefits of Curtain Walling
1. Structural Support
Curtain walls support their own weight and any external loads, such as wind pressure and seismic activity, without burdening the building’s main structure.
2. Design Flexibility
Curtain wall systems offer extensive customization options in terms of glazing types, textures, and finishes. This flexibility is what makes them a preferred choice for iconic buildings, such as The Gherkin in London.
3. Maximized Natural Light and Views
Due to the lightweight materials used, curtain wall systems feature slimmer frames, allowing more natural light to enter buildings. This creates bright, airy interiors while providing panoramic views of the surrounding environment.
4. Thermal Performance
Aluminum, while an excellent structural material, has a high thermal conductivity, which can lead to heat loss. However, the incorporation of thermal breaks, typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), significantly reduces thermal transfer between the interior and exterior.
For instance, advanced systems like our Swiss-engineered Supersun100 exceed thermal efficiency guidelines by incorporating extensively insulated cavities, ensuring optimal energy performance while maintaining expansive glazed designs.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
Curtain walls offer modern aesthetics with industry-leading performance. Our systems use toughened, laminated, double-glazed Low-E Supertherm80 units, available with optional self-cleaning and solar control glass. Additionally, frames can be customized with different interior and exterior colors to suit individual design preferences.
Can I Install Curtain Walling in My Home?
Yes! Curtain walling is not limited to commercial buildings. We offer full installation services for fixed curtain walls, allowing homeowners to enjoy the same high-quality architectural glazing used in world-class structures.
Whether for residential or commercial applications, curtain walling provides an elegant, energy-efficient, and structurally sound solution for modern building design.
