In modern urban architecture, glass curtain walls have become one of the most common façade systems. Whether on towering office buildings or stylish shopping malls and hotels, you can see shining glass facades everywhere. For many developers and designers choosing a curtain wall system, the most pressing question is: what type of glass is used for curtain walls?
This choice not only affects the building’s visual appeal but also determines safety, energy efficiency, and durability. In this article, we’ll explore the types of glass commonly used in curtain walls, their performance parameters, and where they are applied in different types of buildings—helping you find the most suitable solution.
- Why Curtain Wall Glass Matters
Compared with traditional brick or stone facades, glass curtain walls are more transparent and lightweight, allowing large amounts of natural light to enter and creating a highly modern atmosphere. At the same time, curtain walls can meet various requirements for insulation, soundproofing, waterproofing, and wind resistance by using different glass combinations and structural designs.
For example:
In coastal cities, high-rise curtain walls must withstand typhoon wind loads, so glass thickness usually needs to reach at least 8mm + 12A + 8mm.
In hot regions, energy efficiency is key, so Low-E insulating glass is often used, with a shading coefficient (SC) controlled at 0.25–0.35.
In cold climates, insulation becomes more important. Double-silver Low-E glass can achieve a thermal transmittance (U-value) below 1.8 W/㎡·K.
- Common Types of Curtain Wall Glass
- Float Glass
The most basic type, with thickness usually ranging from 5mm to 12mm. It offers high transparency and low cost but limited strength and safety.
Application: Generally used as the inner pane in insulating glass or for decoration; not suitable as the main material for large curtain wall surfaces.
- Tempered Glass
Produced by heating the glass to high temperatures and rapidly cooling it, creating compressive stress on the surface. Its strength is 4–5 times higher than ordinary glass. If broken, it shatters into blunt granules that are less likely to cause injury.
Parameters:
Thickness: 6mm, 8mm, 10mm (common)
Impact strength: ≥ 120MPa
Application: High-rise facades, skylights, shopping mall atriums.
- Laminated Glass
Made by bonding two or more glass sheets with PVB or SGP interlayers. Even if broken, shards remain adhered to the interlayer instead of scattering.
Parameters:
Common configurations: 6+0.76PVB+6, 8+1.14PVB+8
Sound insulation: STC up to 35–40 dB
Application: Airports, subway stations, banks, and other areas requiring safety and soundproofing.
- Insulating Glass
Consists of two or three panes sealed with aluminum spacers, with dry air or inert gas (such as argon) inside. It greatly improves thermal insulation.
Parameters:
Common configurations: 6+12A+6, 8+12A+8
U-value: around 2.0–2.5 W/㎡·K
Application: Office buildings, hotels, hospitals where comfort is important.
- Low-E Coated Glass
Coated with a low-emissivity metallic film, this glass effectively blocks infrared radiation while allowing visible light to pass through.
Parameters:
Visible light transmittance: ≥ 60%
Shading coefficient (SC): 0.25–0.35
Application: Premium office buildings, energy-efficient residences, green buildings.
- Ultra-Clear (Low-Iron) Glass
With extremely low iron content, its transparency exceeds 91%, providing a nearly colorless visual effect.
Application: Museums, exhibition centers, luxury hotel lobbies—where clarity and aesthetics are emphasized.
- Fire-Resistant Glass
Prevents fire and smoke from spreading. Available in composite or single-pane forms, with fire ratings ranging from 30 to 120 minutes.
Application: Airport terminals, hospital corridors, public curtain walls and partitions.
III. Choosing the Right Glass for Different Buildings
A common question readers ask is: what glass should be used for different types of buildings? Here are some examples:
- Office Buildings
Recommended: Low-E insulating glass (8+12A+8 Low-E)
Benefits: Energy efficiency, excellent thermal insulation, improved working comfort.
- Shopping Malls
Recommended: Laminated + Ultra-clear glass combination
Benefits: High safety, abundant daylight, modern and transparent aesthetics.
- High-Rise Residential Buildings
Recommended: Low-E insulating glass or laminated insulating glass
Benefits: Noise and heat insulation, ensures residential comfort.
- Airports & Subway Stations
Recommended: Laminated + Fire-resistant glass
Benefits: Enhances safety and meets fire protection requirements in public spaces.
- Hotels
Recommended: Low-E insulating glass + partial ultra-clear glass
Benefits: Premium appearance, energy efficiency, strong visual impact.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How thick should curtain wall glass be?
Most curtain wall glass is 6mm–12mm thick. For high-rise or wide-span areas, tempered or laminated glass of 8mm or more is typically required, based on wind load calculations.
- Does curtain wall glass make interiors too hot?
If ordinary clear glass is used, heat buildup is indeed a concern. However, Low-E insulating glass can block more than 70% of solar heat gain, significantly reducing air conditioning loads.
- Do curtain walls leak?
Properly designed systems with structural silicone sealants and drainage systems rarely experience leakage issues.
- Are glass curtain walls expensive?
Prices vary by glass type. Standard insulating glass costs about 450–700 RMB/㎡, while double-silver Low-E laminated insulating glass may reach 800–1200 RMB/㎡. Over time, energy-saving glass lowers operating costs, making it more economical overall.
- How do I choose the right curtain wall glass?
Consider building function, climate, design style, and budget:
For heat control → choose Low-E insulating glass
For insulation → choose Double-silver Low-E insulating glass
For safety → choose Laminated tempered glass
- Conclusion
There’s no single answer to what type of glass should be used for curtain walls. The decision depends on balancing safety, energy efficiency, aesthetics, and cost. Common options include tempered glass, laminated glass, insulating glass, Low-E coated glass, and fire-resistant glass—each with its unique advantages.
If you’re a developer, designer, or property owner, you can approach the choice from four key perspectives:
- Safety — For high-rise or public buildings, prioritize laminated and tempered glass.
- Energy Efficiency — Opt for Low-E insulating glass to reduce energy use.
- Aesthetics — Ultra-clear glass and large panels elevate visual appeal.
- Functionality — Use fire-resistant or explosion-proof glass for special requirements.
Glass curtain walls are not just building materials—they symbolize the image of modern cities. By choosing the right glass, you ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency while allowing your building to shine brightly on the skyline.
Would you like me to also optimize this translation for SEO (for example, by naturally repeating “glass curtain wall” at \~2% density, similar to the Chinese version)? That way it could perform even better for web publishing.
