Strategies for Glass Curtain Wall Installations

Installing a glass curtain wall presents unique challenges for glazing subcontractors, and they often require a distinct approach compared to other types of glazing applications, such as storefronts, skylights, or residential windows. 

The complexity of curtain wall installations stems from their large-scale, multi-story nature, which demands precise alignment, structural integrity, and weatherproofing. Something as seemingly simple as managing the weight of these large glass panels is a critical aspect that differentiates curtain wall installations from other, more straightforward glazing projects.

Beyond choosing the right type of glass for your project, having the right tips and techniques can make these challenging installations cheaper, faster, and more efficient, benefitting both glazing subcontractors and clients. 

Since our team at Advantage Drafting has extensive experience in glass curtain wall installations, we want to share our insights so you can help optimize the process with each project you undertake. 

Preparing for Successful Installation

Glass curtain walls come in all shapes and sizes. Knowing how to install them properly means knowing what kind you’re dealing with and the unique considerations you must make with each type. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of curtain wall systems and some key installation tips.

Stick-Built Curtain Walls

Stick-built curtain walls are assembled and glazed on-site, piece by piece. Because you can make adjustments during the installation process, they’re also some of the most flexible systems. Even so, they require meticulous attention to detail and strong team coordination.

• Be precise: It’s important to ensure the precision of your on-site assembly. We recommend regularly checking the alignment with levels and plumb lines during the installation process.
• Weatherproofing: It’s equally important to manage seals and joints effectively to prevent water from infiltrating.

Unitized Curtain Walls

Unitized curtain walls are pre-fabricated in sections or modules. These sections are then transported to the site and installed as complete units. This method is great for speeding up the installation process, though it also demands precise manufacturing and coordination. 

Some of the main considerations to keep in mind for unitized curtain walls include:

• Factory Quality Control: Make sure each module is manufactured to exact specifications and standards.
• Transportation Logistics: Plan the installation sequence carefully so that you can coordinate closely with the delivery schedule. Your site layout should be well-organized to accommodate the smooth unloading and installation of large pre-assembled units, as this can minimize potential damage.
• Joint and Seal Integrity: Similar to stick-built curtain walls, pay special attention to the joints and seals between units. High-quality sealants can ensure each connection is properly aligned and sealed to maintain the structural integrity of the entire system.

Semi-Unitized Curtain Walls

Semi-unitized curtain walls combine some of the best elements of stick-built and unitized systems. 

Often, their components are partially assembled in the factory and completed on-site. Here are some of the main recommendations we have for these unique systems:

• Balance On- and Off-Site Assembly: Pre-assemble as many components as possible in the factory for quality control. From there, you can leave final adjustments and assembly for the site to accommodate any on-site variances.
• A Systematic Approach: As with the above two, semi-unitized walls require careful planning to synchronize with the production and delivery of pre-assembled components. When minimizing delays is a priority, a careful approach is key. 

Double-Skin Curtain Walls

Double-skin curtain walls feature two layers of glass separated by an air cavity for better thermal performance and energy efficiency. The inner layer provides acoustic and insulation properties, while the outer layer offers a primary barrier to weather. 

• Optimize the Ventilation: Carefully design and implement the ventilation system within the air cavity of the double-skin curtain wall to ensure proper airflow management and maximize thermal performance and energy efficiency.
• Maintenance Access: Plan for easy access to the air cavity between the inner and outer glass layers for regular maintenance and cleaning. It’s key to incorporate accessible openings or walkways in the design to facilitate regular upkeep.

Point-Supported Glass Walls

With point-supported glass, minimal, discreet point-fixings or spider fittings, hold the glass in place rather than traditional framing. They’re great for a sleeker, modern aesthetic with maximum transparency. 

While the unique design sets them apart from other types of curtain walls that typically rely on more visible and extensive framing systems for support, they also require far more meticulous load calculations. 

Some of the main things to consider when installing point-supported glass walls include:

• Precision: Work closely with structural engineers to ensure the spider fittings are precisely engineered and capable of supporting the glass panels under various pressures, including wind loads and thermal expansion.
• Minimizing Visible Hardware: Minimize the visibility of hardware to achieve a sleek, modern aesthetic. Use high-quality, evenly-spaced, discreet point-fixings to maintain a clean, transparent look.

Final Takeaways

Though the glass curtain wall has come a long way since Willis Polk invented it in the early 1900s, many modern varieties still share the same basic components.

While the above tips and considerations are certainly important for maximizing structural integrity and ensuring longevity in any glass curtain wall project, understanding the framing, the composition of the glass, and how they relate to one another is also crucial. 

We’ve spent years studying these relationships and best practices, which is why our team at Advantage Drafting is a leading provider of shop drawings for glass and glazing contractors.

With a vast portfolio of clients across the United States and several distinct services, we make it our goal to bring experience and expertise to every architectural glass project.

Contact Advantage Drafting today for expert guidance, a free consultation, and a detailed quote for shop drawings based on the scope of your project.