Everything You Need to Know About Curtain Wall Facades: Types, Specs, and Pricing
What is a curtain wall?
Curtain wall is one of the most modern and popular methods for executing building facades, offering a combination of aesthetics and functionality. This attractive glass facade, made of glass and aluminum profiles, not only gives buildings a modern look but also has many technical advantages.
Curtain wall was developed in the 1930s in the United States and has since been used as one of the leading facade systems in various construction projects. This technology has evolved over time, and with the use of new materials and modern installation methods, it has become one of the main choices for architects and designers.
Curtain Wall in English
A curtain wall, as the name suggests, is a non-load-bearing wall system that is attached to the exterior of a building. These systems serve as a protective outer layer while providing aesthetics and transparency.
By using a glass curtain wall facade, you can enhance your buildings with a modern and attractive look, and benefit from its technical and functional advantages. If you are seeking more information or require consultation, the experts at Teta Aluminum are ready to answer your questions.
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Types of Curtain wall facade
Curtain walls, due to their design diversity and applications, are one of the most widely used building systems. This type of facade is executed in various ways, each with its own unique features and advantages. In the following, we will get acquainted with some of these types.
Steel-reinforced glass facade
This type of curtain wall is constructed using reinforced steel profiles, which provide greater strength and durability to the structure. Steel boxes and I-beams are used to reinforce and increase the resistance of mullions and transoms. This type of glass facade is ideal for tall buildings and large-scale projects.
Thermal break cap system and semi-cap system
This system, utilizing thermal break profiles and full and half cap systems, offers a combination of aesthetics and high performance. This curtain wall is ideal for buildings seeking unique design and high efficiency.
Concealed frame curtain wall
Concealed frame curtain wall provides a seamless and transparent facade by creating a frameless appearance. This type of facade is ideal for buildings seeking a minimalist and modern design. In this curtain wall system, the opening profiles are not visible from the exterior.
Fixed and sliding profile connector system
The unit curtain wall system is usually one of the most economical and lightweight systems, but technically, its application in tall and high-rise buildings is not recommended. In this method, the glass spacers are formed into a U-shape in the aluminum fixed on the lamella, to be fixed by special metal fasteners.
Unitized curtain wall
Unitized curtain walls are installed using prefabricated units, which increases the speed and accuracy of installation. This type of facade is suitable for large-scale and long-term projects.
Frameless Curtain Wall
Frameless curtain wall creates a completely glass and transparent facade using a frameless system. This glass facade is also another of the most widely used and utilized curtain wall facade. The frameless curtain wall system is completely insulated and isolated, and this is due to the use of airtight and sealing rubber around the frame and glass.
S-35 Curtain Wall
The S-35 curtain wall system is one of the newest facade systems. This system is characterized by its slender lamella profiles. Additionally, this type of curtain wall is primarily used in villas, providing a stylish and modern appearance to the building.
Thermal break skylight curtain wall
Thermal break skylight curtain wall is one of the most innovative and efficient systems in building facade design. The installation process of this system is generally faster than other facades, as its components are prefabricated. This feature reduces the construction project timeline.
Curtain wall facade price
The price of a curtain wall is determined by several factors, including the type of profile and glass used, the size and scale of the project, the complexity of the design and installation, and the geographic location of the project. The type of profile and glass selected can have a significant impact on the final cost; for example, using high-quality glass and specialized profiles can increase costs.
The size and scale of the project are also another influencing factor. Larger projects require more materials and therefore cost more. Additionally, projects with complex designs and requiring more precise installation typically have higher costs.
The geographic location of the project can also affect costs. Transportation and installation costs vary depending on the project location. For a more accurate estimate and further information, we recommend contacting our consulting team. Our team can provide you with the final price and comprehensive information by reviewing the project details.
| Curtain wall facade | Price |
|---|---|
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Steel Reinforced Faced System |
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Cap And Semi-cap Thermal Break |
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Hidden Vent Curtainwall System |
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Structural Glazing System – Fixed,Sliding |
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Modules System With Structural Glazing |
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Frameless Curtain Wall |
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S-35 Curtain Wall |
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Skylight Faced System |
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Advantages of glass curtain wall facade
Lightness and reduced dead load: Curtain walls, due to the use of lightweight materials such as aluminum and glass, significantly reduce the dead load of the building. This feature increases the building’s resistance to earthquakes and other lateral forces. Thermal and acoustic insulation: This facade creates a suitable thermal and acoustic insulation using double or triple-glazed glass. This feature helps to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling and also prevents the entry of disturbing noises. Natural light: This facade system allows natural light to enter the building, creating a more pleasant and spacious interior. This not only enhances the visual aesthetics but also helps reduce the need for artificial lighting. Modern and beautiful appearance: This type of system gives buildings a modern and attractive appearance, which can increase the commercial and aesthetic value of the project. Glass facades are usually accompanied by special designs and customizations to suit customer needs. Resistance to weather elements: Curtain walls are highly resistant to wind, rain, and temperature changes. This feature increases the durability and longevity of the structure. Quick and easy installation: The installation process of curtain walls is usually faster than other facades, which reduces the construction time of projects. No additional load on the structure: One of the key features of curtain walls is that they do not impose any additional load on the main structure of the building, as their weight rests on an independent structure.
Curtain wall facade manufacturing and installation process
The curtain wall production and installation process is a complex and precise process that requires a high level of coordination and accuracy at each stage. These stages are as follows:
Site visit: This initial stage involves the evaluation of environmental conditions and building characteristics by engineers. They assess dimensions, weather conditions, and infrastructure to accurately identify project needs.
Surveying and design: After the visit, engineers take precise measurements of the building. This information is used to design the curtain wall. The design includes determining the type of glass and support systems, which must be done carefully.
Material selection: Selecting high-quality materials such as tempered glass and thermal insulation systems is of utmost importance. These materials must be able to withstand various loads and weather conditions.
Structural calculations: At this stage, engineers use modern software such as Revit to perform the necessary calculations for the design and structure of the curtain wall. These calculations include determining the dimensions of the panels and connections.
Installation of the metal substructure: The metal substructure serves as a base for glass installation. This stage requires high precision in the installation of metal components to ensure that the curtain wall is installed correctly and in accordance with standards.
Glass installation: The glass is installed using special equipment by experienced teams. At this stage, the glass is also sealed to prevent water leakage.
Quality control: Finally, after the installation is complete, quality control is performed to ensure that all stages have been carried out correctly and that the final facade meets aesthetic and performance requirements.
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FAQ
A curtain wall is a type of building facade system made of glass and aluminum profiles. This type of facade, in addition to its beauty and transparency, has very good thermal and acoustic insulation, which reduces energy costs. Also, its quick and easy installation makes it very efficient for large and time-consuming projects.
The cost of installing a curtain wall depends on several factors, including the type of materials used, the size of the project, the complexity of the design, and the geographic location. For an accurate estimate, it is best to contact our consulting team so they can provide you with the final price after reviewing the project details.
The time required to install a curtain wall varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. Generally, installing this type of facade is faster than traditional methods. For larger projects, it may take several weeks or even months.
Yes, a curtain wall can be used in various types of buildings, including commercial, office, and residential buildings. This type of facade is a suitable choice for any type of building due to its high flexibility and adaptability to different designs.
No, a curtain wall is designed as a non-load-bearing system. It only supports its own weight and transfers lateral forces such as wind to the main structure.
To prevent water infiltration, special insulation systems are used in the design of a curtain wall. Additionally, proper joint design and sloping components help water to drain easily from the surface.
