Curtain Wall Vs Windows

Acting as a single unit curtain walls are highly resistant to moisture wind heat and earthquakes.

Curtain wall vs windows.

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. In effect curtain walls which are non load bearing hang like curtains from the structure. A window wall is achieved by placing glazing between a building s concrete slabs using the slabs as structural support. 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.

Unlike windows placed into a wall also known as punched windows curtain walls can comprise the entire outer skin of the building. They consist of vision glazing as well as opaque spandrel panels. Curtain wall is utilized for casings that are 13 feet or higher. Window walls have a break between.

Installation specifics and benefits. Curtainwall and storefront systems share similar functions and appearance. What s the difference between storefront window wall and 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.

The systems are designed to best suit the application for which they are intended. What is a window wall. These panels which are typically pre manufactured are sealed with caulking and tape and like curtain walls they are non load bearing. A spandrel panel is an opaque thermally insulated unit in the curtain wall.

Both are designed to protect the building and its occupants from weather while providing daylight and views of the outside. 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. It can fill. They require little maintenance.

Curtain wall installation is a complex process and can be more expensive than other systems. Due to the great structural strength curtain wall can handle larger glass sizes than window wall. 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. Window walls alternatively are mounted in between the concrete floor slabs.

Vision glazing simply means that the glass is transparent or translucent. Curtain wall vs window wall. That is where the similarity ends. This is the exterior wall of the building and a number of factors determine a storefront vs curtain wall.