Thermal Performance of Metal Curtain Walls

Initially, metal curtain walls grew within the metal window industry. However, metal curtain walls differ from windows in that they have a much larger continuous glazing portion, more complex configuration, and heat flow at the joints. Nowadays, metal curtain walls are widely used in commercial buildings due to many good advantages. However, their thermal performance is still low due to the fact that metal curtain walls consist of a large portion of glazing, and both of the glass and metal are high heat conductors.

In practice, metal curtain walls are referred to as “heat sink” in heating-dominant climates. The relatively low thermal resistance results in low surface temperatures in winter and thus may cause condensation and thermal discomfort problems in addition to high energy consumption. The thermal resistance of metal curtain walls can be improved by using high-performance glazing units. However, high-performance curtain wall systems have difficulty in competing with the “mainstream” products due to the higher curtain wall cost. The quantitative demonstration of the benefits provided by high-performance curtain walls, such as higher energy savings and improved thermal comfort in heating-dominant cold climates, would help promote the application of advanced systems. On the other hand, the large portion of the glazing area in metal curtain walls provides unique architectural effect, natural daylight, and visual contact for occupants with the outdoors. However, in cold winters, the glazing surface may become a cause of discomfort for occupants in the perimeter zone due to the high radiative heat exchange between the human body and the cold glass surface and due to the cold draft induced by air typically flowing off the glazing surface.

In practical applications, thermal performance is one of the essential criteria in the modern curtain wall design, considering energy saving and sustainability is one of the hottest topics that we cannot ignore. In most cases, the thermal performance of glass curtain wall is defined by its U-value, and this measure indicates the energy transmitted through the curtain wall. In other words, the lower the U-value the more efficient is the thermal performance of the glass curtain wall. U-values requirements are clearly stated on the energy consumption regulations. And the available facade technologies allow for improved U-values to achieve higher sustainability goals such as the zero-emissions buildings. Dong Peng Bo Da Steel Pipe Group is a famous steel pipe manufacturer in China. We are committed to producing various types of steel products for your choice in your building project in future. Our products are all designed for the fast and easy installation of curtain walls. Contact us if you have any need in your project.