It is more than just a glass box. Besides the expected roles of weatherproofing and improved external aesthetics. Curtain wall systems are expected to play an important role within the entire structure of the building. Natural light, ventilation and heat regulation are important tasks a Curtain Wall must manage.

There are mostly 2 types of Curtain Wall installations; Unitised and Stick Systems.

Unitised Curtain Wall Systems

Unitised Systems are factory-manufactured modules that are installed on-site using an interlocking design. The glazing of the visual and spandrel panels is completed in the factory before shipping to the site.

Stick Curtain Wall Systems

Stick Systems get its name from the fact that the mullions are the first component installed on-site. 

Most of the manufacturing and assembly of the Curtain wall takes place on-site. Up to 70% of the work is done on-site. 

After the mullions are installed the transoms are fixed into position followed by the gaskets, glazing materials and vents (when required). All these components are secured onto the grid using pressure plates and cover caps.

No Curtain Wall system will be 100% watertight for its designed life span.

They are designed to prevent water ingress but should water penetrate the front barrier, the system is designed to ensure the water can escape outwards through the slots, mullion glazing pockets and sill drainage zones.

A shopfront system is a front-sealed system designed to be completely watertight. They rely on accurate fabrication assembly and glazing using watertight gaskets or perfect mastic sealing.  

The quality of workmanship is critical for the long-term performance of shopfronts as the seals will deteriorate over time.

Shopfront systems should only be considered for use in low-rise buildings internally or sheltered environments.

Pressure Glazed curtain walls use an externally visible face cap that covers the pressure plate and gaskets securing the glazing panel in place. Various types of deeper cover caps like bullnose profiles are used to create shadow lines either along the transoms or the mullions.

As the name suggests Flush Glazed curtain walls provide a flush exterior façade. This is achieved by glueing the glass with structural silicone to an aluminium carrier frame that is then secured to the curtain wall grid. Various types of facade materials besides glass can be used in a flush-glazed system.