Why You Should Consider A Glass Curtain Wall
A curtain wall system can be defined as a building’s outer covering that has outer walls that are non-structural to keep weather out but the occupants in. The right selection of construction materials can reduce construction costs because lightweight materials can be used. Glass is one of the best materials that you can choose for your wall curtain. The systems are comprised of other in-fills such as metal panels and fittings, operable windows, louvers and stone veneers. Some glass curtain walls are made of glass alone held together by stylish stainless steel fittings. Compared with some other materials, glass comes with a number of advantages.
Lighting – This is one of the reasons you should consider having a tende a vetro wall. It allows natural light so the working suites are more friendly and cheerful. Glass allows lots of natural light which is amazing in showing true colors and light that is easy to the eyes compared to artificial lighting using light bulbs.
Panoramic view – Glass curtain wall offers amazing outdoor views that can be all you need to take needed breaks from your work. A magnificent view helps relax the mind and can also help in relaxing the body hence you tend to feel happier and more energized to continue handling the tasks before you.
Energy efficiency – The glass blocks are usually fitted with aluminum frames which in turn offer an air tight fit. This seals the building ensuring that warm air does not get lost especially during colder winter months and cool air is also kept inside during the hotter months hence energy efficiency. Energy efficient glass curtains also reflects UV radiation and lowers operation costs of the building.
Waterproofing – A sealant is usually used during installation of the glass panels and this creates moisture proof barrier ensuring that water does not sip into the building. A water tight building is lower in maintenance costs and this is what a glass wall can offer for your building. The curtain walls also use other materials that are corrosion resistant lowering the costs significantly.
Lightweight – Glass curtain walls can greatly reduce the weight of high rise buildings because glass is a lightweight material compared to a brick or concrete wall. The lightweight nature of the curtain wall improves security and reliability of the structure.
When going for a glass wall curtain, you should make sure that you also get high quality fittings for the same. There are so many options to choose from and considering the pros and cons of the accessories that are at your disposal will make it possible for you to choose the best for the wall curtain. You would also need to select the wall curtain installation that suits your building best. You can choose from a stick system, rain screen principle, unitized and ladder systems depending on the installation results that you are looking for. All important aspects should be taken into consideration for best results with your glass curtain wall for your building.
How to Protect Curtain Walls From Damage During Construction and Shipping
Many new commercial construction projects are designed with large, glass curtain walls that are attached to the outside structure of buildings. These glass walls allow filtered natural light to enter the building interior as well as create a beautiful outside appearance. Another benefit of these wall systems is to increase fire spread between floors and to keep out air and water. Typically, a curtain wall spans more than one story and is composed of metal framing with infill units of glass. Unfortunately, these tende a vetro walls are often damaged during construction activity at considerable cost.
Curtain walls can be damaged during shipment to the job site, during installation and after installation while the remaining construction work takes place. There are several methods that manufacturers’ can use to protect the aluminum windows and mullions from damage for shipment. Protecta-foam strips can quickly be adhered to the metal surface and act as a protective barrier between stacked wall units. Reinforced cardboard edge protectors from 2.5 to 4.0 inches can be taped to all edges of the units for shipment. Lastly, rolled cardboard can be used in some cases if the weight of the units is not enough to crush the cardboard. Wall glass can be protected from scratches during shipment by using adhesive window film.
Once curtain walls have been delivered to the job site, unpacked and properly installed, they are at the highest risk of damage. Various construction trades will work both outside and inside the construction project for months or years. Not only can the aluminum be dented or scratched, the glass is at high risk for scratching and breakage as well. Some glass may be very expensive if it provides seismic- or hurricane-impact resistance or ballistic proof glass specified on courthouse projects. Protecting both the glass and metal once the curtain wall has been installed is a smart move by any contractor.
Most damage to curtain walls occurs at the lowest 5 feet of the walls on each floor of the building. This is where the workers and equipment will be in the closest contact to the walls. The best protection provides a “wall” in front of the glass wall itself. This protection wall can be constructed of wood or plastic. While wood is the strongest wall protection available, it is also expensive and time-consuming to erect. Corrugated plastic sheets in 4 ft by 8 ft sections can be taped together in front of the curtain wall providing a light weight and easily constructed wall. Unlike wood, plastic can be cleaned to remove dust and dirt as needed. Since there is no electricity for lights during early construction, protection walls constructed of white or clear plastic allow natural light to enter the building.
As the demand for curtain walls continues to increase, the need to protect these walls during construction will prove a challenge. Forward-thinking architects and building owners are taking the next step with wall systems by moving from energy conservation to energy generation. These newer walls with photovoltaic modules will be even more expensive and harder to repair or replace. With proper foresight and the use of temporary curtain wall protection, the smart contractor will not have to worry about damage to his or her curtain wall systems getting damaged.
