Are you looking to enhance the aesthetics and energy efficiency of your building’s façade?
Aluminium Shopfronts offers top-quality aluminium curtain wall systems.
Curtain wall systems are often used in commercial buildings to create sleek and impressive facades, while in residential structures, they offer a contemporary and open feel.
If you are interested in having curtain walling installed at your business or home, please make sure to contact us today.
How Much Does a Curtain Wall System Cost?
Curtain wall systems cost around £100 per squared foot.
The price of a curtain wall system can vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including the materials used, the complexity of the design, and whether the project is for a commercial or residential building.
If you would like a quote for our curtain walling systems, please make sure to fill in our contact form today.
Factors That Affect Cost
Several factors can affect the overall cost of a curtain wall system. These include:
- The choice of materials like aluminium and glass
- The design intricacies
- The labour required for installation
- The size of the installation
Benefits of Curtain Wall Systems
Curtain wall systems offer numerous benefits, including enhanced thermal performance, superior weather protection, increased natural light, and unparalleled versatility in design.
This makes them a preferred choice for both architects and building owners.
Aesthetics
One of curtain wall systems’ most significant aesthetic benefits is their sleek and modern design.
This is achieved by using materials like aluminium and glass, paired with various finishes and colours to match any architectural vision.
The combination of aluminium and glass in curtain wall systems provides a contemporary look and offers practical benefits such as durability and energy efficiency.
The transparency of glass allows natural light to flood into the building, creating a bright and inviting interior space.
Facade glazing plays a crucial role in regulating temperature and reducing energy consumption.
Different finishes, such as anodised, powder-coated, or painted aluminium, can add texture and depth to the facade, making it more visually intriguing.
Energy Efficiency
Curtain wall systems significantly enhance a building’s energy efficiency by offering excellent thermal performance.
They reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling by using aluminium and glass materials effectively.
Aluminium is a key element in curtain wall systems as it provides structural strength while being lightweight.
This allows for larger glass panels that maximise natural light without compromising insulation.
Combining aluminium framing and double-glazed glass units creates a thermal barrier, preventing heat transfer in hot and cold weather conditions.
Natural Light and Ventilation
Curtain wall systems are designed to maximise natural light and improve ventilation within a building.
They use expansive glass panels and strategically placed aluminium profiles to create an open and airy environment.
One key benefit of curtain wall systems is their ability to integrate with the overall architectural design seamlessly.
This allows for a sleek and modern look while still serving a practical purpose.
The glass panels act as a barrier against external elements while allowing daylight to flood the interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Versatility
Thanks to their adaptable design using aluminium and glass, curtain wall systems suit various applications, from commercial projects to residential buildings.
These systems offer architects the flexibility to create unique facades that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a structure while providing functionality.
Whether it’s a sleek, modern office building or a contemporary residential complex, curtain wall systems can be tailored to meet the specific design requirements of any project.
Types of Curtain Wall Systems
There are several types of curtain wall systems, each offering different benefits and features.
The primary categories are stick-built, unitised, and semi-unitised systems, all of which utilise aluminium profiles and glass to varying extents.
Stick-built Curtain Wall System
The stick-built curtain wall system involves assembling the aluminium profiles and glass panels on-site, offering flexibility in design and installation but requiring more time and labour.
By constructing the curtain wall on-site, architects and builders can adapt to structural nuances during the assembly process, ensuring a precise fit for each project.
This method allows for customisation and adjustments according to the building’s specific requirements, resulting in a tailored facade that seamlessly integrates with the overall architecture.
Using aluminium profiles and glass enables a sleek and modern aesthetic, providing a contemporary look to the building.
The transparency of the glass panels allows natural light to penetrate the interior spaces, creating a bright and open atmosphere within the structure.
Unitised Curtain Wall System
Unitised curtain wall systems are prefabricated in a factory, with aluminium profiles and glass panels assembled into units that are then transported to the site for quick installation.
This makes them ideal for large-scale commercial buildings.
This innovative construction technique ensures high-quality control and precision during manufacturing, resulting in seamless installations that meet strict building codes and standards.
The use of aluminium profiles not only provides durability but also contributes to the aesthetics of the building facade, offering a sleek and modern appearance.
The efficiency of the unitised system allows for faster completion of projects, reducing overall construction time and costs and making it an attractive choice for developers and contractors.
Semi-unitised Curtain Wall System
The semi-unitised curtain wall system combines elements of both stick-built and unitised systems.
Partially assembled in the factory, the final installation is completed on-site, leveraging aluminium profiles and glass for a balanced approach.
The semi-unitised system integrates factory production efficiency with on-site assembly flexibility, offering a streamlined construction process that optimises quality control and installation speed.
This system uses advanced aluminium profiles and high-quality glass panels to ensure structural integrity, thermal performance, and aesthetic appeal in modern building designs.
What Is the Installation Process for a Curtain Wall System?
