Curtain Walls

The most popular Curtain Wall is stick fabricated and used with a pressure glaze system. This is typically used as a structural glazing system in mid to low-rise commercial applications. Contact us to discuss what is best for your project.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CURTAIN WALL AND WINDOW WALL SYSTEMS?

A window wall system spans only a single floor, is supported by the slab below and above, and is therefore installed within the slab edge.

A curtain wall is a structurally independent/self-supporting system, typically spanning multiple stories, and is installed proud of/beyond the slab edge.

COMPONENTS OF CURTAIN WALL AND WINDOW WALL SYSTEMS

1. Both systems utilize many of the same components and common terminology. Here are some of the more common terms and components used:Mullion – The metal extrusion between glazing panels that supports the system. Mullions are used both vertically (up & down) and horizontally (left to right).

2. Pressure Plate – A metal plate secured to the mullion to retain the glass in place, typically 2 or more inches wide, present at each horizontal & vertical mullion. A snap cover, the exterior “cap” of the mullion, covers the pressure plate and is the visible portion of the mullion on the exterior.

3. Structural Silicone – In lieu of a pressure plate, the glass may be held in place via structural silicone to give a more minimal appearance.  There is either a gasketed joint or wet-sealed joint a fraction of an inch wide visible between glass panels on the exterior, rather than a 2-inch or wider metal pressure plate and cap.

4. Insulated Glazing Unit (IGU) – Two or more panes of glass separated by a spacer and filled with an inert gas (argon, krypton). Often referred to as double-glazed or double-pane (though can include more than 2 layers), an IGU provides improved insulation value over a single pane of glass.

5. Spacer – The component that separates the glass panes at the edge of the IGU. It often includes a desiccant material to absorb moisture. Better spacer materials can improve the overall insulation value of the system.

6. Setting Blocks – Used to separate IGU edge from the mullion/frame at the perimeter.

7. Gaskets – Extruded rubber used as a glazing seal between the IGU and mullion. They are compressed into a joint between frame and window at both the exterior and interior.

8. Wet Seals – In lieu of gaskets, field-applied wet sealant can be installed between the IGU and mullion. Wet seals are typically silicone applied over a backer rod or glazing tape.

9. Fixed Glazing – As the name implies, these are glass panels that do not move.

10. Operable Panel/Operable Vent – These are hinged or sliding glazed panels that allow for the introduction of fresh air into the building. These require specialized hardware (hinge, latch, etc.) and a “frame within a frame” to hold the glazing in place.

11. Spandrel Panel – As opposed to vision glass, a spandrel is an opaque panel of either obscured coated glass or another material (metal, masonry veneer, thin stone). They are typically used to conceal structural elements (columns, slab edges) or interstitial space (above ceilings). There is often a “shadow box” or “backpan” behind the panel to hold/conceal insulation to improve the thermal performance of the overall system.

12. Louvered Panel – A panel that incorporates louvers for the operation of mechanical units (PTACs, exhaust fans). The louvered panel should be integrated with a sleeve to allow for protection from water infiltration and allows for drainage to the exterior.

13. Anchor – Used with curtain wall systems, the anchor ties the curtain wall to the slab edges or structural frame. The anchors can be embedded when the slab is poured or fastened to slab after the slab is in place.

14. Receptor – Used with window wall systems, a receptor is often a C-shaped channel design to accept the sill, jamb, and head of the overall frame to hold the system in place.

15. Thermal Break – Separates exterior metal mullion components from interior metal mullion components, the thermal break is a literal “break” in between the inside and outside portions of the metal frame/mullion. It reduces thermal conduction through frame/mullions by making the metal discontinuous. The break needs to be contiguous throughout the assembly to be effective. Typically, the wider the break, the better performance.