Storefront Vs Curtain Wall

Curtainwall or window wall systems should be used when performance or aesthetic expectations exceed the limitations of storefront systems.

Storefront vs curtain wall. We will start by defining the product types. This is the exterior wall of the building and a number of factors determine a storefront vs curtain wall. Basic dimensions for curtainwall systems are bigger than storefront 2 inch or 21 2 inch sightlines and 6 to 10 inch depths. It all may look the same on the outside but storefronts and curtain walls are different system.

Heavy wall extrusions called back members form the framework for supporting the glass and anchorage to the building. Up a glazing surface for instance in lobby spaces with 20 30ft. Most often used on commercial buildings curtain walls are typically installed from the outside of a building using cranes or rigs. The term curtainwall usually refers to aluminumframed systems carrying glass panels louvers or occasionally granite or marble.

This is the outside wall of the structure and various elements decide a storefront versus curtain wall vs window wall. Lets evaluate a few items that may answer these questions. High of glazing area. Window walls offer a cost effective alternative to curtain walls while achieving a similar look for the building s exterior.

A curtain wall is a glazed wall system hung off a concrete slab using anchors. Curtain walls are self supporting and give a building s exterior the look of top to bottom glass. Their claim is that curtain wall is the first thing that gets value engineered from a project so they just start with storefront early in design because it is always cheaper in their mind. Storefront and curtain wall are architectural terms referring to the the glass and framing systems you see at the exterior of commercial buildings.

Curtainwall selection and design criteria include code compliance structural integrity weatherability durability and aesthetics plus other application specific needs. Storefront vs curtain wall storefront. Storefront is characterized as a non private non load bearing get together of business entrance frameworks and windows more often than not spreading over between the floor and the structure above intended for high use and quality. Installation specifics and benefits.

When should a stick built curtainwall be installed instead of a storefront system. The relative merits of stick versus unitized curtainwall was reviewed in the december 2009 wausau e newsletter unitized curtainwall. This means substantial steel headers every 10ft. Curtain walls offer improved resistance to moisture wind earthquakes and heat.