The installation process of a curtain wall system involves several critical steps, from the initial design and fabrication of aluminium profiles and glass panels to the final on-site assembly, whether for commercial or residential projects.
At the beginning of the installation process, the design phase sets the foundation for the entire project.
This stage involves creating detailed plans and blueprints that outline the curtain wall system’s structural requirements and aesthetic preferences.
Fabrication follows closely, where specialised machinery is used to craft aluminium profiles and glass panels according to the design specifications.
Once the components are ready, the on-site assembly begins, combining the meticulously crafted elements to form a cohesive and visually striking curtain wall.
This process demands precise coordination and skilled labour to ensure seamless integration, whether for a towering skyscraper or a modern residential building.
Curtain Wall Maintenance
Proper maintenance of curtain wall systems is essential to ensure their longevity and performance.
This involves regular inspection and cleaning of aluminium profiles and glass panels to maintain their appearance and weather protection capabilities.
Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of curtain wall systems but also ensures that they continue to provide effective protection against external elements.
With time, debris, dirt, and pollutants can accumulate on the surface of the glass and aluminium profiles, impacting their visual appeal and functionality.
Inspection helps identify any signs of wear or damage early on, allowing for timely repairs and preventing more significant issues.
Cleaning the glass regularly not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building but also ensures that it allows maximum natural light to penetrate indoors.
How Long Does a Curtain Wall System Last?
A well-maintained curtain wall system can last several decades.
Aluminium and glass components are designed to withstand the elements and provide long-term weather protection and durability in various building designs.
Aluminium, known for its strength and resistance to corrosion, is a popular choice in curtain wall construction due to its longevity and low maintenance requirements.
Similarly, the use of glass in these systems allows for natural light to flood interior spaces and contributes to the aesthetic appeal of modern architectural designs.
Regular upkeep and inspections are crucial in ensuring curtain wall systems’ continued functionality and longevity.
Proactive maintenance can prevent issues from developing into costly repairs.
What Are the Safety Considerations for a Curtain Wall System?
Safety considerations for curtain wall systems involve ensuring structural integrity, proper installation of aluminium profiles and glass panels, and adherence to building design codes and regulations to prevent hazards and ensure occupant safety.
Structural integrity is paramount in the design and construction of curtain wall systems, as it ensures the stability and resilience of the entire building envelope.
The installation practices of aluminium profiles and glass panels must follow industry standards to guarantee a secure and durable assembly.
Compliance with building codes is crucial to meet safety requirements and mitigate risks such as load-bearing capacity, wind resistance, and fire safety.
What Are the Design Options for a Curtain Wall System?
Curtain wall systems offer various design options, including various finishes and colours for aluminium profiles and glass panels, allowing architects to create unique and aesthetically pleasing building designs.
Architects can opt for sleek, modern finishes such as brushed aluminium or bold, statement shades like vibrant red to make a striking visual impact on the building facade.
The use of glass panels opens up a whole new world of design possibilities, from clear and transparent panels for a minimalist look to tinted or frosted glass for added privacy and style.
This versatility in finish and colour choices enables architects to play with light, reflections, and textures, resulting in buildings that stand out in both daytime and nighttime settings.
What Is a Curtain Wall System?
A curtain wall system is an outer covering of a building where the outer walls are non-structural.
It is typically made of lightweight materials such as aluminium and glass, often used to maintain a modern and aesthetically pleasing exterior in commercial and residential structures.
These systems consist of aluminium profiles that provide structural support and hold the glass panes in place, creating a transparent and striking facade glazing.
The integration of advanced glazing systems allows for enhanced energy efficiency and natural light penetration.
If you would like more information on the curtain wall systems we can provide, please make sure to contact our team today.
Get a Quote
To receive a customised quote for a curtain wall system tailored to your specific needs.
These include materials like aluminium and glass, and whether it’s for a commercial or residential project, please contact us directly.
Our team will guide you through the process, understanding your requirements and preferences to recommend the most suitable options.
The flexibility of our system allows for varied design possibilities, ensuring that your project stands out with a blend of aesthetics and functionality.
Whether you are looking to enhance the exterior of a commercial building or add sophistication to a residential property, our curtain wall systems offer a durable and stylish solution that caters to a range of architectural styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Aluminium Curtain Wall Systems?
Aluminium Curtain Wall Systems are non-structural cladding systems made of aluminium frames and glass panels that are used to cover the exterior of a building.
They are designed to resist wind and seismic forces, while providing natural light and aesthetic appeal.
Can Aluminium Curtain Wall Systems be used for both commercial and residential buildings?
Aluminium Curtain Wall Systems can be used for both commercial and residential buildings.
They are a popular choice for modern and contemporary architecture, providing a sleek and elegant look to any structure.
What is the installation process for Aluminium Curtain Wall Systems?
The installation process for Aluminium Curtain Wall Systems involves several steps, including measuring and cutting the frames, installing the glass panels, and sealing the edges to ensure water-tightness.
It is important to hire a professional company with experience in installing these systems to ensure proper and secure installation.