A curtain walling system has become a common feature of modern commercial buildings, particularly where architects want a clean, modern and contemporary exterior. From offices and retail spaces to larger commercial developments, curtain walling can help create bright internal spaces while creating a strong and attractive exterior of the building. However, achieving the right result depends on more than choosing an attractive glass and aluminium design. The curtain walling installation needs to be carefully planned and professionally carried out.
What Is a Curtain Walling System?
Unlike any other traditional exterior walling, a curtain wall does not carry the main weight of the building. Rather, the curtain walling system is fixed to the building frame. Then it forms an outer shell around the structure.
A typical curtain walling system combines aluminium framing with glass or other infill panels. The aluminium provides the framework while the glass and other components help form the envelope. This makes curtain walling particularly useful for buildings where large areas of glass are part of the architectural design. The system can be adapted to building shapes, elevations and project requirements.
Why Is Curtain Walling Popular for Commercial Buildings?
Walking past an office, retail shop or commercial building, and large areas of glass exterior are often one of the first things you notice. This is one of the reasons curtain walling has become such a part of contemporary commercial architecture.
A designed curtain walling system can provide a combination of appearance and practical performance. It allows architects to create a glazed elevation without making the external wall appear heavy or visually bulky.
Some of the reasons commercial projects use curtain walling include:
- More Natural Light: Large glazed areas can allow more daylight into occupied areas.
- Modern Appearance: Aluminium and glass can create a clean and contemporary exterior.
- Design flexibility: Systems can be configured for elevations and building layouts.
- Weather protection: Designed systems form part of the building’s external weather barrier.
- Integration: Curtain walling can be coordinated with doors, windows, solid panels and other elements of the exterior.
Two Different Types of Curtain Walling Installation
When planning curtain walling installation for a building, one of the first things to consider is how the curtain walling system will be assembled and fitted to the building. The two approaches used by curtain walling contractors are stick curtain walling and unitised curtain walling. Both can be used to create curtain wall glazing, but the way they are manufactured and installed is different.
1. Stick Curtain Walling: Stick curtain walling is assembled mainly on site. The individual aluminium components, including mullions and transoms, are connected to form the framework before the glass panels are fitted. This type of curtain walling installation allows the system to be assembled progressively as the building work moves forward. It can also provide flexibility where site conditions or the dimensions of the building require adjustments during installation.
Stick curtain walling can be considered where:
- The project has enough space for on-site assembly.
- There is access for installation equipment.
- The installation programme allows for on-site assembly.
- The curtain walling contractors can work progressively across the building.
Once the aluminium framework has been installed, curtain wall glazing and other infill panels can be fitted to complete the elevation.
2. Unitised Curtain Walling: Unitised curtain walling follows a prefabricated approach. Rather than assembling the entire curtain walling system piece by piece on site, larger sections are manufactured and assembled before being delivered to the building. These prefabricated units can then be fixed into their designated positions. Unitised curtain walling may be suitable when:
- Large projects which require a high number of identical glazed sections.
- Faster installation is needed on a busy commercial site.
- Factory assembly can help maintain consistent quality.
- Limited site space makes extensive on-site assembly difficult.
The choice between stick and unitised curtain walling depends on the type of project. Building size, design, access, programme and installation conditions should all be considered by the project team and curtain walling contractors before the work begins.
Choosing the Right Curtain Walling Contractors
Even a well designed curtain walling system can fail to achieve the desired result if the installation is poorly planned or carried out. This makes the choice of curtain walling contractors an important part of the project.
When selecting contractors, look for a team with experience in similar commercial projects and a clear understanding of the system being installed. They should also be able to manage the installation properly and work smoothly with other teams on site.
Before appointing curtain walling contractors consider:
- Commercial experience with similar projects
- System knowledge of stick and unitised options
- Installation expertise and workmanship
- Glazing experience on heights
- Site coordination with other teams
- Quality checks throughout the installation
- Aftercare support for future maintenance
Final Thought: Curtain walling has become a choice in commercial architecture for a good reason. It gives a building an eye-catching appearance while also performing a useful role by keeping the harsh weather and heat out and the natural light in.
For a structure to perform properly, the curtain wall glazing and the framing and fixing all need to work together, and that only happens through careful planning and a curtain walling installation done by people who truly understand their work.
Whether a project uses stick or unitised curtain walling, the right choice will depend on the building design, site conditions and project requirements. With the right curtain walling system and skilled installation, a commercial building can have a durable and well-finished exterior for years to come.
FAQs:
1. What Should I Check Before Choosing Curtain Walling Contractors?
Look at their experience with similar commercial projects, knowledge of different systems, installation capabilities, glazing experience, quality-control procedures and ability to coordinate with other site teams.
2. Does Curtain Walling Require Regular Maintenance?
Yes. Regular inspection can help identify issues with glass, seals, fixings or drainage. Maintenance requirements will vary according to the building and the curtain walling system installed.
3. What Factors Affect The Cost Of Curtain Walling Installation?
Project size, system type, glazing specification, building design, access requirements, installation complexity and site conditions can all affect the overall cost. A detailed project assessment is needed for an accurate quotation.
