Curtain Wall System

curtain wall is a non-structural exterior cladding system designed to protect the building from the elements while allowing for maximum natural light. These glass curtain walls are typically composed of lightweight aluminum frames and large glass panels, providing a sleek and modern aesthetic to commercial and residential buildings.

Since curtain walls do not bear the structural load of the building, they offer flexibility in design, enabling architects to create visually striking facades with a seamless appearance. The systems installed by Jahangir Glass Aluminium are engineered to provide excellent thermal insulation, weather resistance, and acoustic performance, ensuring both energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Whether using traditional stick-built systems or advanced unitized modules, Jahangir Glass Aluminium tailors each curtain wall solution to meet the specific needs of the project, balancing functionality with design innovation.

Types of Curtain Wall Systems

Curtain wall systems can be categorized

into different types based on their method

of assembly and installation:

Stick-Built Curtain Wall

The stick-built curtain wall system is assembled on-site, where each component is installed piece by piece. This traditional method involves erecting vertical mullions first, followed by horizontal transoms, and finally glazing the glass panels.

Installation Process: This system requires scaffolding or temporary platforms for installation. It is often chosen for its adaptability to complex building designs or when on-site adjustments are anticipated.
Design Flexibility: It allows for intricate architectural designs, including curves and angles that might be difficult to achieve with prefabricated systems.
Applications: Often used in low to mid-rise buildings or projects where labor costs are lower, and the construction schedule allows for the extended installation period.

Unitized Curtain Wall

Unitized curtain walls are factory-assembled panels that include both the frame and the glazing. These pre-assembled units are transported to the construction site and erected directly onto the building.

Quality Control: Since the units are fabricated in a controlled factory environment, the quality of the assembly is higher, with tighter tolerances and better weatherproofing.
Speed of Installation: The installation process is significantly faster than stick-built systems because the units are simply lifted and fixed into place, often requiring no scaffolding.
Thermal Performance: Unitized systems often feature enhanced thermal breaks and are better suited for high-rise buildings where wind load considerations are critical.

Semi-Unitized Curtain Wall

The semi-unitized system is a compromise between stick-built and unitized systems. It involves pre-assembling larger sections of the curtain wall in the factory but requires on-site assembly of some components.

Component Assembly: Typically, the vertical mullions are installed on-site, and the horizontal transoms and glass panels are prefabricated and attached to the mullions.
Installation Efficiency: This system allows for some factory quality control while providing flexibility during installation, reducing some of the labor and time compared to a fully stick-built system.
Customization: Semi-unitized systems can be customized to meet specific design and performance requirements, making them suitable for both standard and complex architectural projects.

Spider Glass Curtain Wall

Spider glass curtain walls are point-supported systems where the glass panels are held in place by stainless steel spider fittings at the corners. These fittings are typically connected to a structural support system, such as steel cables or glass fins.

Minimalistic Design: The lack of visible frames creates a sleek, modern aesthetic with maximum transparency and light penetration.
Engineering Precision: This system requires precise engineering to ensure that the point loads are properly distributed and that the glass can withstand environmental stresses.
Applications: Commonly used in high-profile architectural projects like airports, shopping malls, and corporate headquarters where a striking, open façade is desired.

Double-Skin Curtain Wall

A double-skin curtain wall features two layers of glass with an air or ventilated gap between them. This system enhances the building's insulation and energy efficiency.

Thermal Insulation: The air gap acts as a buffer zone, reducing heat transfer and improving the building’s overall thermal performance. This can lead to significant energy savings, especially in climates with extreme temperatures.
Ventilation and Solar Control: The gap between the two layers can be naturally or mechanically ventilated, helping to control solar gain and providing additional acoustic insulation.
Design Complexity: Double-skin systems are more complex to design and install, often requiring integrated HVAC systems and precise calculations to manage the air flow and pressure differentials.

Structural Glazing Curtain Wall

Structural glazing systems involve bonding glass to the building's structural frame using high-strength silicone adhesives, eliminating the need for external metal framing.

Frameless Appearance: The absence of external framing elements provides a clean, uninterrupted glass surface, which is aesthetically pleasing and allows for more light penetration.
Structural Integrity: While providing a modern look, structural glazing requires precise engineering to ensure that the adhesive bond can handle the loads and stresses, including wind pressure and building movement.
Applications: Often used in high-end commercial buildings, showrooms, and modern residential projects where aesthetics and transparency are prioritized.