20+ Years Experience
Specialist Curtain Walling
Aluminium curtain walling is a popular choice for modern architecture, offering a sleek and versatile solution for both commercial projects and residential buildings.
Whether you are a building owner, architect, or contractor, understanding the ins and outs of aluminium curtain walling is crucial for making informed decisions about your construction or renovation projects.
From the benefits of curtain wallings lightweight and durable nature to the different installation systems and safety considerations, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate the world of aluminium curtain walling.
If you are interested in having aluminium curtain walls installed, please make sure to contact our team today using the enquiry form provided.
Aluminium curtain walling is a versatile and innovative architectural glazing system that provides both aesthetic and functional benefits to a building’s facade.
It is a popular choice among architects and structural engineers due to its flexibility and design options, allowing for the creation of visually striking exteriors with functional elements.
Its applications are diverse, ranging from commercial projects and high-rise structures to institutional and residential projects.
The lightweight nature of aluminium makes it an ideal material for curtain wall systems, enabling easy installation and reducing the load on the building’s structure.
Design flexibility is a key advantage of an aluminium curtain walling system, as it allows for customisable configurations, such as different mullion and transom depths, various infill options, and even curved or angled facades.
These design options give the power to architects to realise their creative vision while meeting performance requirements.
Aluminium offers durability, low maintenance, and excellent thermal performance, contributing to energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
The use of sustainable materials in curtain wall systems is also an increasing trend in modern architecture, and aluminium curtain walling aligns with this demand.
The average cost of aluminium curtain walls is £50-100 per m².
The costs associated with aluminium curtain walling installation can vary depending on factors such as project scope, dimensions, and selected RAL colours for the framing, which offer a wide range of customisation options.
The choice between face-sealed systems and pressure-equalised systems can also impact the overall project costs.
Other influential factors include the complexity of the installation, building location, and the need for specialised equipment or expertise.
The type of glass, insulation materials, and structural requirements can influence the overall cost of the aluminium curtain wall system.
Project-specific considerations, such as environmental regulations, building codes, and accessibility, play a pivotal role in determining the installation costs.
Customisation options, including mullion and transom sizes, finishes, and infill panels, contribute to the variability in pricing.
There are numerous advantages of using aluminium curtain walling.
Architects and builders value these features for their ability to create visually striking and high-performing building facades.
The lightweight and durable nature of aluminium curtain walling makes it an ideal choice for architectural glazing, offering structural integrity and design versatility without adding excessive weight to the building’s structure.
This combination of strength and agility allows for innovative architectural designs and long-term durability.
Aluminium curtain walling is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, providing structural support to large glass panels while keeping the overall weight of the building in check.
This characteristic not only facilitates the creation of expansive and contemporary architectural designs but also contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability.
The durability of aluminium enables it to withstand harsh weather conditions and maintain its performance over the long term, making it a cost-effective choice for glazing systems.
Aluminium curtain walling systems are known for their low maintenance requirements, offering building owners and managers a cost-effective and hassle-free solution for long-term facade upkeep.
The inherent resistance to corrosion and weathering further contributes to the minimal maintenance needs of these systems, making them a practical choice for commercial projects and residential properties.
The nature of aluminium as a material provides exceptional resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the curtain walling systems maintain their structural integrity over time.
This characteristic significantly reduces the frequency of repairs and replacements, saving both time and resources for property owners.
The weather-resistant properties of aluminium contribute to its durability, requiring minimal upkeep even in challenging environmental conditions.
This longevity and low maintenance make aluminium curtain walling an attractive investment for sustainable building solutions.
The energy-efficient properties of an aluminium curtain wall system contribute to improved thermal performance and sustainable building design.
By incorporating thermal breaks and efficient glazing options, these systems help enhance the overall energy efficiency of a building, aligning with modern architectural and environmental standards.
