You've no doubt seen high-rise buildings with huge glass walls. In fact, you might even live or work in one. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why these buildings need such large glass facades?
It turns out that there are a lot of benefits to using unitized glass curtain walls in high-rise buildings. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what these walls are and why they're so important.
What Is a Unitized Glass Curtain Wall?
A unitized glass curtain wall is a type of facade system for high-rise buildings. It consists of glass panels that are fixed to a metal frame, which is in turn attached to the building structure.
The glass panels are usually made of tempered glass, which is stronger and more shatter-resistant than regular glass. This makes the facade system more durable and less likely to break in high winds or earthquakes.
The unitized glass curtain wall is a popular choice for high-rise buildings because it is cost-effective and easy to install.
Reasons Why High-Rise Building Require a Unitized Glass Curtain Wall?
There are a number of reasons for using a unitized glass curtain wall for your high-rise building. Perhaps the most obvious reason is that it allows for more visibility and natural light in the building. This makes for a more comfortable and inviting environment for residents and guests alike.
Unitized glass curtain wall also create an elegant and attractive appearance for both high-rise buildings and low-rise buildings, which results in creating a professional look throughout the building, especially from clients.
Another reason is the ability of unitized glass curtain wall to improve visibility and increase natural light, which also makes the interior of the buildings better.
A unitized glass curtain wall can also help with thermal insulation and energy efficiency, making your high-rise building more cost-effective in the long run. It's also easier and faster to install than other types of curtain walls, which means you can have your new building up and running in no time.
Unitized Glass Curtain Wall Installation Process
When it comes to installing a unitized glass curtain wall, the process is a bit more complicated than your average window installation.
First and foremost, the team of installers needs to be fully qualified and experienced in order to execute the job flawlessly. That's why it's so important to work with a reputable and reliable contractor who has a good track record with these types of installations.
The installation process will usually begin with the framing of the building. Once that's in place, the glass panels can be installed and secured. It's important to note that these panels are usually quite large and heavy, so it takes a lot of manpower and coordination to get them in place.
Once the panels are in place, the installers will then proceed to seal the seams between them using a silicone sealant. This is an important step, as it ensures that the unitized glass curtain wall is watertight and able to withstand the elements.
The Challenges of a Unitized Glass Curtain Wall for High-Rise Buildings
While a unitized glass curtain wall sounds great in theory, there are some challenges that come with them, especially when it comes to high-rise buildings.
One of the biggest challenges is the weight of the glass. When you're talking about a high-rise building, you're talking about a lot of glass, which means a lot of weight. And that weight has to be supported by the frame of the building.
Another challenge is wind load. The wind can put a lot of pressure on the glass, and if the glass isn't installed properly, it can break. That's why it's so important to work with a company that has experience with unitized glass curtain walls.
Finally, there's the issue of thermal expansion and contraction. The glass expands and contracts with changes in temperature, and if the expansion and contraction isn't controlled, it can cause problems with the integrity of the glass.
How to Choose the Right Unitized Glass Curtain Wall for Your High-Rise Building?
First, you need to think about the climate. If you're in an area with a lot of wind, you'll need a unitized glass curtain wall that can withstand high winds.
Second, you need to think about the weight of the unitized glass curtain wall. The heavier the unitized glass curtain wall, the more support it will need.
And finally, you need to think about the appearance of the unitized glass curtain wall. You want to make sure that it matches the esthetic of your building.
If you keep these things in mind, you'll be sure to choose the right unitized glass curtain wall for your high-rise building.
Summary
In conclusion, a unitized glass curtain wall is a system where the glass panels are factory-assembled into units that are then shipped to the job site and installed as a complete unit.
And the reason why the high-rise building needs one, that’s because of the advantages of this system.
This system can protect against the elements and to provide a stylish, modern look. In addition, these walls help to keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter, saving on energy costs.
So if you're looking for a curtain wall system that's both fast and efficient, unitized glass curtain walls are the way to go.
At WJW, we offer mainly two types of unitized glass curtain wall:
Check out our website to learn more about the dimensions, sizes and design of this unitized glass curtain wall .