Which Curtainwall is For You?

More and more people are now interested in knowing a lot about curtainwalls. After all, curtainwalls are not entirely new for today’s metal buildings.  A lot of metal buildings that surround us in fact have curtainwalls to reinforce their structural integrity, more than just enhancing their aesthetic value.  But of course, you might’ve already read the benefits of this metal building component and you don’t need added convincing.  Right now, you are probably more concerned about which type of curtainwall will best suit your metal building.

Stick Systems

Stick curtainwall systems are essentially made-to-order parts, which are shipped ready for on-site assembly.  The parts of the curtainwalls may be delivered in a pre-defined or “stock” length.  For this case, not just the assembly but further cutting and machining will be done on-site.  On the other hand, the curtainwalls may be delivered knocked down, just like your average personnel door ,for metal buildings, as an example.  This latter case will require only assembly and sealing once delivered.

Stick systems are glazed on-site or “field glazed” and are therefore only turn out to be as good as what the environment allows.  The weather, dirt, and dust in the field largely affects the overall performance of the curtainwalls in the long run.

Unitized Curtainwalls

Unitized curtainwalls are basically just “uniform sized” pieces.  This type of curtainwall system is typically found in metal buildings that are more inclined to give off geometric symmetry, as this type is excellent in giving this aesthetic effect.  Unitized curtainwalls are installed piece by piece, level by level, starting from the bottom of the building.  Unlike the stick system, unitized curtainwalls are pre-glazed before shipment.  In terms of performance, unitized curtainwalls are better than stick systems when it comes to water resistance.  But for the rest of the features, the two types are fairly level.

Storefronts

For some people, storefronts are considered the low-cost alternative to curtainwall systems, particularly for low-rise commercial metal buildings.  Although compared to the two types previously discussed, the water resistance test pressure and air infiltration values for storefronts are also lower.  Following this, storefronts require more maintenance than curtainwalls, especially because this type is widely used for commercial, high-use applications.

As a final note, customization is still not out of the picture.  There are several types of curtainwalls and also alternatives, such as storefronts, which may also serve the purpose that you need.  It is important that you consider your constraints, such as time and money, in order to define which option is the best for you.  And when in doubt, you can always consult an expert to help you decide.

Tags: Curtainwalls
Posted in: Metal Buildings | No comments yet

Protect Your Metal Building with Curtainwalls

Curtainwalls actually go as far back as the medieval times when they were used as a basic defensive structure to protect castles not only from the elements, but moreso from attacks.  Today, quite remarkably, curtainwalls are still used to keep out rain water and snow, break the wind, and stabilize metal buildings, especially during earthquakes.  The latter feature, in fact, is making curtainwalls an increasingly indispensable part of metal buildings.

Basically, curtainwalls for metal buildins transfer horizontal loads, giving balance not just in design but also in terms of aesthetic appeal.  Take for example, aluminum, which is one of the most – if not the most – common curtainwall infills, is lighter than the usual metal frames.  This means that aluminum, or the curtainwall, is less brittle, less disposed to ruptures.  Aside from aluminum, there’s stone veneer and other metals and alloys to choose from.

Glass is one of the most popular choices for curtainwalls for metal buildings, primarily because of its various benefits.  For one, glass adds a unique, often high, aesthetic value to metal buildings.  Also, and more importantly, using a glass curtainwall allows natural light to penetrate the structure, giving a green touch to the building.  Hence, glass curtainwalls also allows you to save up on energy costs significantly and contribute to sustainability.

Speaking of sustainability, an emergent trend in curtainwall and framing also boasts of reducing carbon footprint by controlling the interior environment of metal buildings.  How do they do it?  Plants are incorporated in the design.  Combined with glass curtainwalls, which will make sure that sufficient sunlight reaches the indoor greenery and facilitate its survival.  With a myriad of plants right inside the metal building, thermal control virtually comes free of charge.  As you may well know, plants naturally help maintain temperatures at pleasant levels.  Moreover, you not only reduce carbon footprint, you also get an impressive interior design.

Lastly, curtainwalls also act as a fire-proof mechanism.  In fact, curtainwalls for metal buildings can go from slowing down the spread of fire in between floors to completely stopping it.

Now, if you’re already convinced about adding curtainwalls to your next metal building project, you can go with any of the three common systems – stick, unitized, or window wall and storefront – or you can customize.  I mean, we are talking about metal buildings after all.  The possibilities, especially in terms of design, are virtually limitless.  As for installation, it is best to ask an expert to get the best results.

Tags: Curtainwalls
Posted in: Metal Buildings | No comments yet