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.

My reasons are as follows. Traditionally window wall units are manufactured and glazed off site. Modern window wall systems can have the slab cover be part of the unitized panel as shown in figure 2. 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. Unlike curtain wall window wall sits between the floor slabs. I personally dislike the system and think curtain walls should be used here. Like unitized curtain wall window wall is also built in a shop and shipped to the site pre assembled.

Meeting market demands for aesthetics ventilation flexibility cost and speed window walls can offer unique design features. Installed independently of the window wall system or as an extension of the window wall frame hoffman 2001. 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. A curtain wall is a glazed wall system hung off a concrete slab using anchors.

Installation specifics and benefits. Unlike the unitized curtain wall which typically relies on rubber gaskets to provide air seals water resistive. Most often used on commercial buildings curtain walls are typically installed from the outside of a building using cranes or rigs. Additional savings come through the elimination of fire stopping required to insulate gaps at the slab locations created by curtain wall application.

Vs 1 is a new type of curtain wall a mullion only system where the glass is held away from the mullion so the glass wall visually floats. Curtain walls are sealed better at expansion joints. Window walls offer a cost effective alternative to curtain walls while achieving a similar look for the building s exterior. Curtain wall vs window wall in business development glass is a flexible structure component.

Curtain walls are easier to install. Vs 1 s highly engineered simplicity delivers remarkable aesthetics for architects developers and building owners. This eliminates the need for time intensive construction of the mullion system and on site. Curtain walls are self supporting and give a building s exterior the look of top to bottom glass.

A curtain wall is a glazed wall system hung off a concrete slab using anchors.