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What is a curtain wall?
It is a thin Aluminium framed wall that contains in-fills of metal panels, thin stone and glass. The framing is attached to the building structure and does not carry the roof or floor loads of the building.
Back in the 1930s curtain wall system became very popular. The reason was Aluminium which became available before it was used just in the military.
Like other elements, curtain wall systems have gained importance too. A curtain wall should be properly designed, installed, and maintained because they are constantly exposed to the outer atmosphere. All this depends on the durability and functionality of Curtain Walling Derby to support the structure of the building.
Types of the curtain wall system
curtain walls are made in a factory and are assembled before they are transported to the construction site. Depending on the method by which the components of curtain walls are assembled, they are grouped into two types.
- Stick curtain wall system: the components are assembled piece by piece on the structure of the building. This method is applied to small-scale and low-rise buildings because they offer an easier and less dangerous assembly process. One of the main advantages of this system is that it’s practical for onsite alterations and adjustments.
- Unitized curtain wall system: on the other hand, components of the unitized curtain wall system are pre-assembled at the factory. And they come as a whole single unit at the site. It makes the assembly process more accessible and minimizes the need for labor. This system is used for larger-scale and taller buildings. On top of that, it makes sure a higher-quality and faster construction process.
Components of the curtain wall system.
- Transom: these are the horizontal members on the wall curtain system panels anchored on the edge of beams or slabs.
- Mullions are the vertical elements between panes of glass in the windows or curtain wall units. Both mullions and transoms’ key role is to support the dead weight of the curtain wall.
- Vision glass is a transparent glass placed between the curtain system. It is available in double and triple-glazing options. On top of that, it includes well-functioning and top-level features, including heat treating, thermal shading, lamination and low-Emissivity.
- Anchor: curtain wall system has an anchor for attaching the curtain wall to the structural system of the building.
Functions of curtain walls in buildings
- Elimination of water penetration: the prime function of a façade is water penetration. But bringing a water and dampproof curtain system is not possible. Therefore, two stages of safety and prevention are placed. The main level is where complete water defense is conducted, and if that fails, there is a secondary level where a direction is provided for water to be drained.
- Air permeability: it can be determined by measuring the rate of airflow through a known area of a material. This function is an environmental concern to reduce carbon dioxide emission because of the heat gain or loss rate within the internal and external environment.
- Reduce building sway: although a curtain wall does not provide structural ability, it certainly helps in reducing the sway of the building making the structure safer and more securer. The curtain wall can even out any stress on the building; throughout the entire structure and frame.
- Slowing the spread of fire: Curtain walling Manchester is designed to slow the spread of fire and act as a barrier between floors. These are extremely important in taller buildings where otherwise; the fire would spread in a matter of seconds.
- Thermal efficiency: curtain walls improve the thermal efficiency of a building if they are properly glazed and treated. These can help reduce the temperature, and additional glazing can also help reduce UV light, which will prevent the items in the building from degrading and fading quickly.
Advantages of curtain walls in a building
- Stunning modern design
- Efficient central heating
- Sealed tight from pollutants and water
- Increased fire safety
- Great win resistance
- Flexibility for different types of buildings
- High-tech is involved, including artificial intelligence
- More complex framing and panel shapes
