In commercial construction, glass is a versatile design element. It can serve decorative and functional purposes, and glass exterior facades are one of the most popular elements in modern mid- and high-rise design.  Builders have numerous options for integrating glass into exterior walls, but two of the most common are curtain walls and window walls.

Although both types of systems deliver a similar look, they’re installed and built in much different ways. Curtain walls, for example, are large metal-framed sheets of glazing that are anchored from the floor slabs of a building. In effect, curtain walls – which are non-load bearing – hang like curtains from the structure.

Window walls, alternatively, are mounted in between the concrete floor slabs. These panels– which are typically pre-manufactured, are sealed with caulking and tape, and like curtain walls, they are non-load bearing.

Curtain Walls: Installation Specifics and Benefits

What Are Curtain Walls?

A curtain wall is a non-structural, multi-story building façade system that is typically composed of lightweight materials such as aluminum, glass, and steel. It is designed to withstand wind, rain, and other environmental factors while providing aesthetic appeal and allowing for natural light to enter the building. Curtain walls are commonly used in commercial and high-rise buildings and are usually installed on the exterior of the building. They are typically made up of pre-fabricated units that are assembled on-site, allowing for a faster and more efficient installation process. Curtain walls provide numerous benefits, including energy efficiency, noise reduction, and enhanced thermal performance. Additionally, they offer flexibility in design, as they can be customized to fit the unique needs and aesthetic preferences of the building owner or developer.

Curtain Wall Systems

There are numerous types of curtain wall systems, and they’re differentiated by how the system is constructed. Typically, a curtain wall system integrates different sized mullions – which are metal poles that make up the framing of the panels. Glazing for commercial glass windows can then be attached to the mullions onsite, but there are also prefabricated panel systems that can be anchored to the slabs. The most common types of curtain wall systems include:

• Stick System: Stick curtain walls require vertical mullions to be installed and anchored to the floor slabs. Typically they are glazed in the field, and additional components like horizontal mullions and spandrel panels are attached once the vertical mullions have been set.
• Panel System: Panel curtain walls are less cost-intensive than stick systems. Essentially, large panels are pre-fabricated off-site and then attached to anchors within the building structure.
• Unit-and-mullion system: A hybrid system, this type of curtain wall requires mullions to be anchored to the structure, and then pre-fabricated units are attached to the mullions.
• Column-cover-and-spandrel: Similar to the stick system, this type of curtain wall utilizes large cladding components (column and spandrel covers), which serve as sticks.

Compared to window walls, curtain walls are typically more labor- and cost-intensive. That’s why they’re more commonly found in luxury commercial real estate. Yet, the higher costs do include benefits like improved structural integrity. Curtain walls offer improved resistance to moisture, wind, earthquakes, and heat.

Window Walls: Installation Specifics and Benefits

What Are Window Walls?

Window walls are a building façade system that is similar to a curtain wall but consists mostly of glass windows, creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of a building. They are typically composed of aluminum framing with large glass panels that are held in place by structural sealants or other mechanical fasteners. Window walls are commonly used in commercial buildings, including office buildings, hotels, and residential towers, to provide unobstructed views, natural light, and ventilation while maintaining structural integrity. They can also provide a greater sense of openness and spaciousness compared to traditional walls, creating a more comfortable and inviting environment. Window walls can be designed to meet various environmental and energy efficiency standards, including thermal insulation, acoustic performance, and solar shading. They offer flexibility in design, allowing building owners and developers to create unique, modern, and aesthetically pleasing buildings that provide a range of functional benefits.

The Benefits

Window walls offer a cost-effective alternative to curtain walls while achieving a similar look for the building’s exterior. Traditionally, window wall units are manufactured and glazed off-site. This eliminates the need for time-intensive construction of the mullion system and on-site glazing, which is common for curtain walls.

The greatest advantage of window walls is the cost savings. Many commercial glass window wall systems can cost half or in some cases one-third of the cost of curtain walls. Since window walls are compartmentalized between floors, the risk of sound transmittance is greatly reduced, as noise cannot reverberate across the entire system. Window wall products are also typically pre-tested and pre-certified by the manufacturer, which can also help to reduce costs, and they can reduce project cycle times due to the optimized installation.

Contact Aeroseal for All of Your Commercial Glass Installation & Repair Needs

Aeroseal provides a range of commercial glass window replacement and installation solutions for businesses and properties of all types and sizes. We offer everything from quality commercial storefront windows to hurricane window installation. We provide window replacement in New York, Maryland, Georgia, Florida, and across the rest of the country. Please contact us with any questions!