Curtain Wall & Storefront Systems
Curtain wall vs storefront, mullions, transoms, pressure plates, snap-on trim, weep holes, and thermal breaks.
- Distinguish between curtain wall and storefront systems
- Identify mullions, transoms, and pressure plate components
- Explain the function of weep holes and drainage in glazing systems
- Describe thermal break design and its importance for energy performance
- Explain the pressure equalization principle for water management
Lesson 1
Curtain Wall Fundamentals
What Is a Curtain Wall?
A curtain wall is a non-structural exterior wall system that hangs from the building structure like a curtain. It carries only its own dead load and transfers wind loads back to the structural frame. The curtain wall does not support floor or roof loads.
Stick-Built vs Unitized
Stick-Built Curtain Wall
Assembly: Assembled piece by piece on-site
Components: Individual mullions, transoms, glass
Best for: Low to mid-rise, complex shapes
Speed: Slower installation
Unitized Curtain Wall
Assembly: Factory-assembled panels
Components: Complete framed units with glass
Best for: High-rise, repetitive facades
Speed: Faster installation
Anchoring Systems
Curtain walls are anchored to the building structure at each floor slab using anchor brackets. These brackets must accommodate:
- Dead load - weight of the curtain wall
- Wind load - positive and negative pressure
- Building movement - sway, deflection, settlement
- Thermal expansion - frame movement with temperature changes
A curtain wall is non-structural - it hangs from the building and transfers wind loads to the structure. Stick-built is assembled on-site; unitized uses factory-assembled panels. Anchors must accommodate dead load, wind, building movement, and thermal expansion.