Tips for using glass curtain wall system in your building applications

In the modern curtain wall building construction, curtain walls play an important role in architecture not only to protect mid-rise and some high-rise buildings against the harshest elements, but also to improve vertical stability, especially on structures in natural disaster zones. In most cases, curtain walls are thin and made from lightweight glass, metal, or stone veneer in-fills that are encased in aluminum frames. Appearance varies depending on the type of curtain wall design used and the materials chosen by the architect.

In recent years, glass curtain wall is the typical type of curtain walls widely used in both commercial and residential buildings that are generally constructed using lightweight glass, along with other materials which may include aluminum or other metals, stone, marble, or composite materials. in most cases, glass curtain walls can provide added structural stability for tall structures that can reduce sway and protect against high winds and geological events. By deflecting wind and rain away from the exterior of the building, glass curtain walls can reduce the risk of certain damages to exterior surfaces. However, continuous heating, ventilation and air conditioning are needed in glass curtain wall buildings in order to maintain thermal comfort within the buildings and this has high energy consumption. In other words, glass curtain wall provides an attractive building envelope, but it is generally regarded as unsustainable because of the high energy needed to maintain thermal comfort.

In practical applications, glass curtain wall system has many benefits in applications, such as minimizing air and water infiltration, managing wind pressure, and thermal control. However, long-term exposure to the elements can degrade the appearance and function of the building envelope. And especially glass curtain wall has a higher curtain wall cost compared with other common building systems in application. In that regard, routine maintenance is crucial for the functional and aesthetic value of your curtain walls over time. There are a few common damages for curtain wall systems to occur as follows:
1. Fading or peeling of metal frame finishes
2. Staining of glass or metal
3. Etching of glass or metal

In addition, for some aluminium curtain wall systems, Extensive repairs and refurbishment to a curtain wall can be difficult and expensive. Therefore, it is very important for you to choose a professional metal, stone, and glass restoration provider before you would like to develop and implement a customized maintenance plan for your curtain walls in future.