When deciding between a curtain wall and window wall for your building, what you’re really comparing are their design implications, structural considerations, and cost effectiveness.
A curtain wall is a non-load-bearing glass facade that hangs off the building’s structural frame just like a curtain, offering vast design flexibility and an impressive exterior for high-rises.
On the other hand, a window wall is installed between floor slabs, serving as a budget-friendly alternative that emphasizes vertical lines and an elegant look.
If you want to learn more about these two glass wall types, keep reading! We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide that explores all their features.
Key Takeaways
- Curtain and window walls are distinct facade systems with different structural supports. Curtain walls are non-load-bearing and “hang” off the building, while window walls fit between floor slabs and rely on the building’s structural support.
- Curtain walls offer greater design flexibility, enhanced energy efficiency due to thicker glass units, and lower maintenance. They are also highly resilient against the elements and work well for high-rise buildings. Curtain walls are more expensive.
- Window walls block outside noises more efficiently, do not require fire-stopping, and cost less. A window wall can also be operable which is why it is usually recommended for residential buildings.
Curtain Walls vs Window Walls: What’s the Difference?
At first thought, one would say a curtain wall is the same as a window wall. To the naked and untrained eye, their structure can indeed appear similar. What sets these two apart is hidden behind their manufacturing and installation processes.
Without a doubt, both curtain and window walls add their unique appeal and functional benefits to a building’s design. The secret is to understand which system is a better choice for your structure.
What Is a Curtain Wall?
As the name implies, a curtain wall resembles a “curtain” draped across multiple building stories. That’s why it’s referred to as a glazed wall system hung over a structure. In other words, curtain walls are the walls you see on the countless tall office buildings in your city.
Curtain walls are non-load bearing facades. They are structurally independent and installed in front of the concrete slabs.
The curtain wall and window system you choose can either be built in situ (the curtain wall has a stick-built system in this case). You can also opt for a pre-assembled system that is glazed off-site, being later transported to your building (in which case the curtain wall is unitized).
The way a curtain wall is installed improves the building’s structural strength, being extremely efficient at high altitudes where weather conditions are harsher. As such, this glazing wall system is an ideal choice for high-rise buildings that need a sturdy yet lightweight exterior.
Therefore, a curtain wall is usually recommended for larger commercial spaces, as its installation is quite difficult and implies meeting strict regulatory requirements. That’s why installing a curtain wall on a small residential building won’t be an efficient solution from these perspectives.
What Is a Window Wall?
Unlike curtain walls, which are installed in front of the slabs, window walls are installed between the slabs. This means that a window wall is supported by the slab above and below.
In other words, a window wall unit creates a sealed space between the slabs, at the same time relying on the building’s structural support.
A window wall system is an excellent choice for commercial buildings. However, unlike curtain walls, window walls can also be chosen for residential buildings, and here’s where Magic products take the lead. Our Window Walls make for excellent residential systems – they offer panoramic views, allow more natural light in, and ensure enhanced ventilation.
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Curtain Wall vs Window Wall: Advantages and Disadvantages
We’ve already established how a curtain wall differs from a window wall in terms of structure and installation. But what about other aspects? See below for more details about each.
Recommended Structures
As mentioned, curtain wall installation is usually recommended for high-rise buildings, while window wall systems are often chosen for residential structures, sometimes even hospitality buildings. But why?
The thing is that a curtain wall system is better at accommodating higher floor-to-floor dimensions. It suits buildings with a distance between slabs of 3.6-4.6 meters (12-15 feet). Some manufacturers can create curtain wall systems up to 7.3 meters (24 feet) high.
On the other hand, a window wall is better for shorter floor-to-floor dimensions and narrower module requirements. For example, Magic’s customizable Window Wall system has the potential to reach heights of up to 2.4 meters (8 feet), providing flexibility to tailor the design according to your specific preferences and requirements. Anything beyond that height requires a fixed transom.
Furthermore, a curtain wall is much stronger than a window wall and can be adjusted according to the building’s structure. Owners can also opt for adding window washing tracks, which can be achieved much easier with curtain walls.
Conversely, homeowners may want to install an operable window wall. In this case, they can opt for swing or sliding doors. This wouldn’t be possible with a curtain wall.
Energy Efficiency and Thermal Performance
When going over the advantages and disadvantages of various building facade systems, energy efficiency and thermal performance are key considerations.
Both curtain and window walls can incorporate insulated glass units (IGUs), low E-coatings, and other parts that improve their energy-efficiency coefficient. However, curtain walls are generally considered more energy efficient because they can be manufactured using thicker, stronger glass panes.
In addition, since window walls require more window parts, including a weather seal, the risk of reduced performance is higher. Nonetheless, if the window wall:
- is properly installed
- features durable materials like our Hybrid Fusion Frame, which is a combination between vinyl, steel, and aluminum
- features Low-E coatings
- features long-lasting insulating gas fills
- best-performing warm-edge spacers,
then your window wall will have excellent energy efficiency levels!
Luckily, Magic Window Wall features everything we’ve mentioned above, which is why our products aren’t only Energy Star rated but actually exceed all Energy Star requirements! Furthermore, if you choose our Window Wall, you’ll have a Blackout Blind that further improves the unit’s energy efficiency.
