Glass Curtain Walls

The curtain wall systems we are are listed below

Veneer Curtain Wall

This is a framed glass system that is attached to the buildings existing structural substrate such as a steel framing grid.

Captured Curtain Wall

This system does not require a steel grid, the glass is set into the aluminum extrusion that is attached to the building, then a pressure plate is attached to capture the glass, and finally an aesthetic face cap is attached for a seamless look.

Unitized

Unitized systems are glazed and sealed before arriving on the job-site. Each pane of glass has it's own frame that then interlocks with the surrounding units during the installation process

We can provide and install curtain wall glass systems with a wide variety of glass options listed below

Low E Glass

Energy efficient glass with a solar reflective coating

Tinted Glass

The tint is not a surface applied film, but is a color added during the glass manufacturing process. Colors include black, bronze, and green.

Bullet Resistant Glass

Bullet resistance up to level 8 is available depending on the threat type. Contact us to provide information on your project-specific requirements.

Privacy Glass

We can achieve privacy any of the following ways: One-way mirror glass, acid-etched glass, obscured glass, or integral mini blinds sealed between the glass and operable from the interior

Glass Curtain Walls

Glass curtain walls are lightweight aluminum-framed facades housing glass or metal panels. These glazing systems don’t support the weight of a roof or floor. Instead, loads and wind resistance transfer from the surface to the building’s floor line. Curtain walls are often part of a building envelope or comprises one part of a wall system. Each glazing system requires careful integration with other adjacent structural elements such as wall claddings, roofs, and wall details. Curtain wall systems range from standard prefabricated systems to specialized custom wall units. Increased costs often come with additional customization and larger sizing.

These aluminum framed glass wall systems are a hallmark of modern architecture, dating back to the 1930’s. Increases in the availability of inexpensive bulk aluminum following WWII led to their popularity and wide-spread adoption.

Glass curtain walls are not exclusive to commercial applications. They also provide viable glazing solutions for residences as well.

Fabrication and installation methods classify glass curtain walls into two general categories: stick systems and unitized or modular systems. Stick systems, utilize a frame made up of millions and glass or opaque panels. These panels are designed and installed as a unitized system.

Unitized systems are composed of large units that are assembled and glazed in the factory. The installer or builder then receives and erects the glass sections on the building site. Each vertical and horizontal mullion in each module mates together with adjoining modules. Typical units are five to six feet wide, while modules range in dimension. The standard size is around one story tall and one module wide; however each section may incorporate multiple modules.

Interior and exterior glass curtain walls:

Unitized and modular glass curtain wall systems work as both interior and exterior glazing applications. Each offers various advantages and disadvantages. Interior glazed systems allow for glass or opaque panel installation into the curtain wall openings from the interior of the building. These systems typically require specific design per their application.

Exterior glazing systems work well for low rise construction projects that allow for easy access to the exterior of the building. Larger high-rise construction projects may require interior glazing. This is due to the logistics of accessing and replacing multiple stories of glass. These systems often require scaffolding or booms to access the exterior of the curtain wall when repairing or replacing components. Some curtain wall systems may be glazed from either the interior or exterior of the building.

Glass curtain wall system types:

Pressure-equalized rain screen systems are the best if you need a system to resist air and water infiltration. A gasket surrounds the face of the glass and creates a pressure equalized chamber that forms an airtight barrier. The outside face of the glass and accompanying exterior glazing materials with the aluminum framing create a rain screen and shed water away. These systems also do a fair job of transferring wind loads.

Water-managed systems incorporate drains and weeps. These systems are designed to resist water infiltration, but they make no effort to create an air barrier or “zone-glaze”. This means that a larger amount of water is forced into the system and must be wept away. Since no air barrier exists, the pressure differential between the glazing pocket and the interior may be strong enough to force water vertically higher than interior gaskets. This results in leaks.

Face-sealed systems require continuous and perfect seals between each glass unit, it’s frame and between all other frame members. The long-term durability of these seals is minimal. Patching these systems may require glazing tape.

Glass curtain walls and thermal efficiency:

The thermal efficiency of a glass curtain wall system depends on the glazing infill panel and the frame construction. Since Aluminum has a high degree of Thermal conductivity it can transfer energy (heat) very rapidly. This results in energy loss. Implementing thermal breaks constructed of non-conductive materials is a common practice that increases energy efficiency.

