Curtain Wall

The curtain wall comprises a complete cladding and exterior wall system.  It is generally assembled from aluminum frames, vision glass and spandrel glass, with metal or stone panels to enclose a building from grade to the roof.  It is available in three system types to include the stick built system, the unitized or panel system and the structural glazing system capless vertical joints.  The glass and aluminum curtain wall is designed to resist wind and water, to limit air leakage, control vapour diffusion, prevent rain penetration, prevent surface and cavity condensation and limit excessive heat loss or heat gain.  It is further designed to resist noise.

Curtain walls often provide the appearance of being all glass,  Some are glass with metal spandrel covers and some curtain walls incorporate granite facing panels in the spandrel frames.  Vision glass for a curtain wall may be single, double or triple glazed.  In Canada, depending on the severity of wind loads and other factors including solar radiation, cooling and heating requirements, the architect or designer select either a double or triple glazed IGU.  Glazing for curtain wall systems may vary widely with the application. In general, vision glass is clear.