Modern businesses are becoming dependent on modern facade solutions to attain effectiveness and aesthetics. The curtain walling system is among those that have gained popularity among architects, builders, and developers. Two big strategies prevail within this system, which include stick system curtain walling and unitised curtain walling.
When designing curtain wall glazing of a project, it is necessary to understand these systems.
Understanding the Curtain Walling System
The wall is not subject to building loads and can be lightweight and still satisfy structural and performance requirements. The thing in this regard is the curtain wall glazing, which defines thermal performance, acoustics, and appearance.
Stick and unitised systems can be chosen based on factors such as building height, construction schedule, site, and supply of skilled installation teams.
Stick System Curtain Walling Explained
One of the most common and traditional methods of using curtain walling is stick system curtain walling. Under this method, individual parts, such as vertical mullions, horizontal transoms, and glass panels, are moving their places individually.
First, mullions are attached to the floor of the structure of a building on each floor. Transoms are then fastened up, creating a frame on which the glass or glazing units are fitted.
Low and mid-rise buildings and projects often have stick systems that require customization. Nevertheless, due to the on-site nature of most of the work, the process of installation may require more time and can be affected by adverse weather conditions.
Unitised Curtain Walling: A Modern Approach
Unitised curtain walling, on the other hand, is a prefabricated system. Big panels are referred to as units, aluminium framing, and already glazed panels, are produced in a controlled factory environment. These are then delivered to the location and fitted on the building structure.
This process saves more labour on site and allows less time to be spent on site installation. Provided that glazing and sealing are carried out off-site, the quality control will be more stable. This system is commonly suggested by unitized curtain wall contractors in high-rises where speed, safety, and precision are major concerns.
The unitized systems are specifically appropriate in big commercial towers, hotels, and mixed-use developments. They are effective on tall structures because they do not have to rely on a scaffold and external access equipment.
Curtain Wall Glazing Considerations
Curtain wall glazing is a key component regardless of whether a stick system or a unitized system is being used. The glass choice may be either single, dual, or triple-glazed thermal and sound considerations.
Maintenance and long-term performance are also affected by the glazing technique. When glass is well-integrated with framing systems, it becomes weather-tight, durable, and energy-saving.
Comparing Stick and Unitised Systems
In the selection of stick system curtain walling or unitised curtain walling, project-specific needs are a decisive factor. Stick systems are flexible and may be economical for smaller projects. They also enable modifying them at the time of installation, which proves useful in complicated architectural designs.
On the other hand, unitised systems are fast and consistent. The fabrication in factories reduces the site-related errors and decreases the construction time. This method is commonly popular with developers with short deadlines or difficult site access.
Unitized curtain wall contractors have the experience and knowledge of dealing with prefabricated and lifting equipment and aligning to the precise height. On the same note, precise stick system curtain wall installation requires the use of skilled teams, given that the performance directly relies on on-site workmanship.
Choosing the Right System for Your Project
The choice of the correct curtain walling system for the building, the intricacy of design, the budget, and the time of construction. Communication between architects, engineers, and façade specialists early can assist in ensuring that the adopted system fits in the general project objectives.
Consequently, curtain walling has become a flexible facade system that can be used to satisfy the current architectural and performance criteria.
There is really no discussion about whether stick system curtain walling or unitised curtain walling is better than the other; there is only a discussion on which one is more suitable for a particular project. The two systems have their own merits in their installation, efficiency, and use. With knowledge of these systems and their integration with curtain wall glazing, stakeholders in the project can contribute to the design value and performance of the project.
