When you want to get an in-depth look at a building, the best way to start is with the curtain wall. Even if you’ve never heard of it before, curtain wall systems play a key role in modern buildings. This article will provide you with multiple pieces of information about curtain wall systems. And by the end of it, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what a curtain wall system is, how it works, and how it’s categorized. Let’s get started!
What is a curtain wall system?
The curtain wall system is an independent and complete overall structural system, which is a non-load-bearing exterior enclosure of the building. It is like the outer garment of the building, an external wall feat that utilizes various materials to replace traditional masonry. It allows buildings to achieve aesthetics, energy saving, air permeability, and other multifunctionalization and has gradually become the best option for the facade of commercial buildings.
Basic components and materials
What you can learn is that curtain wall systems usually consist of panels and supporting structures. Let’s take a brief look at the key players involved:
Framing Systems: The backbone of a curtain wall is the framing system, usually made of aluminum, steel, or a combination of both. These frames provide structural support for the entire system and are designed to withstand wind loads, seismic movements, and other external forces.
Panel Materials: Glass and metal are the most common materials used in curtain wall systems, followed by stone and ceramic panels.
Anchors and Fasteners: Anchors and fasteners include bolts, screws, studs and nuts. Materials are mostly carbon and alloy steel.
Sealant: Helps to prevent air and water infiltration and keep the internal structure free from rust damage and erosion. Neutral silicone structural sealant, neutral glass adhesive, butyl adhesive, and polysulfide adhesive are common materials for sealants.
Benefits of curtain wall systems
Curtain wall systems are also popular within construction projects because of the many benefits they offer:
Aesthetics: You can choose the appropriate materials for the exterior of your building as well as customize the look to create an attractive and stylish exterior.
Lighter weight: Compared to traditional building facades, curtain walling is one-tenth the weight of a brick wall. This not only puts less pressure on the foundation but also reduces construction costs.
Environmentally friendly: With the advantages of waterproofing and wind resistance, it can also have good light transmission and earthquake resistance, which will effectively reduce the cost of lighting, cooling, and heating of the building.
Convenient construction and maintenance: systematized construction makes it easier to control the construction period and the project takes less time. As it is built around the exterior wall of the building, it is also very convenient for maintenance and renovation in the later stage.
Types of curtain wall system
Curtain wall systems are divided into different categories and can be classified into the following two according to the material.
Aluminum curtain wall system
The material used for the aluminum curtain wall system is a high-strength aluminum sheet. It has good ductility and can better adapt to the requirements of architectural decoration. It has the advantages of corrosion resistance, ultraviolet resistance, and lightweight. The appearance has a smooth metal texture and can be customized to different colors, more decorative.
Glass curtain wall system
This is a curtain wall system with a stronger sense of three-dimensionality and artistry. The glass curtain wall system utilizes the transparent nature of the material to integrate the interior and exterior spaces of the building. It has many advantages, such as sound insulation, heat insulation, and wind pressure resistance. It also blocks a large amount of ultraviolet rays, it absorbs infrared rays, reduces solar radiation entering the room, lowers the indoor temperature, and achieves the effect of energy saving. However, the installation and maintenance of glass curtain wall systems are time-consuming and require a larger budget to complete.
And according to the installation method will be divided into the following two categories:
Stick curtain wall system
This type of installation involves transporting the finished components from the workshop to the construction site. Then installing them one by one on the building structure during the construction process, thus finalizing the curtain wall installation. The installation time of the stick curtain wall system is longer, and the requirements for on-site installation are higher, which makes it more suitable for small-sized buildings.
Unitized curtain wall system
The Unitized curtain wall system offers industrialized production, with all unit panels assembled in the factory with high assembly precision. Installation is fast, saving a great deal of installation time and eliminating the need for sealing processes on-site. It is the preferred installation method for high-rise buildings.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, curtain wall systems are a true marvel of modern architecture and engineering. When you learn what it means, its benefits, and the different types. From its aesthetically designed exterior to its energy efficiency and durability, this system has forever changed the way we build and experience architecture.
Curtain walls will certainly continue to be the go-to choice for building facade projects, and it’s also a symbol of the perfect combination of design and function.
If you have questions or needs regarding your architectural curtain wall project, please feel free to contact us. HY has many years of experience in architectural projects as well as the ability to provide quality materials and is committed to working with you to perfect your architectural needs.
