Window Wall System Vs Curtain Wall

A design alternative to conventional curtain wall systems window walls are an attractive option according to an article from building operating management on the facilitiesnet website.

Window wall system vs curtain wall.

Installed independently of the window wall system or as an extension of the window wall frame hoffman 2001. My reasons are as follows. Unlike the unitized curtain wall which typically relies on rubber gaskets to provide air seals water resistive. Units are anchored at the head and sill and sealed in place using caulking.

Window walls optimize the cost savings component by offering savings in material labor to install and caulking for weathering when compared with curtain wall systems. This eliminates the need for time intensive construction of the mullion system and on site. 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 walls are easier to install.

Meeting market demands for aesthetics ventilation flexibility cost and speed window walls can offer unique design features. I personally dislike the system and think curtain walls should be used here. A curtain wall is a glazed wall system hung off a concrete slab using anchors. Vs 1 s highly engineered simplicity delivers remarkable aesthetics for architects developers and building owners.

Window walls offer a cost effective alternative to curtain walls while achieving a similar look for the building s exterior. 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. Curtain walls are self supporting and give a building s exterior the look of top to bottom glass.

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. 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. Most often used on commercial buildings curtain walls are typically installed from the outside of a building using cranes or rigs.

Traditionally window wall units are manufactured and glazed off site. Window wall is also non load bearing. Additional savings come through the elimination of fire stopping required to insulate gaps at the slab locations created by curtain wall application. Unlike curtain wall window wall sits between the floor slabs.

Installation specifics and benefits.