Curtain Wall
Glass facade types, design, and cost. El-Eman Office provides curtain wall and cladding installation.
Choosing the Right Facade System for the Building
There is no single system suitable for every building. The choice depends on building height, wind loads, location, budget and the speed of construction required. Factory-made unitised systems install faster on site and with better controlled quality, but they need early coordination and lifting capacity. Stick-built systems assembled on site allow more flexibility for adjustment. A building facing the sea needs special attention to corrosion resistance in the sections and fixings.
- Estimate wind loads on the facade and the strength of the frame and glass.
- Decide the level of thermal and acoustic insulation needed.
- Consider ease of cleaning, maintenance and access to the facade.
- Select an aluminium finish suited to the building's environment.
Survey Accuracy in Fixing the Facade
Glass facades are highly sensitive to structural errors. When the concrete frame of the building is slightly out of line or level, errors accumulate in the facade and cannot be hidden. A survey of slab edges and column faces is therefore carried out before the units are manufactured, and the fixing positions are then set out accurately. Small tolerances are absorbed in the systems through adjustable joints and brackets, but their limits are restricted, and if the errors exceed them they have to be corrected in the structure itself.
Checks during installation include the vertical and horizontal alignment of the sections, agreement between actual and manufactured dimensions, and then a survey of the final position.
Thermal Performance, Leakage and Maintenance
Glass gains heat from the sun quickly, so the facade strongly affects air conditioning cost. Glass with suitable insulating and reflective properties is chosen for the climate, and section covers and finishes are considered. Water and air leakage at the joints must be prevented with gaskets and sealants, and internal drainage paths designed for any water that gets in.
- Test a mock-up of the facade for leakage and loads before full production.
- Inspect silicone sealants and gaskets periodically.
- Clean the glass and sections with materials that do not harm the finish.
- Review fixings and joints after the first years of operation.
Coordination with Structural and MEP Works
The facade work overlaps with the building structure, air conditioning, lighting and fire systems. Facade fixings in the slabs must be fixed early, and space left for building movement. Fire alarm systems and smoke extraction openings in facades need special coordination. Shop drawings coordinated between disciplines help avoid clashes before manufacture.
Frequently asked questions
Is double glazing necessary in a hot climate?
It is usually beneficial, since it reduces heat transfer, lowers the load on air conditioning and improves sound insulation, especially with reflective or low-emissivity coatings. The decision depends on the budget and the orientation of the facade.
Why does water leak through some glass facades?
Usually because of sealing defects at the joints, damaged gaskets, blocked drainage paths or poor installation. The source is identified by systematic inspection before repair.
Can a broken glass panel be replaced without dismantling the facade?
In many systems a single panel can be replaced by suitable methods, but it depends on the system, access to the location and the availability of a matching panel. Keeping spare panels is advisable.
