Curtain wall systems for commercial, business, and residential structures are an essential design element and building component to modern architecture and construction engineering. The complex design language of today’s buildings could never be achieved by engineers with traditional construction methods and materials. Curtain wall systems have become the preferred technology used to create the glass facades seen on modern constructions. Here is an overview of Glass Inc.’s custom curtain wall systems.
What Is a Curtain Wall?
In the past, the exterior walls of a building were weight-bearing parts of the structure. Since the walls were load-bearing, it limited the design options and material choices when building structures. Once structural steel and reinforced concrete were developed, exterior walls were no longer required to be structural supports. As a result, the steel allowed for smaller columns that could support larger loads and construction costs were reduced, exterior walls had more design options, and lightweight materials could be utilized. These advancements lead to the development of curtain wall systems.
Simply put, a curtain wall system is the exterior face or covering of a building that spans multiple floors. It blocks the weather from outside and protects occupants inside. Modern curtain wall systems primarily utilize two materials, aluminum and glass. The walls or rooftops are typically framed with aluminum alloy because it accommodates almost any shape while also being strong and lightweight. The aluminum frames are then glazed with glass panels. Glass has become the preferred material choice for the panels because of its variety of colors, thickness, and opacity. It gives buildings an ultra-modern appearance while also allowing for the maximum amount of natural light inside.
Glass Inc. Curtain Wall Systems
Glass Inc.’s systems are specifically designed for complex curtain wall applications. Our systems provide maximum transparency and visual light because of the optimal configuration of profiles and the possibility of implementing various joint solutions. We offer stick curtain wall systems, structural glazing systems, and semi-structural glazing systems. All of our curtain walls are suitable for commercial buildings, office buildings, apartment complexes, and residential applications.
Advantages to Glass Inc. Curtain Wall Systems
Thermal Properties: Our systems maintain comfortable indoor temperature and reduce heating and air conditioning costs. They also prevent frost penetration.
Airtightness: The system’s unique seal design prevents moisture, drafts, and leaks, so there is no risk of mold or fungus developing inside.
Soundproofing: Glass Inc. curtain walls offer effective sound reduction, so work zones or apartments are quiet and comfortable inside.
Durability: Our gaskets are incredibly durable and last more than fifty years. The system’s accessories and hardware are corrosion resistant.There is minimal maintenance, and our coatings are suitable for all weather conditions.
Design: Our transparent, translucent, or opaque glass and aluminum frames combine to offer various external design styles. In addition, our system is also easy to install and replace.
Glass Treatments: All of our glass can be upgraded with additional UV protection, energy efficiency features, or safety film.
Stick, Structural Glazing, and Semi-Structural Glazing
Glass Inc.’s curtain wall systems break down into three categories. They are stick curtain wall systems, structural glazing systems, and semi-structural glazing systems. The most common system is the stick system. This curtain wall design has a decorative aluminum trim that runs between the glass panes horizontally, vertically or both.
Structural glazing systems create an all-glass look facade. They can be built in any configuration without aluminum profiles on the outside surface, and the insulated glass is fixed to mullions with hidden clamps.
Semi-structural glazing has vertical or horizontal lines outlined with large oval, hemispheric, or rectangular shield bars. This type adds horizontal or vertical volume to the design of the structure. Silicone seam sealant is used along the side of the panes that do not have the bars.
Modern architecture and construction engineering can easily achieve contemporary styling with cutting edge technologies like aluminum and glass curtain wall systems. These systems are custom made and extremely configurable to accommodate a variety of structures and projects. In addition to improving the appearance of structures, they also make buildings more efficient, comfortable, and less costly to build. Glass Inc.’s custom curtain wall systems are now available for commercial facilities, business offices, apartment complexes, and even residential remodels and new constructions. For more information about our custom curtain wall systems or to get a quote for your project, give us a call today!
#CurtainWallSystems #StructuralGlazing #SemiStructuralGlazing #GlassInc
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