Why choose aluminium curtain walling
The facade of your building says a lot about your business or organisation. It should not only be practical, but the outside of your building says a lot about how you want your business to be perceived.
When planning a new modern building design, you should consider the costs, maintenance, practicality and the appearance and this is where aluminium curtain walling comes in.
With its elegant and modern appearance curtain walling is an ideal solution to protect your building from the elements. So, if you want to learn more about the benefits of aluminium curtain walling here’s some great information:
What is Curtain Walling?
Curtain walling is becoming a more common sight on shopfronts and large commercial buildings such as offices and shopping centres. A curtain wall acts as a secondary wall on the outside of a building. It is non structural and independent of the main building so it can be lightweight and acts as a shield to keep environmental factors away from the building itself.
This type of system can be wrapped around an entire building and is becoming an ideal choice in modern building design for reasons we’ve discussed below.
Aluminium curtain walling is lightweight
Due to the fact that curtain walling only supports its own weight it can be made of lightweight materials, such as aluminium. This also results in the building not needing foundations designed for the extra load of other types of external building design, such as window walls.
All this is likely to result in cost savings from the very start of a building project as the foundations can use up a significant slice of the budget.
Aluminium curtain walls let the light in and are a great insulator
A key feature of aluminium curtain walls are that they allow natural light to pass through, but not necessarily the heat off the sun. This results in bright and cool working environments. On colder days they will also act as an insulator to keep heat in the building. The overall effect are fantastic spaces for people to work and go about their day, and cheaper energy bills to further offset the cost of the initial installation. Keep your building bright, warm and well ventilated.
Curtain walling looks great
Aluminium curtain walling makes a big impression. Any building with a curtain wall gets noticed due to its contemporary and polished look. This is the case for many types of buildings from high rise office blocks to retail shop fronts.
Architects love bringing in curtain walls to building design as it gives them more freedom, safe in the knowledge that a bespoke system can accommodate most design considerations. All at the same time as delivering the expected performance and functionality that’s required in all modern building projects.
Any new building should not only look good but also perform well. Curtain walling is expertly engineered and rigorously tested to meet the demands of modern architecture.
The Increased Popularity of Curtain Walling in the UK
Curtain walling systems have been around since Medieval times, where they were installed primarily as a form of security. Nowadays, they are still incredibly popular, although material choices and designs have developed significantly since that time. There are many benefits for developers of buildings and property owners who have curtain walling, which is why they continue to grow in popularity to this day. Crucial Engineering offers curtain walling systems, and thanks to their team of experienced professionals, they will provide you with the top aluminium curtain walling systems in the area. Today, we will look further into why curtain walling systems are so popular in the UK and the benefits you can experience from them.
Curtain Walling UK – An Eco-Friendly Solution
Thanks to the abundance of natural light curtain walling provide within buildings, this can reduce the dependence on electrical lighting systems. Over time, this can help to decrease electricity bills, and with the costs of electricity rising year after year, this is a benefit you will enjoy for years to come. With property developers and homeowners looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, this solution is being considered more than ever before. Curtain walls are light and use modern glass within their construction. This can help keep heat in your building during the winter months and keep it out during the warmer summer season. Increasing energy efficiency is one of the top reasons for curtain walling systems being added to modern buildings, but it is not the only benefit you will experience.
A Unique and Modern Appearance
Curtain walling has improved greatly since its introduction and can now offer a modern look to any building. Whether you are building a new property or looking to upgrade and refresh a current building, you can create a unique look for your property. Some of the world’s most popular skyscrapers and tourist attractions use curtain walling, which helps them to stand out in crowded cities. For anyone looking to attract attention to their business, it’s a great way for your building to catch the eye of anyone passing by.
The UK is known for its older buildings and monuments; however, they still need to be maintained to function to this day. Curtain walling systems UK can help to give an older building a much-needed upgrade without destroying the original features and construction of the property. Thanks to the combination of glass and aluminium, you’ll create a welcoming and attractive front to any building.
Protective
Curtain walling was originally used as a security measure during Medieval times, and it can still offer various protective benefits to users today. It helps to protect your home or workplace from unpleasant weather conditions, such as storms, rain, and wind. However, it also offers great protection from dirt and pollutants that are experienced in so many cities nowadays. It can also be used to protect the paint on the outside of a building and work to secure older buildings from further damage while still allowing the original structure to remain.
