A glazed curtain wall is often seen on the outsides of numerous business buildings. It expands usable areas in rooms by letting natural light stream in. They also offer excellent thermal performance and are weather resistant. They can even generate electricity with the help of solar panels, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

In addition to expanding room space, glazed curtain walls can make working environment more comfortable for occupants. The challenge is balancing the desire for natural daylight versus managing heat loss and glare. The right choice of glass materials and coatings can significantly improve energy efficiency.

Regardless of the type of curtain wall, it is important to work with highly experienced and qualified glazing companies. Glaziers should have extensive experience handling large-scale glass fabrication and installation as well as coordinating with the design team to make sure the curtain wall is integrated properly into the overall building structure.

Transparency in Architecture: The Evolution and Advantages of Glazed Curtain Walls

Curtain wall systems can be classified into two general categories: stick systems and unitized (or modular) systems. Stick systems are constructed in long pieces called sticks that are installed in between floors vertically and horizontally, with the glazing inserted into these spaces after the framing is installed. Unitized curtain walls consist of larger units that are constructed ahead of time in another location, then transported to the structure for installation. Vertical and horizontal mullions of the unitized curtain wall mate together with adjacent modules.

Both types of glazed curtain walls may require gaskets to seal between the pressure plates and the mullions. These are typically made of low-conductivity materials such as PVC, neoprene, or polyurethane. It is important to ensure that the gaskets are continuous at all horizontal and vertical transitions, and that setting blocks do not obstruct drainage from the glazing pocket.