Structurally Glazed Curtainwall

Architects often specify commercial structurally glazed curtainwall for tall residential applications and that takes much more planning and a very specialized installation team most residential window companies do not have. It is not just bigger fixed windows and the $/SF is going to be much higher than storefront.

The system needs interior steel beam support to anchor to as you can see in these photos and the entire system needs to be detailed by a specialist façade or fenestration engineer. Waterproofing is extremely critical and differs from what most window companies are used to with residential windows. Much larger shim space is called out to accommodate stretch during deflection, expansion and contraction.

Curtainwall systems vary widely in how they are hurricane approved, often with limited glass sizes and pressure caps and the much bigger frames at 4' wide create a very different feel from 5' wide.

I help architects, builders, and owners select, specify, and detail luxury residential hurricane glazing systems without manufacturer or dealer biases.
From just one hour to as many hours as you need a glazing expert for your project.

I also give classes in all aspects of hurricane windows and doors on glass aesthetics and energy performance, manufacturer product overviews, detailed installation planning and best practices, and understanding hurricane product approvals.