Curtain Walling
Get in touchAt Secure Shop Fronts, we offer expert solutions in curtain walling to enhance the facade of your building.
With lightweight materials and sleek designs, our curtain walling provides exceptional thermal efficiency and a professional finish.
Contact us today to upgrade your property’s exterior.
How Much Does Curtain Walling Cost?
Curtain walling costs between £250 and £700 per square metre.
The cost of curtain walling varies depending on factors such as material, system type, design complexity, and the size of the project.
Additional expenses, such as structural support, installation labour, and specialised finishes, can also affect the final price.
For commercial buildings or large-scale projects, economies of scale may reduce the per-square-metre cost.
Conversely, smaller or more intricate designs tend to cost more due to higher production and installation requirements.
Engaging a qualified contractor for a detailed quote is essential to determine accurate pricing based on your specific needs.
What Types of Curtain Walling Systems Are Available?
Curtain walling systems come in various designs to suit different architectural requirements and performance specifications.
Here are the main types:
Stick Systems: These are installed piece by piece on-site, offering flexibility for custom designs. Stick systems are cost-effective but may require longer installation times.
Unitised Systems: Prefabricated panels are manufactured off-site and then assembled on-site, reducing installation time while ensuring high precision and quality.
Structural Glazing Systems: These systems eliminate visible frames, creating a seamless glass façade with clean lines and a modern aesthetic.
Spandrel Curtain Walls: These combine opaque and transparent materials, often used to conceal building elements or create specific visual effects.
For more information on curtain walling systems please make sure to contact us using the enquiry form provided.
What Are the Benefits of Curtain Walling for Buildings?
Curtain walling provides numerous advantages for both commercial and residential buildings.
Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances the building’s exterior with sleek, modern designs.
Energy Efficiency: Incorporates insulated glazing and thermal barriers to reduce heat loss and regulate indoor temperatures.
Natural Light: Maximises daylight, creating brighter interior spaces and reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Weather Protection: Shields the building’s interior from wind, rain, and other environmental factors.
Durability: Made from robust materials like aluminium and high-strength glass, ensuring long-term performance.
Flexibility: Customisable to fit unique architectural designs or functional requirements.
Property Value: Increases the value and marketability of a building by enhancing its visual appeal and performance.
How Is Curtain Walling Installed?
For stick systems, individual components are assembled and secured on-site, often requiring scaffolding or cranes for high-rise buildings.
Unitised systems, on the other hand, are delivered as pre-fabricated panels, which are then mounted and fixed onto the building’s structure using brackets and fasteners.
The process begins with structural assessments to ensure the building can support the weight of the curtain wall.
A framework is then constructed to anchor the panels securely. Once the glass and other materials are installed, sealants are applied to ensure weatherproofing.
The curtain walling installation must comply with building regulations and be carried out by certified professionals to ensure structural integrity and safety.
Is Curtain Walling Energy Efficient?
Curtain walling can significantly improve a building’s energy efficiency when designed and installed correctly.
Systems often feature double or triple-glazed glass with low-emissivity coatings, reducing heat transfer and minimising energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Thermal breaks in aluminium frames further enhance insulation, preventing thermal bridging.
Solar control glazing options can also reduce glare and regulate solar gain, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
As a result, curtain walling can lower energy bills and contribute to a building’s compliance with sustainability standards like BREEAM or LEED certifications.
What Buildings Are Best Suited for Curtain Walling?
Curtain walling is most commonly used in commercial properties, such as office buildings, retail spaces, and hotels, where aesthetic appeal and natural light are priorities.
High-rise buildings particularly benefit from its lightweight design, as it reduces the structural load compared to traditional cladding.
Curtain walls can also be used in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and residential projects that aim for contemporary design and energy efficiency.
The suitability of curtain walling depends on factors such as budget, architectural vision, and structural requirements.
What Maintenance Is Required for Curtain Walling?
Cleaning is essential to remove dirt, grime, and pollution from the glass and frame of curtain walling.
Periodic inspections should be conducted to check for issues such as damaged seals, loose fittings, or cracks in the glazing.
Repairs or replacements should be carried out promptly to maintain the system’s weatherproofing and energy efficiency.
Working with a professional maintenance team is recommended, especially for high-rise installations, where access and safety considerations are crucial.
How Does Curtain Walling Enhance Safety and Security?
Curtain walling systems are designed to meet stringent safety and security standards.
Laminated or toughened glass options provide resistance against impact and shattering, minimising the risk of injury.
Fire-rated curtain walling systems can prevent the spread of fire between floors, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
In terms of security, curtain walling can include reinforced frames, security glazing, and integrated locking mechanisms to deter unauthorised access.
When installed properly, these systems offer a secure and durable building envelope.
Are There Any Regulations or Standards for Curtain Walling?
In the UK, curtain walling must comply with building regulations, including requirements for thermal performance (Part L), fire safety (Part B), and structural integrity.
Glazing must meet British Standards such as BS 6262 for safety and BS EN 13830 for curtain walling performance.
Additionally, systems may need to adhere to local planning permissions and sustainability targets, particularly for large-scale or high-profile projects.
Engaging a qualified contractor ensures compliance with all relevant standards and regulations.
How Do I Get A Free Quote for Curtain Walling?
To get a free quote for curtain walling, contact our team at Secure Shop Fronts via our contact form provided.
We will assess your project’s scope, design requirements, and site conditions to provide a detailed proposal.
Many companies offer consultations and site surveys as part of their quoting process, ensuring you receive accurate and transparent pricing.
We guarantee not only a competitive quote but also a high-quality result tailored to your building’s unique needs.
Get in touch today to get started!