Curtain Wall Vs Windows

Curtain wall vs window wall.

Curtain wall vs windows.

This is the exterior wall of the building and a number of factors determine a storefront vs curtain wall. Storefront is defined as a non residential non load bearing assembly of commercial entrance systems and windows usually spanning between the floor and the structure above designed for high use and strength. These panels which are typically pre manufactured are sealed with caulking and tape and like curtain walls they are non load bearing. A window wall is achieved by placing glazing between a building s concrete slabs using the slabs as structural support.

Installation specifics and benefits. If installed correctly curtain wall systems provide excellent structural integrity as there are fewer mullions and joints required when compared to most window wall systems. Since curtain wall is attached from the outside of a building small cranes and boom lifts most often provided by the installer are typically required for installation. A curtain wall is hung off the edge of a slab usually 4 or 5 inches using metal brackets that are cast into the slab.

Reviewing the features and differences of these systems with the product. Window walls are put between the slabs and actually rest on the slab itself the mullion does overhang the slab by about 1 so that a spandrel panel can cover the slab. Curtainwall and storefront systems share similar functions and appearance. A spandrel panel is an opaque thermally insulated unit in the curtain wall.

It can fill. In effect curtain walls which are non load bearing hang like curtains from the structure. They consist of vision glazing as well as opaque spandrel panels. Both are designed to protect the building and its occupants from weather while providing daylight and views of the outside.

What s the difference between storefront window wall and curtain wall. Acting as a single unit curtain walls are highly resistant to moisture wind heat and earthquakes. That is where the similarity ends. Vision glazing simply means that the glass is transparent or translucent.

Curtain wall is utilized for casings that are 13 feet or higher. In business development glass is a flexible structure component. They require little maintenance. Window walls alternatively are mounted in between the concrete floor slabs.

Unlike windows placed into a wall also known as punched windows curtain walls can comprise the entire outer skin of the building. The systems are designed to best suit the application for which they are intended. What is a window wall. Due to the great structural strength curtain wall can handle larger glass sizes than window wall.