What is the difference between storefront and curtain wall

The systems are designed to best suit the application for which they are intended. Reviewing the features and differences of these systems with the product manufacturers and other building team members will help ensure the building envelope meets its structural, air and water, energy efficiency, durability, aesthetics, and budget objectives. Commercial storefront systems are intended to be single span structures, with anchors at the head and sill only. The frames are installed between and anchored to the building structure.

Frame heights of 10 to 12 feet can be expected of most aluminum-framed storefront systems. Some systems with a deeper profile can be used to heights of up to 14 feet. The key difference between storefront and curtainwall is the way water is managed in the system.

In curtainwall, each lite of glass is weeped separately. In a storefront system, the entire elevation is weeped at the sill. Any water entering the system is directed down the vertical mullion to the sill, where it is then weeped to the exterior of the building. Consequently, this can lead to the system becoming overloaded when the exposure to weather becomes excessive. For this reason, storefront typically is limited in height.

Ideally, it should be located below the fourth floor of a building in areas that are protected from weather elements by an overhang of the roof or other overhead structure.

The more protected storefront is from the elements, the better it will perform. Throughout North America, storefront systems are composed predominantly of extruded aluminum framing and insulating glass units IGUs. The glass is typically held in place using glazing gaskets and snap in glass stops. Some higher performance systems use structural silicone to hold the glass in place and provide a higher level of performance against weather.

Glass usually is centered, but may be offset to the front or back. Glass bite refers to the dimension of the glass captured by the framing system, which provides the seal area to prevent air and water infiltration. Pre-fabricated frames can be brought to the site and assembled into the openings.

This reduces the amount of field labor required for a job, which helps to keep cost relatively low. In fabricating the storefront, it is important that water deflectors are installed at the intersection of each vertical and intermediate horizontal.

The water deflector should be sealed completely, except for the outside corner to direct water down the vertical mullion to the sill flashing. This will prevent water from dripping on the IGU seal, which can result in water infiltration or seal failure. Sealant is used at the joints where horizontals meet verticals.

Critical seals are at the ends and back of the sub sill, also known as sill flashing, sill pan or gutter; and at the anchors. Be certain not to seal the weep holes.

Aluminum is an excellent thermal conductor. Storefront in Indianapolis, IN. Unlike curtain walls, storefronts in Indianapolis, IN are only one story. They should be no taller than 10 feet. Because of this, they are usually only used on the ground floor of a building, but they can be used on the second and third floors as well.

This structure is also non-load-bearing, but it is center glazed and is not self-draining. It is made of a system of windows and entrances and is designed for strength and accessibility. The height, depth and location of these structures are the main differences between the two. It is hung from the floor slabs and it can be as high as 25 feet — or even higher.

The curtain wall is applied depending on the design of the building. Usually, it is front-glazed and it has a self-draining system. Between the two, both can be a good application on your structures. No matter which you choose, you can expect a good quality exterior for your buildings. We provide glass products such as curtain Glass wall that are perfect for residential and commercial purposes. At Khadra Glass, we always guarantee the quality of our products and the comfort that it gives to our customers.

And if you think you need a curtain wall , you can contact us at Khadra Glass so that we can install it for you. Latest News Home. Latest News.