Glass Facades or Large Windows:
Which Option to Choose?
When designing a building, the question always arises: what kind of glazing to use, large windows or curtain wall facade systems? Both of these options are applicable because they do not let air and moisture in, as well as keep heat in the building. However, there is a difference between them. In this article, we will tell you about the difference in the application of these systems.
Glass curtain wall facades: what are they?
Curtain wall facade systems are attached to inter-floor plates, unlike windows, which are mounted inside the opening and are attached around the entire perimeter of the structure. When installing a glass facade, you create the impression of a single glass wall without seams; at the same time, you can see a gap in the facade between conventional windows. The glass facade consists of vertical posts that carry the main load, horizontal crossbars, and glass, stone, or metal panels.
Glass wall of windows: what is it?
The windows are fixed in the plane of the wall and do not cross the floor slabs from the outside. This method is slightly cheaper than glass facades, but inferior to them in appearance. It is important to note that the windows are not load-bearing elements of the building and are fixed along the entire plane of the opening.
The gap between the windows requires additional finishing.
Windows are brought to the site as ready-made structures, while the bulk of the facades is delivered in a disassembled form. But there is an exception. There are facade structures that are assembled in modules at the factory together with glass and then hung with a crane at the site. This accelerates the installation process several times.
Window, door, sliding structures can be easily integrated into glass facades.
Windows or glass facade: what to choose?
During construction, the option of glazing with windows is more profitable due to their lower cost and quicker implementation time. However, if you are building a modern-style house with maximum natural light, it is better to choose a curtain wall facade system.
Each project requires individual consideration, regardless of the glazing concept adopted. In addition to the appearance and ease of installation, there are numerous characteristics that glazing shall comply with. Asking a glazing company for advice is the best decision before starting construction.