Aluminium curtain walling systems provide a durable and lightweight solution that reduces the demand on a building’s heating and cooling systems, thereby decreasing energy consumption and operating costs.
The recyclability of aluminium makes it a sustainable material choice, reducing the environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly construction practices.
The inherent flexibility of aluminium also allows for innovative design opportunities, promoting natural light utilisation and indoor environmental quality.
Aluminium curtain walling systems offer aesthetic versatility and appeal through the use of RAL colours and large glass combinations, allowing for the creation of visually stunning building facades that align with architectural visions and design concepts.
The range of customisation options enables architects and designers to achieve distinct and captivating exteriors.
With RAL colours, a vast spectrum of shades is available, providing the opportunity for buildings to make a bold and impactful statement or blend seamlessly with surrounding environments.
The combination of colours and glass options such as tinted, reflective, or transparent, adds another layer of depth and dimension to the facade, allowing for privacy, natural light ingress, and energy efficiency.
Architects and designers can tailor the aluminium curtain walling systems to incorporate unique configurations, patterns, and textures, enabling the manifestation of intricate and remarkable architectural visions.
These customisation options extend to the shape and size of the panels, enabling the creation of striking geometric patterns and captivating visual effects.
Aluminium curtain walling is available in various types, including the stick system, unitised system, and semi-unitised system, each offering distinct advantages and applications.
Architects and builders can select the most suitable type based on project requirements, design preferences, and installation considerations.
The stick system of aluminium curtain walling involves on-site assembly and installation of individual components, providing flexibility in design and construction.
It offers architects and builders the freedom to customise the facade based on specific project requirements and structural considerations, making it a popular choice for unique architectural designs.
One of the standout characteristics of the stick system is its adaptability to different building shapes and sizes, allowing for intricate and customised designs.
This flexibility extends to the choice of materials, finishes, and colours, enabling a seamless integration with the overall aesthetic vision.
The installation process of the stick system is efficient and precise, giving construction teams the ability to execute complex designs with ease.
The unitised system of aluminium curtain walling involves off-site fabrication and assembly of pre-engineered units, streamlining the installation process and ensuring consistent quality.
This approach offers time and cost efficiencies while maintaining design precision and structural performance, making it suitable for high-rise buildings and large-scale projects.
With off-site fabrication, the assembly of pre-engineered units allows for simultaneous work on different parts, significantly reducing the overall installation time.
The unitised system also enhances quality control by minimising on-site variables and potential errors, resulting in a more reliable and consistent finished product.
The versatility of the system extends its applications to various architectural designs, facilitating the incorporation of complex shapes and structural demands in high-rise buildings.
Its modular nature enables efficient customisation, accommodating the specific requirements of different projects and site conditions.
The semi-unitised system of aluminium curtain walling combines on-site and off-site assembly methods, offering a balanced approach that caters to specific design requirements and installation considerations.
It provides a middle ground between the stick and unitised systems, allowing for a tailored approach to architectural glazing projects.
One of the standout features of the semi-unitised system is its design flexibility, allowing architects and designers to create custom façade solutions that meet the unique demands of each project.
This level of customisation extends to the installation process, where the system can be tailored to fit the specific needs of the building site and project timeline.
The semi-unitised system offers the advantage of a streamlined assembly process, leveraging the benefits of both on-site and off-site construction.
This not only accelerates the installation timeline but also minimises disruptions to ongoing construction activities, enhancing overall project efficiency.
With its ability to balance design innovation with practical installation considerations, the semi-unitised system has emerged as a preferred choice for complex architectural projects requiring a tailored and agile approach to curtain walling installation.
The maintenance of aluminium curtain walling involves regular inspections, cleaning, and addressing any signs of wear or corrosion to ensure the long-term performance and visual appeal of the system.
The inherent resistance to corrosion and weathering minimises maintenance needs, making it a practical choice for building exteriors. During regular inspections, it’s essential to check for any accumulation of dirt, debris, or moisture in and around the system’s components.
