Complete Guide to Curtain Wall System Types and Their Uses

When you pick a curtain wall system for your building, you have a few main choices. Each type helps with different needs. The most popular types are:

• Stick-built systems

• Unitized systems

• Metal or aluminum curtain wall systems

• Structural glazing wall systems

In 2024, unitized systems made up about 63% of new installs. Choosing the right curtain wall gives your project big benefits. You get things like saving energy, strong walls, and flexible designs. These are important in modern buildings.

Overview of Curtain Wall Systems

What Is a Curtain Wall?

Curtain wall systems are on lots of new buildings. A curtain wall is an outside cover that does not hold up the building. It keeps rain, wind, and weather out. The main building holds all the weight. The curtain wall only holds itself up. It also moves wind loads to the main structure. Most curtain walls use light materials like aluminum and glass. These let in sunlight and give you nice views. They also keep out bad weather.

Here are the main parts and materials you find in curtain wall systems:

Heavy duty aluminum curtain wall extrusions must follow strict safety and performance rules. Groups like ASTM and ISO make these rules. This helps keep buildings safe.

Importance in Modern Buildings

Curtain wall systems changed how people design building exteriors. In the past, builders used mostly metal and glass. Now, there are more materials and features. Curtain wall systems help with insulation and saving energy. Some even use solar power. They are important in modern buildings.

Here is how curtain wall systems compare to traditional exterior walls:

You get many good things from curtain wall systems:

1. You can make a smooth, modern look.

2. You save energy and pay less for bills.

3. You get more daylight inside, which helps people feel good.

4. You block noise from outside.

5. You can make many shapes and sizes for your building.

6. You use materials that are better for the earth.

7. You keep the inside safe from bad weather.

Tip: Matte black aluminum curtain wall profiles make your building look cool and work better in many ways.

Types of Curtain Wall Systems

There are many types of curtain wall systems. Each type works best for certain buildings. You can pick from stick curtain wall or unitized curtain wall. There are also special systems like point-supported glass and cable net curtain walls. Knowing what each type does helps you pick the right one.

Stick-Built Curtain Wall

Stick curtain wall systems are built at the building site. You put the frame together piece by piece. This system is common in low-rise buildings. It is good when you need to change the design. Here are some main features:

• You can change the design while building.

• It costs less at first than unitized curtain wall systems.

• You can make changes late in the project.

• You need skilled workers to build it right.

• It takes longer to build and may have quality problems.

You build a stick curtain wall by putting up vertical and horizontal frames. This covers big areas. In 2023, stick curtain wall systems covered 6.3 million square meters. There were 1,120 projects around the world. Most low-rise buildings in Europe used this system. The average size was 7,500 square meters each.

You might pick a stick curtain wall to save money. It is also good if you want to change the design while building. But it takes more time and needs skilled workers.

Unitized Curtain Wall Systems

Unitized curtain wall systems use big panels made in a factory. You put these panels on the building quickly. This system is good for tall buildings and fast projects. You see unitized curtain wall systems in:

• Tall office buildings

• Apartment buildings

• Hospitals

• Schools

Unitized curtain wall systems have many good points. The panels come ready to use, so you save time. This also helps with quality. You do not need as many skilled workers at the site. These systems are faster to install and work well for big projects.

Structural Glazing Curtain Wall

Structural glazing curtain wall systems use glass as the main part. You see these on modern buildings with smooth designs. The glass panels attach right to the frame. This makes the wall look flat and clean. This system gives you:

Structural glazing curtain wall systems look modern with lots of glass. The new glass technology lets you use thinner frames. This makes the building look better and saves energy. Four-sided toggle glazed curtain wall systems give a smooth glass wall. This is good for low-rise buildings. It looks nice and does not cost as much as other systems. The glass looks like it floats with no frames showing. You get a simple and clean outside look. Glass curtain walls use special glass to keep heat out. This helps keep rooms cool and saves energy. It is helpful in places where you need to control sunlight and heat.

