Curtain walling is a popular choice for projects that require large areas of glazing, clean aluminium framing and a modern external finish. It is commonly used across commercial and larger building projects, including offices, shops, hospitals, educational buildings and high-rise developments.
For installers and trade professionals, understanding the basics of curtain walling can help when specifying systems for different projects and discussing options with customers.
At Hanley Trade Frames, we supply aluminium curtain walling on a supply-only basis, with a range of configurations and finishes available to suit different applications.
Curtain walling is a type of external facade system that combines aluminium framing with glazed sections.
Unlike a standard window, curtain walling can cover much larger areas of a building, making it particularly useful where large glazed facades or shop fronts are required. The aluminium framing provides a lightweight and durable solution, while the extensive glazing can help bring more natural light into a building.
Curtain walling can also be used to create a strong architectural feature, particularly on modern commercial buildings.
Curtain walling can be used across a wide variety of projects.
Typical applications include:
– Offices
– Shops and large shop fronts
– High-rise buildings
– Hospitals
– Educational buildings
– Stairwells
– Commercial developments
– Some residential projects
Its flexibility makes it suitable for both straightforward glazed facades and more distinctive architectural designs.
One of the main advantages of modern curtain walling is the flexibility available when designing a system.
Depending on the project, curtain walling can be configured in different ways, including faceted, curved, angled and sloped designs. There are also different mullion depths and box sizes available, providing options for projects of different scales.
For trade professionals, this means the system can be adapted to the requirements of the building rather than being limited to one standard configuration.
Large areas of glazing are one of the defining features of curtain walling.
Our system includes concealed transoms, which can create uninterrupted glass-to-glass joints for a clean appearance.
Opening sections can also be incorporated into the curtain walling, with options including parallel opening vents, tilt-before-turn, side-hung and top-hung openings.
This allows opening elements to be included within a larger glazed facade where required.
Thermal performance is an important consideration when specifying curtain walling.
Our systems incorporate a polyamide thermal break, which helps improve thermal performance. Large areas of glazing can also allow more natural light into a building, potentially reducing the need for artificial lighting.
The combination of aluminium framing, glazing and thermal-break technology makes curtain walling suitable for projects where both appearance and building performance need to be considered.
Curtain walling doesn’t have to look the same on every project.
A range of colours and finishes is available, including any RAL colour, as well as dual-colour options. You can also choose anodised finishes, including marine-grade options for installations in coastal environments.
This gives installers and trade customers flexibility when matching curtain walling with the wider design of a building.
Curtain walling can be specified in a number of different ways depending on the requirements of the project.
At Hanley Trade Frames, we offer options including capped and structurally bonded systems, different drainage methods and different construction methods.
The system is also designed to integrate with other window and door ranges, allowing curtain walling to form part of a wider solution.
When looking at curtain walling for a project, it’s important to consider the overall requirements of the building and the appearance the customer wants to achieve.
Key areas to consider include:
– The size and shape of the glazed area
– The required curtain walling configuration
– Opening sections where required
– The preferred colour or finish
– The type of glazing being used
– How the curtain walling will work alongside other windows and doors
– Whether a capped or structurally bonded system is appropriate
Getting these details established early can make it easier to identify a suitable system and obtain an accurate quotation.
At Hanley Trade Frames, we supply aluminium curtain walling on a supply-only basis for our trade customers.
The systems are designed to provide flexibility across a range of applications, with options for different configurations, mullion sizes, finishes, opening arrangements and drainage methods.
The curtain walling system has been tested to CWCT Sequence B and is designed to integrate with other window and door systems that we offer.
If you’re an installer, property developer or trade professional looking for curtain walling, Hanley Trade Frames can provide a supply-only solution tailored to the requirements of your project.
You can contact our team to request a bespoke quotation and discuss your requirements with our expert team today.