This helps prevent potential damage and preserves the aesthetic quality of the curtain walling systems. In addition, proactive measures such as applying protective coatings and sealants can further enhance the corrosion resistance of the aluminium, prolonging the lifespan of the system.
Periodic cleaning using mild detergents and non-abrasive tools not only maintains the visual appeal but also prevents the buildup of contaminants that can compromise the durability of the walling.
Addressing any signs of wear or corrosion promptly through repairs or replacements is crucial in upholding the system’s performance and aesthetics.
Safety considerations for aluminium curtain walling encompass proper installation and maintenance practices, adherence to fire safety regulations, and structural resilience against wind and seismic loads.
These aspects ensure the safety and longevity of the system, aligning with rigorous building codes and standards.
Proper installation and maintenance of aluminium curtain walling is essential for safety. Experienced professionals ensure initial stability, while inspections detect issues early, preventing safety hazards.
Adhering to maintenance schedules and promptly addressing repairs maintains optimal function and structural integrity.
Aluminium curtain walling’s fire safety involves compliance with codes, using fire-resistant materials, and thoughtful design for overall building safety.
Structural integrity and fire performance adhere to codes, influencing material selection. Integrating fire-resistant elements like intumescent seals and fire-rated glass limits fire spread.
Considering fire-resistant properties in the curtain wall system enhances overall building fire safety.
Aluminium curtain walling’s structural resilience against wind and seismic loads demands careful engineering, material selection, and precise installation for system durability and building stability.
Engineers consider environmental forces, opting for robust materials and innovative methods. Material selection prioritises high-strength alloys with a lightweight composition. Installation precision ensures reliability and stability.
Aluminium curtain walling employs aluminium framing and glazing for a non-structural, aesthetically pleasing building facade.
It’s a lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant alternative, allowing expansive glass surfaces for natural light and efficient thermal performance.
Its versatility accommodates various design elements, contributing to excellent energy efficiency and sustainability, making it a key choice in modern construction.
The British Standard for curtain walling is BS EN 13830.
Compliance with BS EN 13830 is crucial, specifying wind resistance, air permeability, water tightness, and structural integrity.
The standard includes testing criteria for thermal performance, assessing U-values, condensation resistance, and solar heat gain to meet energy efficiency and building regulation requirements.
The British Standards also include quality, safety, and durability through regulations and performance criteria.
Aluminium curtain walling is installed by attaching vertical and horizontal framing members to the building structure.
These frames support the large glass panels, creating a non-structural outer wall. Installation involves anchoring the frames to the building, connecting mullions and transoms, and securing the glass panels within the frame.
This assembly is typically done systematically, starting from the bottom and progressing upwards. Professional installers follow engineering and architectural specifications to ensure proper alignment, weatherproofing, and structural integrity.
Aluminium Curtain Walling is known for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
The aluminium frame is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures.
AAluminium Curtain Walling is highly versatile and can be customised to fit the specific requirements of any building.
It can be designed in different shapes, sizes, and colours to match the aesthetic of the building.
Aluminium curtain walling can help with energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Its design allows for natural light to enter the building, reducing the energy consumption of lighting.
Aluminium curtain walling is relatively low maintenance.
The aluminium frame is resistant to rust and corrosion, and the glass panels can be easily cleaned with standard cleaning products.
Regular inspections and cleaning can help extend the lifespan of the curtain walling.
For professional assistance and detailed quotations related to aluminium curtain walling projects, feel free to contact our team of experts.
We provide comprehensive support for architectural glazing solutions, installation services, and project consultations tailored to your specific requirements.
Our team is committed to delivering high-quality solutions that meet the unique needs of each project.
Whether you require design guidance, material selection assistance, or technical support, we are here to help. With our extensive experience in the industry and a focus on customer satisfaction, we strive to exceed expectations with every project.
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and benefit from our tailored services.
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