Window Wall System Vs Curtain Wall

A curtain wall is a glazed wall system hung off a concrete slab using anchors.

Window wall system vs curtain wall.

It can fill brightening and practical needs and glass outside veneers are a standout amongst the most prominent components in present day mid and tall building plan. Unlike curtain wall window wall sits between the floor slabs. Most often used on commercial buildings curtain walls are typically installed from the outside of a building using cranes or rigs. Installed independently of the window wall system or as an extension of the window wall frame hoffman 2001.

A curtain wall is a glazed wall system hung off a concrete slab using anchors. Curtain walls are sealed better at expansion joints. Like unitized curtain wall window wall is also built in a shop and shipped to the site pre assembled. My reasons are as follows.

Window wall is also non load bearing. This eliminates the need for time intensive construction of the mullion system and on site. Units are anchored at the head and sill and sealed in place using caulking. Modern window wall systems can have the slab cover be part of the unitized panel as shown in figure 2.

Curtain walls are self supporting and give a building s exterior the look of top to bottom glass. Window walls offer a cost effective alternative to curtain walls while achieving a similar look for the building s exterior. Installation specifics and benefits. They are more efficient in a cold climate window wall has about 1 of insulation on the slab edge as opposed to about 3 with curtain wall.

Curtain wall vs window wall in business development glass is a flexible structure component. I personally dislike the system and think curtain walls should be used here. Traditionally window wall units are manufactured and glazed off site. Vs 1 is a new type of curtain wall a mullion only system where the glass is held away from the mullion so the glass wall visually floats.

Curtain walls are easier to install. Additional savings come through the elimination of fire stopping required to insulate gaps at the slab locations created by curtain wall application. Unlike the unitized curtain wall which typically relies on rubber gaskets to provide air seals water resistive. Vs 1 s highly engineered simplicity delivers remarkable aesthetics for architects developers and building owners.

Curtain walls are self supporting and give a building s exterior the look of top to bottom glass.