Metal and Aluminum Curtain Wall

Metal and aluminum curtain wall systems use strong, light materials. You see these in many buildings because they are easy to put up. They also last a long time. Aluminum curtain walling fits many shapes and sizes. You can use different glass types to change how it looks and works. These systems help save energy by lowering heating and cooling costs.

Aluminum can handle very hot and very cold weather. It works from -80°C to +300°C. This makes it good for tall buildings. You get a system that works in many places and styles.

Point-Supported Glass Systems

Point-supported glass systems use metal pieces at the corners of the glass. This makes the wall look clear with less frame showing. You see these in buildings that want an open look. Here are the main features:

• Metal pieces at corners make the wall clear.

• Less frame shows than in other curtain wall systems.

• Tension cables or trusses help hold the glass.

• Glass panels connect right to the building.

• Thin lines make cool shapes and curves.

• The design looks like it floats in the air.

• You can make many shapes for different building styles.

You can use point-supported glass systems to make special shapes. This system is good when you want a building that feels open and bright.

Cable Net Curtain Wall

Cable net curtain wall systems use cables to hold up the glass. You see these in big places like airports and atriums. The cables make a net that holds the glass. You get a clear and light wall. Here are some building problems:

• Panels may not line up with floors and roofs.

• Keeping water out and stopping heat loss is important.

• Making the wall needs more careful work than steel or concrete.

• You have to hide the connections, which is hard.

• You must think about hot and cold air inside and outside.

• The design needs testing and changes to get it right.

You should use cable net curtain wall systems for a big, open look. You need to plan well to fix building problems.

Glass Fin Curtain Wall

Glass fin curtain wall systems use tall glass fins to hold up the main glass. This system looks modern and fancy. You see glass fin curtain walls in tall buildings, nice hotels, and fancy places. Here are the special features:

• You can use it in many building designs.

• Clear glass makes the space feel open.

• It looks smooth and modern.

• Lets in lots of sunlight and connects to the outside.

• You can pick tinted or smart glass for your style.

• The shiny glass looks fancy.

• Makes the building look more valuable.

• You can change the shape, size, and finish for a special look.

Glass curtain walls help save energy by letting in more light and keeping out heat. You get a system that looks good and works well.

Tip: When you pick a curtain wall system, think about what your building needs. Also think about how you want it to look and how hard it is to build. Each system has different good points for your project.

Curtain Wall System Applications

Commercial Buildings

Curtain wall systems are used in lots of commercial buildings. They make buildings look new and let in sunlight. Here are some reasons to pick curtain wall systems for these buildings:

1. They make buildings look smooth and modern.

2. You can design different shapes and styles.

3. They help save energy and lower bills.

4. More sunlight comes inside, so rooms are brighter.

5. Light materials make walls strong but not heavy.

6. They keep out wind and rain, so buildings work better.

7. Prefabricated panels help you build faster.

These features are why offices, malls, and hotels use curtain wall systems. Stick curtain wall systems work well in small projects. You can change the design while you build.

Airports and Transportation Hubs

Airports and transport hubs need strong and flexible curtain walls. Modular curtain wall systems help make open and safe spaces. These systems let you:

• Keep airport work going without problems.

• Change spaces fast for new needs.

• Use walls and gates to make space work better.

• Make safe places for customs and security.

• Change hangars for different airplane sizes.

Curtain wall systems in airports help build big, open spaces with glass. This makes the area bright and nice for travelers.

High-Rise and Skyscrapers

Tall buildings use curtain wall systems for many reasons. They protect buildings from wind and rain. Curtain wall systems in high-rises help you:

• Stand up to strong wind and earthquakes.

• Save energy with better insulation.

• Lower costs by letting in more daylight.

Curtain wall systems keep tall buildings safe and comfy. They are used in city skylines all over the world.

Specialty and Custom Projects

Special projects use curtain wall systems in cool ways. Some buildings have double or triple-skin facades for more insulation. Some use solar panels in the curtain wall. Smart glass changes color to block sunlight. New glass cleans itself, so it is easy to care for. Parametric design and 3D printing help make special shapes and patterns.