Improving heat efficiency also depends on the use of low-e and spectrally selective glass coatings. High performance coatings can significantly increase insulation and improve comfort for a building’s occupants. With a glazed curtain wall, the challenges is in balancing the desire for more natural daylight versus managing heat loss and gain. Having too much uncontrolled light can also result in glare. The goal is to find the right materials and glazes that will meet a building’s requirements.

Connect with Tennessee Glass & Metal today.

We work closely with companies and businesses to help determine their commercial window and glass installation needs. Ultimately we aim to offer you a wide range of commercial glass solutions including: storefront glass, glass curtain walls, and glass partitions. We also handle sizing and specifications for custom windows, with the experience you would expect from industry experts. Contact Us for more information or for a project estimate in the Cleveland, TN and Chattanooga, TN area.

Why Use a Commercial Curtain Wall System?

The Curtain Wall System is widely being installed commercially, and it’s one of the most noticeable features in modern architectural designs. Most business owners are choosing Curtain Wall Systems due to the plethora of commercial gains it provides them. It is one of the commercial glaziers’ recommended systems and one of the most feasible options.

The most significant benefits of the Curtain Wall System are discussed below:

Impressive visuals:

The striking and stunning visuals that a curtain wall adds to the design of the building are indubitable. With the installment of curtain walls, the stylish and sturdy design of the building is impressive enough to attract clients and meet the standard demands of modern architectural structures and design.

Robust and durable built:

Curtain walls primarily consist of high-quality contents like Aluminum which are low in weight yet strong and robust. The Aluminum also increases the durability of the building structure.

Flexibility in design:

Another excellent advantage is, curtain walls provide flexibility in design. While planning and designing your project, you have a great range of autonomy to build customized structures with the help of commercial glass manufacturers. As mentioned, the building of curtain walls involves Aluminum which is a highly flexible metal; thus, there are no design obstructions. Commercial glaziers and glass manufacturers can quickly meet the project criteria that help you reflect the business branding.

Lower Construction Costs:

Since the manufacturing of the Curtain Wall System involves lightweight materials, it reduces the cost of construction to a great extent.

Supports its weight:

The curtain walls are technically designed so that it supports its weight without taking support from the building.

Reduces power consumption:

Installing curtain walls might prove a cost-effective investment since it reduces power consumption to a great deal. Curtain walls help in stabilizing the building temperature. Compared to ordinary glass, the latest curtain walls reduce 40.8% of the heating demands of the building. The curtain walls also increase lighting efficiency, thereby reducing the lighting bills. Thus, overall, they reduce power consumption. In addition to this, curtain walls also mitigate the penetration of Ultra Violet rays.

Safety against Fire:

Curtain walls create a buffer between the compartments of the building which increases the safety against Fire. In case of an accident or emergency, Curtain walls help reduce the spread of fire movement in facilities. The exterior walls of the curtain walls are the first barrier towards the accidental blasts and fire outbreak. Specially designed laminated glass used in curtain walls can be blast resistant. It can withstand forces so that the interior and the workers inside the buildings stay protected.

Eliminates water and pollutants infiltration:

The curtain walls don’t allow water infiltration during precipitation. It also does not allow the entry of air pollutants. These functions are environmentally friendly since it also blocks the access of carbon dioxide and increases the building structure’s durability.

Protection against winds:

Curtain walls provide the building structure resistance and protection against the winds. The Curtain Wall System does this by equally distributing the kinetic force along the surface of the structure. Hence, the structure develops more resistance against the wind forces and stays secure.

Protection against extreme weather conditions:

The curtain walls protect against any sort of extreme weather conditions such as high precipitation in the form of rainfall or snowfall. The curtain walls are specially designed to withstand the weather extremities without collapsing. It can bear a sufficient seismic load and other harsh weather calamities without causing fatal damage to the building structure and it’s interior. In this way, the cost of damage and repairing the damages are also saved. You can also install special commercial glass while designing your curtain walls prone to weather calamities such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

Positive impact on the interior of the building:

The curtain walls ensure more excellent illumination inside the building that enhances the working environment, especially during the daytime. With curtain walls, the interior of the building gives an extensive spacious look. This helps you optimize a smaller space in a significant way.

Thus, you can build a brighter and bigger space inside your building.

NEXT STEPS

Curtain walls are an icon of contemporary architecture and render structural stability to the building. They can also function as a protection for your building model, keeping the interior safe and appeasing at the same time. Moreover, it can even gain business owners long-term commercial benefits such as low maintenance costs and mitigate repair costs. In the long run, it can prove to be a cost-effective investment. Hence, curtain wall system can be a perfect addition to your business buildings and offices.

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Tel: 423-455-5737