Curtain walls are defined as an outer covering on the outer, non-structural walls of a building. These walls can be made out of any lightweight material, but are usually made from glass. They have many commercial purposes, including being used for retail stores, office buildings, and on skyscrapers. It is vital for architects to have a general idea of curtain walls, the factors involved in the varying designs and wall types, and the specifications regarding operations of these systems. There are different types of curtain walls, and each serves its own unique purpose.
The two main types of curtain walls are unitized systems and stick build. Unitized systems are bigger units built and glazed while at the factory then transported to the job location, and placed onto the building. Vertical and horizontal versions can be stacked to potentially build a full system. Normally, cranes are utilized to Install Industrial Curtain Walls because these walls can sometimes be as large as one story in size. Stick systems are fabricated and transported to the job location, then mullions and opaque panels are connected together after installation. Stick framed curtain walls can run greater than two floors with the help of lateral anchors on each floor.
Unitized and stick systems can be used on the inside and outside of windows, and there is glazing available for each option. Systems glazed for the interior are prepared for glass installation from inside the building. Exterior systems are generally installed from the outside of the curtain wall, which requires the assistance of a swing stage and scaffolding to glaze it and put it in place. There are also water-managed and pressure-equalized curtain wall systems. The pressure-equalized variety offer impressive resistance to water and air infiltration.
Those who Install Industrial Curtain Walls of the water-managed variety in colder regions must use metal sheets called back panes to protect against air and vapor. Understanding the architectural requirements of the curtain wall is essential in benefiting from the project. The installers should be code friendly prior to designing and installing a curtain wall system, and they should only be installed by NGA certified crews.
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