1. Stick-Built Curtain Wall Systems

The stick-built curtain wall system is a construction method that entails assembling individual components, piece by piece, at the job site. This type of curtain wall system is best utilized for:

• Low-rise buildings
• Confined areas where exterior access is feasible for reaching higher elevations
• Reduced shipping costs
• On-site customization and adjustments.

It does require additional equipment at the project site, however, such as scaffolding and cranes. Installation of this type of system requires a substantial investment of time and labor.

2. Unitized Curtain Wall System

Unlike stick-built systems, unitized systems are comprised of framing and glass panels that are prefabricated, pre-assembled pre-glazed. They eliminate the need to install each component individually at the project site.  It’s often the system of choice in high-rise buildings. Some of the benefits of using this method to build a curtain wall include:

• Timesaving
• Faster construction
• Assure high-quality construction before shipping to the site
• Efficient installation process, with reduced on-site labor costs
• Less on-site equipment, such as cranes or scaffolding.

A few caveats include the need for a temporary hoist or mini crane during installation, and more substantial shipping costs (compared to stick-built components) due to the greater unit sizes, and higher degree of protection required during transportation.

3. Metal or Aluminum Curtain Wall Systems

One of the most common materials used in wall systems includes aluminum framing, steel, brick, and glass. While the benefits of metal curtain wall systems depend on the type of metal used, some include:

• Greater free spans
• More freedom for daylight designs
• Reduces the quantity of vertical and horizontal mullions
• Supports heavier weights of glass like double- or triple-glazed units
• Reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Experts advise against using aluminum curtain wall systems that depend on the seals between glass units and frames and frame members in order for them to operate efficiently. These systems, referred to as face-sealed barrier walls, eventually may pose reliability issues.

4. Structural Glazing Wall Systems

Structural glazing wall systems are versatile. They provide a wide range of budget and design options while providing aesthetically pleasing results.

The versatility allows this type of curtain wall system to use:

• Monolithic glass
• Laminated glass
• Dual-glazed
• Triple-glazed insulated glass units (IGUs)

The supporting structure may incorporate horizontal or vertical aluminum mullions or alternative materials such as glass mullions, steel blades, cables, or stainless-steel rods. Depending on the system, extruded silicone gaskets or wet-sealed silicone may be used for the interior and exterior.