Available for a Wide Variety of Buildings
While you may associate curtain walling systems with skyscrapers and unique monuments, they can be incorporated into almost any type of building. With UK property owners looking to upgrade older buildings, curtain walling offers the perfect combination of modern and classic design. You can opt to upgrade the entire building and completely revamp its look or remain true to its original design. Curtain walling is incredibly versatile and is suitable for massive skyscrapers and apartment blocks, and smaller residential properties. It can be used on commercial and residential properties and creates a unique aesthetic that will stand the test of time.
A More Pleasant Living Experience
For anyone living or working inside a building with curtain walling, it offers a much more people-friendly experience. You’ll feel more connected to the outside world, thanks to the glass and ability to clearly see outside. When new residential properties are built, it can help new residents connect with the local community. Workers appreciate the increase in natural light, which can help to boost their mood and productivity. There’s nothing worse than sitting inside a dark and artificially lit space all day long, so it’s a fantastic choice for companies looking to improve their employee’s quality of life.
Curtain walling systems are only continuing to increase in popularity in the UK, thanks to all of these advantages and benefits to users. Both as a property owner or as someone who works and lives inside a building with curtain walls, you’ll experience many great improvements to your quality of life thanks to the increase in natural light. Curtain walling can be added to new buildings or can revive older properties and is a versatile solution that’s used to create unique and modern buildings throughout the UK.
The Evolution of Curtain Walling Systems: Then and Now
Curtain walling systems are used throughout properties nowadays, but you may not know that they first appeared in a different form back in Medieval times. Of course, curtain walling systems have come on leaps and bounds since that time, with more modern techniques and designs used to create the most effective option for consumers.
Today we are going to take a look at the evolution of curtain walling systems in the UK throughout the years. Find out more about this solution for your property, which can offer cost-saving and health benefits to users.
Medieval Times
Dating back to Medieval times, curtain walls were originally introduced to castles. They surrounded the inside of a castle and were mainly considered to be a form of protection for the residents and goods stored within the walls. For a robust defence solution, the curtain walls connected to the towers.
At this time, different materials were used than we see today, such as wood and earth mounds. The material choices then progressed to include steel, bricks and stone, which offered a stronger and more rigid option for curtain walling UK. Nowadays, we mainly see aluminium curtain walling systems, but this development didn’t occur until well past their initial introduction and use.
Moving into the 20th Century
By the middle of the 20th century, curtain walling became much lighter by using glass. With the completion of buildings such as the Empire State Building, new construction methods were being tested and used around the world. More lightweight materials offered stylish construction methods, which led to aluminium being introduced into curtain walling systems. In the 1930s, this material was easier to access and far less expensive than before, so it became a realistic solution for curtain walling systems. Steel and brick were on their way out at this point, to be replaced with the aluminium material that is still used by a curtain walling contractor today.
Modern Day Curtain Walling Systems UK
As with many industries, curtain walling systems have continued to develop over time, to keep up with modern expectations for these systems. Aluminium is easy to access, and other alloys are appearing on the market and changing the way in which vehicles and buildings are constructed. These new options offer many benefits and are strong and versatile for use within building work. The design of curtain walls has become more efficient over the years, with an improved appearance to suit any building’s décor. More attention has also been given to their environmental benefits, and with new materials constantly being researched and tested, this should only improve as time goes on.
Benefits of Curtain Walling Systems
Curtain walling systems offer many benefits, which is why they are still incredibly popular today. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to enjoy natural light as much as possible, offering property owners reduced electricity bills in the long run. The natural light spreads much further into your property, offering a more pleasant living and working space. There is also an aesthetic appeal of curtain walling systems, which can offer a unique look and feel to any building from the inside and out. Users will enjoy complete protection from the weather outside without obstructing the look and feel of their property. It’s almost as if the inside and outside environments merge into one, with no wind or rain entering indoors.
Property developers often consider how their new development will fit into the already existing environment, and curtain walling systems can help with this. Larger buildings were often considered to be eyesores when first built, but curtain walling systems can completely transform the look of a new building for those on the inside and outside. They allow a new property to fit into the local area much more easily and connect the new residents with the outside area. With more people living in smaller apartments and flats nowadays, they can still enjoy plenty of natural light even without a garden or balcony of their own. As well as being added to new projects, curtain walling systems are also often added to older buildings for protection while still keeping their original features intact.
