Curtain walls can be classified by their method of fabrication and installation into the following general categories: stick systems and unitized (also known as modular) systems. In the stick system, the curtain wall frame (mullions) and glass or opaque panels are installed and connected together piece by piece.
How are curtain walls constructed?
A curtain wall is defined as thin, usually aluminum-framed wall, containing in-fills of glass, metal panels, or thin stone. The framing is attached to the building structure and does not carry the floor or roof loads of the building. Custom walls become cost competitive with standard systems as the wall area increases.
How are curtain walls attached to buildings?
Generally speaking, curtain wall attaches to the outside of the floor slabs, acting as a “curtain” that is literally hung on the building and therefore, non-load bearing. It spans slab to slab, and systems are most often constructed in one of two ways; stick-built or panelized.Mar 7, 2018
Are curtain walls load bearing?
A curtain wall is a non-load-bearing exterior wall cladding that is hung to the exterior of the building, usually spanning from floor to floor.
Is a curtain wall structural?
A curtain wall is an outer covering of a building in which the outer walls are non-structural, utilized only to keep the weather out and the occupants in. Since the curtain wall is non-structural, it can be made of lightweight materials, such as glass, thereby potentially reducing construction costs.
What is anchor in curtain wall?
The curtain wall anchor system has an anchor assembly comprising an anchor for attaching a curtain wall assembly to a building structure. The anchor system further comprises an enclosure for the anchor, wherein the enclosure defines an area adjacent the anchor.
How are curtain walls attached?
In the stick system, the curtain wall frame (mullions) and glass or opaque panels are installed and connected together piece by piece. In the unitized system, the curtain wall is composed of large units that are assembled and glazed in the factory, shipped to the site and erected on the building.