Curtain walls have become increasingly popular in recent years for their clean aesthetic appearance. Curtain walls are used on the exterior of a building to both protect the building and make it look good. Currently, they are considered the ideal way to protect buildings from the outdoor elements they may face like wind, rain, snow, and more.
Basic Curtain Walls
Curtain walls are primarily made from aluminum and glass, making them a lightweight alternative to many traditional building materials. Curtain walls are not designed to provide structural support to the building and can typically only support their own weight. Their design allows them to transfer force from outside elements like the wind to the building’s inner structure, which is much stronger and more solid. Installing curtain walls on the exterior of a building also provides an air and watertight seal to protect the inner structure.
Types of Curtain Walls
There are three primary systems available for curtain walls. They vary based on how they maintain their seal and prevent air or water from entering the interior of the building. Deciding on the best curtain wall system for your project depends on your individual needs, and talking to a door and glass professional is the best way to make that decision.
Face Sealed Systems
Face sealed curtain wall systems require a perfect seal between each unit to create a watertight barrier for the building. These systems do not provide an airtight seal for the building.
Water-Managed Systems
Water-managed curtain wall systems have built-in drains to prevent moisture from entering the building. Unfortunately, they also do not provide an airtight barrier for the building.
Pressure Equalized Systems
The most secure and effective curtain wall is a pressure equalizing system. It uses pressure to maintain an airtight seal on the building’s interior. The design also allows water to easily flow over the framing and off of the building. Pressure equalized systems are by far the strongest curtain wall systems and should be utilized for structures that may be subject to heavy environmental stressors.
Important Features of Curtain Walls
One of the most important features of curtain walls is their ability to move with the building. As large buildings are subject to heat, wind, and other natural forms of force, they may expand, contract, or even sway from side to side. Curtain walls are designed to move with the building and can withstand the effects of thermal expansion and contraction.
There are also multiple options when it comes to how you want your curtain walls to look. You can choose from several glazing options for the interior or exterior. There are also a variety of face covers that can be installed on top of the curtain wall system, providing you with complete control over the exterior design of your building.
Benefits of Curtain Walls
Curtain walls are an excellent option for many buildings because of their many benefits. Curtain walls can be very affordable due to their lightweight material. The larger your building is, the more you will save with curtain walls.
Curtain walls are also energy efficient because they help keep water and air out of the interior of the building. This can save on heating and cooling costs as well as avoid potential damage repair costs down the road.
The versatility of curtain walls is also very attractive to many of our clients. There is a large amount of flexibility around the installation of curtain walls, and they can be used on virtually any size building and in a variety of arrangements. They also provide a modern look that many clients prefer.
Reach Out to Cypress Door and Glass Today
If you’d like to learn more about curtain walls or are interested in using them in an upcoming project, our team at Cypress Door & Glass is ready to partner with you to bring your dreams to reality. Contact us today to get started with a free estimate on your next curtain wall project.