Curtain walls are non-structural facade systems attached to the outside of buildings made of glass and metal that function to separate interior and exterior environments while still permitting light penetration deeper into the building. Here’s a simplified guide on how to build one; please note that it should only be carried out by professionals:
Design Phase
Define Requirements: Consider the building’s use, location, and local building codes when setting requirements for curtain walls. Curtain walls should be capable of withstanding environmental forces such as wind gusts, seismic activity, and thermal expansions without experiencing excessive stresses or fatigue.
Conceptual Design: Work with an architect or designer to identify both aesthetic and functional features for the curtain wall, before consulting a structural engineer on its structural design. A structural engineer should then calculate loads and size the vertical and horizontal members accordingly.
Thermal and Energy Analysis: Conduct a full energy efficiency evaluation on your curtain wall structure to meet energy efficiency standards, including double or triple glazing, low-E coatings, and thermal breaks within its construction.
Fabrication
Materials: Order materials to meet design specifications. Popular options for purchase are aluminum, steel frames, glass, and silicones/gaskets for sealing purposes.
Manufacturing: Accurately fabricate mullions, transoms, and glass panels according to design requirements.
Assembly and Installation
Site Prep: Before commencing assembly or installation, prepare the facade of your building by removing existing facades and checking structural anchor points are in place.
Substructure Installation: Secure mullions to the building structure at their designated anchor points to create primary support for the curtain wall.
Frame Assembly: Attach transoms to each of the mullions to form a grid that will accommodate glass or other facade materials.
Glazing Installation: When placing glass panels or other facade materials into a grid, secure them using gaskets and pressure plates to secure them securely.
Sealing: Apply silicone or another sealing agent around each pane’s perimeter as well as at joints in order to provide both water and air tightness.
Attachments: Attach any additional elements such as louvers, vents, or doors into your curtain wall design if applicable.
Inspection and Finishing
Conduct an in-depth inspection to make sure it complies with its design specs and installation has gone according to plan.
Weatherproofing: To prevent leakage or thermal bridges, seal any remaining gaps and ensure proper insulation and drainage to reduce leakage or thermal bridges.
Maintain Regular Cleaning: Create an ongoing plan for regularly cleaning the curtain wall to preserve its appearance and ensure long-term viability.
Inspections: Conduct periodic checks for sealant failures, glass damage, or structural integrity concerns and address them promptly.
Producing a curtain wall requires careful engineering expertise. To be successful, it is imperative that local regulations are observed, certified professionals are employed, and safety standards are strictly met throughout the process. Methods and materials employed will depend upon your specific project needs as well as environmental conditions or architectural preferences.