These new uses for curtain wall systems make buildings unique. You can save energy and make your building stand out.

Note: Curtain wall systems work for many building types. You can find the best system for your project. You get strength, beauty, or energy savings.

Comparing Curtain Wall Systems

Cost and Budget Considerations

You should think about cost when picking curtain wall systems. The price changes with the type and quality you choose. Basic materials are cheaper, but custom designs cost a lot more. Here is a table to help you compare:

Fixed panel systems start at $11 for each square foot. Custom curtain wall systems can cost over $300 for each square foot. You should plan your budget before picking a system.

Tip: If you want a special look or features, it will cost more.

Installation Speed and Complexity

How fast you can install a curtain wall system is important. Unitized curtain wall systems go up much faster than stick-built systems. You can finish unitized systems in about one-third of the time. Stick-built systems need more work at the building, so they take longer. Specialty curtain wall systems may need extra planning because of their design.

• Unitized systems: Fastest to put up

• Stick-built systems: Slowest, needs more workers

• Specialty systems: May need special skills and tools

You save time with unitized curtain wall systems, especially for big buildings.

Performance and Maintenance

Curtain wall systems need to last and work well. You should check them often and keep them clean. Good design and strong materials help the system last longer. Aluminum and steel frames stand up to weather and damage. You should reseal joints and check glass panels to keep your curtain wall safe.

Most curtain wall systems last 25 to 50 years. Some famous buildings can last up to 100 years if you take good care of them.

Suitability for Building Types

You need to pick the right curtain wall system for your building. Stick curtain wall systems work best for small offices, schools, and hospitals. Unitized curtain wall systems are better for tall office towers and big commercial buildings.

You should think about your building’s size and use before you choose a curtain wall system. This helps you get the best results for your project.

Choosing a Curtain Wall System

Climate and Environmental Factors

You need to think about where your building is. The curtain wall affects how much energy you use and how comfy it feels inside. If you want to save energy and keep people happy, look at the weather in your area. Curtain wall systems can work in many places. You can pick glass, coatings, and shades to block heat from the sun and keep warmth in. These choices help you use less energy and reach green goals. When you match your curtain wall to the weather, you keep bad weather out and make people inside feel good.

Design and Aesthetic Needs

How your building looks depends on the curtain wall design. Pick materials and ways to build that fit your style. The right system lets you make cool shapes or smooth, modern lines. A good curtain wall brings in sunlight and gives clear views. The table below shows what to think about for design:

Think about how the curtain wall fits with the rest of your building. Keeping it clean and fixed makes it look new and work well. Curtain walls may cost more at first, but they save energy and make your building look better.

Performance Requirements

You need to know what you want your curtain wall to do. Good insulation keeps your building warm in winter and cool in summer. Some systems can keep heat in or out very well. If your building is in a loud place, pick a system that blocks noise. Some curtain walls can stop up to 55 dB of sound. The OITC rating tells you how well it blocks noise. You also need to check if it stands up to wind and rain. When you focus on these things, you make sure everyone inside is safe and happy.

Project Timeline and Logistics

Plan your project steps before you pick a curtain wall system. Big jobs need careful planning for when things arrive. If materials are late, workers might have to wait and costs can go up. Picking stick-built or unitized systems depends on your time and how easy it is to get stuff to your site. Unitized systems are faster because panels are ready to use. Good planning keeps your project moving and stops delays. When you match delivery with work, your team stays busy and the job goes well.

Tip: Always pick a curtain wall system that fits your weather, design, needs, and schedule. This helps you get the best building for your project.

Choosing the right curtain wall system shapes your building’s look, strength, and comfort. You should match your choice to your project’s needs. The table below shows key factors to consider:

• Rain, wind, and temperature all affect your final decision.

• Design tools like BIM help you compare options and reach your goals.

You can make smart choices and create buildings that last.