Protection Against the Elements
Without a doubt, a curtain wall is much stronger and more durable than a window wall when it comes to extreme weather conditions or other damaging natural events like earthquakes.
That’s because a curtain wall system is designed to have the loads imposed on it transferred to the building structure. In addition, curtain walls can be manufactured using thicker glass panes, which further enhances their protective features.
This doesn’t mean that a window wall isn’t strong enough to withstand extreme temperature changes or strong winds. As long as it’s installed correctly, sealed properly, and maintained regularly, your window wall will do its job as intended.
Noise Pollution and Fire-stopping
While a curtain wall excels at energy efficiency and protection against elements, a window wall excels at sound control and fire-stopping. Why so? Thanks to the fact that a window wall creates a perfectly sealed space. This leads to less noise transfer, and the slabs act as built-in fire stoppings.
Conversely, a curtain-walled building would be prone to quick fire spread if the void between the floor and the curtain wall isn’t sealed properly. The fire would simply move from one floor to the next, being transferred by air currents.
Nonetheless, these aspects can be addressed if you do decide to install a curtain wall. You’ll just have more things to take into consideration.
Aesthetic Considerations
Here’s another reason curtain wall systems are better for high-rise buildings – they ensure a continuous exterior glass facade. Paired with their low-maintenance features and highly customizable options, these systems can enhance any office building’s appeal!
While window walls can definitely be installed in a high-rise building, owners would likely have to work closely with an architect if they want to hide all those additional window parts that can disrupt the external facade. That’s why window walls are most often recommended for residential rather than commercial buildings.
Curtain Wall vs Window Wall: Cost Implications and Long-Term Value
The cost implications and long-term value of curtain walls and window walls can significantly influence your choice – that is, if choosing between these two glass systems is a possibility. As mentioned, a curtain wall likely won’t work on a small residential building, while a window wall is not always the best choice for a high-rise structure.
Window walls can cost nearly half as much as curtain walls, making them a more cost-effective option in terms of initial investment. Furthermore, their installation is also less expensive than that of curtain walls due to simpler components and less demand for structural engineering.
On the flip side, curtain walls typically require less maintenance over time because they are designed with fewer exposed parts and simpler connections, leading to better resistance against water and air leakage.
Are You Looking for a Window Wall For Your House? Contact Magic Today!
Commercial buildings aside – have we mentioned how awesome our Magic Window Wall is, and how much you’ll love it in your living room?! In recent years, more and more homeowners choose window walls for their homes. They allow more natural light and fresh air in and provide excellent panoramic views! Not to mention how much they contribute to the overall design and property value!
As such, if you’ve decided to install a window wall, you’ve made an excellent choice! Our Magic window wall is extremely easy to use, so you’ll probably keep opening and closing it countless times during the first days (or years!) post-installation!
Magic offers multiple window wall systems:
- Bi-fold door. A bi-fold door window wall consists of autonomous panels that can be opened independently of each other.
- Sliding door. A sliding door window wall usually consists of three or four sliding panels. It also comes with a retractable screen system that can be locked at any opening point, no matter how many panels are open.
- French door. A French door window wall usually has two panes – both of them can be opened similar to a casement window.
- Entry door. An entry door window wall has one laminate glass panel. Like other products we offer, it features a retractable screen system.
- Window. We also offer a window wall that looks… well, just like a window! Its design mimics the look and functionality of European casement windows. It is completely customizable, so you can add as many panels as you want.
In addition, all Magic products feature our patented, award-winning Parallex hardware. This means that our window walls lack any moving parts and hinges, thus making them easy to use and clean.
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Summary
In conclusion, both curtain walls and window walls offer distinctive advantages and unique applications in modern architecture.
Curtain walls are ideal for architecturally unique buildings and high-rise structures. They offer advanced energy solutions, superior insulation, and design flexibility.
On the other hand, window walls are an excellent choice for residential and commercial buildings that require a modern, glass-dominated facade. They have an elegant design, are less expensive, and excel at noise reduction.
The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the project, aesthetic preferences, structural considerations, thermal performance needs, and budget constraints.
If you’re not sure a window wall will suit your home design, contact Magic for a free consultation! We’ll help you make a decision that’s tailored to your budget and preferences!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key structural difference between curtain walls and window walls?
Curtain walls are non-load bearing and hung across multiple stories of a building just like a curtain. Window walls are installed between the concrete floor slabs and rely on the building’s structural support.
What are some design advantages of curtain walls?
Curtain walls provide design versatility, allowing for visually distinctive and customized building facades. They are also suitable for buildings with higher dimensions between slabs.
What are some benefits of window walls?
Window walls offer a sleek and modern look while maximizing natural light and being cost-effective in terms of initial investment. They are also excellent at blocking outside noise. Window walls are highly customizable in terms of design, color, and opening mechanism.
How do curtain walls contribute to energy efficiency?
Curtain walls contribute to energy efficiency through advanced glazing technologies, thermal breaks, and integrated solar cells.
What are some considerations in terms of cost and long-term value for curtain and window walls?
Although curtain walls are more expensive, they enhance property value and are more efficient long term due to their low maintenance features and resilience against the elements. Although window walls are cheaper, they are still an excellent choice long-term, depending on your needs and preferences. They are also energy-efficient and add property value. It’s worth considering, though, that a window wall requires more maintenance due to the exposed window parts.