6 reasons to choose glass curtain walling

When it comes to durable and beautiful exterior cladding options for modern buildings, curtain walling is undoubtedly one of the best choices. Using relatively lightweight glass and aluminium structural glazing systems, this quick construction can transform the façade of any building into a visually impressive expanse of glass.

This cladding alternative is frequently used to span multiple floors of tall buildings, from high-rise apartments to office blocks and retail skyscrapers. While it serves a practical purpose, it also offers an opportunity to create a distinct architectural finish.

As a curtain walling system is a cover that separates the outer wall from the elements and only supports itself, it isn’t a load-bearing structural feature – but its design must still comply with regulatory requirements for environmental loads.

Enhancing both functionality and looks, glass curtain walling offers flexible solutions for both new build and retrofit projects, contributing a variety of advantages that make the investment more than worthwhile.

Here’s what you should know about the benefits of curtain walling for your building, and how we can help at Glass Interiors!

6 Benefits of Glass Curtain Walling

There are several types of curtain walling systems to choose from, each with different installation methods, but they all extend the building envelope to improve its defence against natural wear and tear while creating a more attractive façade.

With so many glass options available, providers like Glass Interiors can design a bespoke curtain wall system that balances aesthetics and performance – not only meeting security needs, but also managing thermal, sound, and light transmission.

Here are some of the major advantages that custom curtain walling can offer to any structure in the UK:

1) Lightweight Construction

While traditional enclosing walls would serve as load-bearing components, also expected to support the upper floors and roof in addition to separating the interior from the exterior, a non-structural curtain wall system simply attaches to the building’s framework and has very little weight placed on it other than the glass.

This means curtain walling can be composed of lightweight materials like aluminium frames and fixings and glass panels. Easier to manufacture, transport, and install, these lighter systems reduce construction costs, whilst still remaining durable enough to withstand various environmental forces for many years to come.

2) Weather Protection

The main purpose of a curtain wall is to protect the building against wind and rain, creating a weather-resistant barrier that prevents the elements from penetrating and causing problems. This extra protection is afforded without affecting structural integrity, as curtain walling systems are designed to be self-supporting.

Manufacturers must conduct extensive tests to make sure that curtain wall systems can withstand the relevant wind loads, thermal expansion and contraction, and seismic activity levels in their area. This ensures the building envelope is robust enough to meet the appropriate safety standards while looking stylish.

3) Energy Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency performance should be a top priority for any building owner, and your curtain walling can be a key player in this mission. Integrating thicker glazing can improve insulation while allowing more natural light inside, which helps to reduce lighting, heating, and cooling costs and your carbon footprint.

Not only can carefully designed curtain walling systems improve energy performance through thermal insulation, but they can reduce noise pollution through sound insulation, too. This creates a more comfortable interior environment for inhabitants, workers, or visitors, which also increases cost-effectiveness over time.

4) Maximising Natural Light

When it comes to reducing energy consumption and enhancing visual appeal at the same time, the simplest solution is to use a transparent or translucent curtain wall instead of traditional opaque cladding. Large expanses of clear or tinted glass allow plenty of sunlight to pass through, significantly brightening interior spaces.

This improved lighting doesn’t just help to keep your energy costs and carbon footprint down, but also creates a sense of openness and connection with the outside while maintaining safety and security. This pleasantness boosts well-being and increases productivity, as natural light is known to have many health benefits!

5) Aesthetic Appeal

In most modern cities, the strongest impression left on workers and visitors is all the glass-covered skyscrapers. It’s safe to say the sleek appearance of curtain walling creates a uniquely attractive and visually striking façade, especially with the extensive use of glass and minimal aluminium fittings for an elegant finish.

Allowing expansive views while ensuring the building always looks polished and professional, glazed curtain walling is the go-to for good reason. These aesthetically appealing systems can be manufactured in numerous ways to achieve your personal architectural vision while meeting technical performance requirements.

6) Customisable Systems

While some curtain walling can be supplied as an off-the-shelf solution for the most simple cases, the versatility of materials like glass and aluminium allows a significant degree of customisation. This makes designing a bespoke curtain wall system to fit specific functional and architectural needs fairly straightforward.

This allows for greater freedom of expression, whether you’re embracing contemporary trends for urban landscapes or looking for something classic and timeless. Whichever architectural style you like, the design can be tailored to suit your performance specifications and style preferences so it integrates perfectly.

Contact Us for Custom Curtain Walling Systems

When designing curtain walling systems, several important factors must be considered, from the location and environmental conditions to the materials, shapes, and colours. As suppliers and installers of assorted structural glazing types, we’re more than capable of helping you design custom curtain walling here at Glass Interiors.

Single or double-glazed, box-and-plate configuration or frameless with spider fixings, plain or powder-coated – we have plenty of options to work with to guarantee a fruitful design process. Not to mention, we ensure that delivery and onsite assembly go just as smoothly, providing total satisfaction for our clients from start to finish.

To begin designing a bespoke glazed curtain wall for your building, call our office on 0203 793 5455 or send an email to info@glass-interiors.co.uk to set up a curtain walling consultation with our team at a time that suits you!