Whether it is a new curtain wall or an exterior wall renovation curtain wall, glass curtain walls are a good choice. Since the cost of glass curtain walls is relatively high, there are some points that must be considered when considering making glass curtain walls. The most important thing about making glass curtain walls is your budget and the duration of continuous use. Zhongdong Curtain Wall will tell you today what points need to be considered when making glass curtain walls.
1. Safety issues of glass curtain walls
Structural load-bearing: The frame and supporting structure must be strong enough to withstand strong winds, earthquakes or the weight of the glass itself.
Glass strength: Choose tempered glass or laminated glass, which will not directly fall off and hurt people if broken.
Fall prevention: The glass should be installed firmly to avoid falling from high altitudes, especially in high-rise buildings.
Lightning protection design: The metal frame should be grounded to avoid damage from lightning strikes.
2. Selection of glass curtain wall materials
Curtain wall glass types:
Ordinary glass, hollow glass (good sound insulation and heat insulation), Low-E glass (reflects heat and saves energy).
If you need privacy, you can consider frosted or coated glass.
Frame material: Aluminum alloy is the most commonly used, and it should be rust-proof and corrosion-resistant.
Sealant: Choose glue that is resistant to high temperatures and aging to avoid cracking and water leakage.
III. Details of glass curtain wall construction
Accurate measurement: The size error should be small, otherwise the glass cannot be installed or the gap is too large.
Waterproof treatment: The joints must be tightly sealed to prevent water seepage during rain.
Thermal expansion and contraction: Leave expansion joints to avoid deformation of glass or frames caused by temperature changes.
Installation order: Install the support frame first, then install the glass, and finally fix it with glue.
IV. Energy saving and environmental protection
Heat insulation performance: Use hollow or Low-E glass to reduce heat in summer and heat dissipation in winter.
Sunshade design: Add external sunshades or internal blinds to reduce air conditioning energy consumption.
Light transmittance: Select glass according to the orientation, and use low-transmittance glass to prevent glare on the west-facing side.
V. Daily maintenance
Easy cleaning: Leave a cleaning channel or hook when designing to facilitate glass wiping.
Regular inspection: Check whether the rubber strip is aged and the screws are loose every year.
Smooth drainage: Ensure that the drainage holes are not blocked to prevent water accumulation.
6. Regulations and approval
Compliance with regulations: Meet local building safety, fire prevention, energy saving and other standards.
Approval process: Consult relevant departments in advance to see if special permits are required (especially for super high-rise or special-shaped designs).
Fire protection requirements: Some areas may require fireproof glass for curtain walls.
7. Cost control
Budget allocation: Glass and frames account for the majority, so don’t save money on key materials.
Later costs: Consider the long-term costs of cleaning and maintenance.
8. Aesthetics and design
Color matching: The color of the glass and frame should be coordinated with the overall style of the building.
Grid ratio: The size of the glass panels should be uniform to avoid clutter.
Lighting effect: If it is night lighting, reserve a location for lamp installation (the lighting effect here can be done or not).
Summary: Glass curtain walls are beautiful but have many details. Focus on safety, waterproofing, and energy saving. Don’t cut corners on materials and construction. Plan ahead to save trouble later!
