How to Selecting Architectural Aluminum Curtain Wall For Your Building Facade?

Similar to storefront systems, most of curtain wall systems are composed predominantly of extruded aluminum frames. Due to the versatility and lightweight, aluminum has many advantages to be used in curtain wall systems. In the current market, there are various types of curtain wall systems available for different choices, designed to protect the building and its occupants from weather, while providing daylight and views from the outside. In particular, aluminum is considered an excellent thermal conductor, which has been widely used in modern curtain wall building construction.

Specifically speaking, heavy wall extrusions, called “back members,” form the curtain wall framework to support the glass and anchorage to a building. For glass curtain wall system, the glass or panel is retained by a “pressure plate” or “pressure bar” that is fastened to the tongue of the back member. Gaskets form the seal to keep air and water out. Face covers conceal the screw fasteners on pressure plates. Alternately, the glass may be held in place with structural silicone, eliminating the need for the pressure plate and cover. This may be done to the verticals, horizontals, or both. Back members and face covers may be ordered in a wide variety of depths and finished in different colors on the exterior and interior aluminum framing surfaces.

Sustainable Design Of Aluminum Curtain Wall
Operable windows work within curtain wall structures to allow fresh air into the occupied space. This also may bring added value toward sustainable design criteria such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating systems. Along with natural light and ventilation, operable windows within curtainwall can provide thermal performance that contributes to optimized energy savings in most of practical applications. In addition, modern curtain wall systems can be specified with recycled content or recycled building materials at the end of its useful life. Moreover, durable finishes can enhance the longevity of these systems. Selecting low-emitting finishes and finishing providers that minimize volatile organic compounds may assist with indoor air quality and other green building considerations.