Curtain Wall vs Window Wall - What's the Difference?

It is not uncommon to see glass windows in medium to high-rise buildings. To an outsider, these buildings look as if they are covered with glass windows or that the walls are made of glass rather than other standard building materials.

In the industry, this design feature is often referred to as a curtain wall or window wall. Sometimes, professionals use these terms interchangeably. However, there are some subtle but important differences between these two terms.

Today, we would like to look at these two terms and compare them in order to provide a better understanding.

Natural Stone Curtain Wall

When is a curtain wall a "window"?

A curtain wall acts as a curtain for a window. The windows are attached to the outside of the building's floor slab. They are actually hung on the sides of the building, just like curtains. They are non-load-bearing and span board-to-board.

Curtain walls are either constructed from timber slats or panelled. For pasted curtain walls, the elements are delivered to the construction site and assembled prior to installation. With panelled curtain walls, however, the prefabricated units are built so that they can be fixed directly to the panels. Typically, curtain walls are between 6 and 10 inches deep.

Curtain walls require the incorporation of fireproofing material between floors and can have noise transmission problems. In addition, curtain walls are relatively costly compared to traditional panel-to-panel windows. 

Aluminium Panel Wall

What is a window wall?

Window walls are located between the floor plates and are fixed at the threshold and head. They are installed on the inside of the building and extend to the outside of the building. They span floor to floor, usually not exceeding 12 feet, and are not load bearing.

The window walls are prefabricated and can be installed at any time. No fire protection is required as the window walls are located between the floor slabs. In addition, noise transmission rates are not a major issue. Window walls can be a cost effective and stylish option to obtain a ground to roof window appearance without a high price tag or operational issues. 

If a continuous façade appearance is required, flat slab bypass covers can be provided to provide a seamless transition between floors.

ACP Panel Wall

Curtain wall versus window wall

It is easy to see why these two terms can be confused. They both refer to the windows that cover the exterior of a building. However, there are significant differences in their application.

Window walls are built one storey at a time and are supported by panels above and below. In other words, the window wall is built within the edge of the floor slab.

Curtain walls are structurally independent and do not need to provide support at each floor. They often span multiple stories and are built beyond the edge of the floor slab.

Both systems are constructed as an integrated cladding system that acts as an envelope barrier for the building. They also both provide some insulation and can transfer their loads to the building fabric.

Glass Curtain Wall

How can I estimate the price of a curtain wall?

The price of a curtain wall can be estimated with a minimum of information. The first piece of information is the size.

It also uses the frame of the building. By knowing the width, height and number of floors of the glass, we are able to determine the price per square foot based on certain minimum parameters such as width, height and the type of glass used.

We must also know some information about the characteristics, for example, is it double or triple glazed? There may also be arched shoulders with simple glazing.

Once we have all these parameters, we are able to provide the client with a budget price quickly enough so that they know if their current design is within budget.

Our curtain wall solutions provide functional and aesthetic added value to any renovation and new build project. There are many kinds of products in this series, including ACP panel wall, aluminium panel curtain wall, natural stone curtain wall, glass curtain wall. 

As a leading China curtain wall space frame manufacturer, Herbert is able to deliver striking glass walls with excellent thermal performance using a variety of specialty materials and finishes without compromising views. 

If you are looking for high performance steel frame curtain wall from trusted supplier, welcome to contact us for more information!