If you are considering curtain walling systems in the UK, Crucial Engineering can offer you aluminium curtain walling to create your desired aesthetic for any new property. Whether you are designing a new building or modernising a current one, Crucial Engineering and their team of professional curtain walling contractors are here to help. With many years of experience, they understand the benefits curtain walling systems offer to users and the modern look and feel they can create. With so many developments to curtain walling systems since Medieval times, it’s no surprise this design solution has remained one of the most popular options with property developers to this day.
Reference video: jineesh pv
Advantages and functions of curtain walls in buildings
Improve Your Facades With A Curtain Walling System
Replacing standard walls? our curtain walling is a fantastic way to transform the appearance of your building almost effortlessly! Perfect for forming a sleek, modernized aesthetic, the smooth transition between the interior and exterior of a building created by a curtain walling system allows for significant amounts of natural light and wide vistas in any building.
How Curtain Walls Improve Your Building
As one of the leading curtain walling contractors in the UK, we are well experienced in the many benefits and advantages that the architectural system can add to a building. While the most apparent benefit is an impressive visual upgrade, there are also many technical improvements that come with a fresh curtain wall installation:
Stunning Modern Design
Of course, it is hard to deny the visual impact that curtain walls add to a building. Whatever the industry, a sleek and contemporary exterior can entice clients, impress investors and add an unparalleled sense of professionalism.
The glass-focused design creates a beautiful and open atmosphere on both the interior and exterior of the building. From the outside, a curtain wall facade invokes sophistication and reflects the surrounding skyline.
From the inside, the viewing options are greatly increased compared to standard architectural designs. Ideal for a luxurious office feel, the abundance of natural light and windows allows for a comfortable and spacious atmosphere.
Efficient Central Heating
Curtain walls can stabilize a building’s temperature when treated for maximum efficiency. With an extra exterior layer, the protective nature of curtain walls results in easier control of a building’s heating system and reduces bills overall.
Sealed Tight From Water & Pollutants
Buildings that find themselves at the mercy of the elements can improve their impenetrability to rain and air polluted with carbon dioxide. Not only do curtain walls prevent elements from entering a building, but they also help insulate the interior, keeping the building warm and dry no matter the weather.
Increased Fire Safety
By creating a buffer between sections of the building, curtain walls also help to greatly improve the safety of your building. Reducing the spread of fire is incredibly important, especially in taller highrises. Luckily, curtain walls help to prevent fire movement in buildings that would otherwise see speedy fire spread.
Greater Wind Resistance
While curtain walls are not purpose-built to reduce building sway, they do offer the added benefit of greater structural protection from wind, which is ideal for taller constructions. With a wide surface area, a curtain wall system can more equally distribute stress and force across the building’s structure. This means that the building sees greater resistance against wind overall.
Flexibility for Different Building Types
One of the greatest aspects of choosing a curtain wall for your building is the flexibility in design and construction. This allows for truly bespoke wall solutions that are totally personalized to each building’s exact dimensions.
As curtain walls are built from highly durable and highly flexible materials such as aluminium, designers can incorporate a facade that reflects the building’s pre-existing architecture and even highlight the company’s personality and branding.
If you are looking for curtain walls in the UK, then enquire today for expert advice and totally personalised building solutions.
Read more here: The Evolution of Curtain Walling Systems: Then and Now
Curtain Walling VS Cladding: Which is better?
Welcome, if you’re here to enquire further about what the difference between the cladding and curtain walling actually is, look no further.
So which is better? It’s a question that dates back to before the 19th century, yet it often seems to be one that is difficult to get a straight answer to. Here, we are going to give you a clear, concise, easy to understand the answer as we explain the pros and cons to each, so you can be more informed on exactly which is best.
We will be covering pros and cons as well as any other considerations, with a view to helping you make an informed decision.
Cladding
Cladding is the application of a protective and/or decorative material to the side of a building to defend against the elements. Cladding is applied to the building itself and becomes part of the structure. Its primary functions are to protect the building against weather and moisture, but it can also serve as insulation for heath and sound. One of its most attractive features however, is the choice of materials that can be used in its construction, with the most popular being wood, metal and concrete. This allows for a wider variety of designs for the building’s façade, as well as an opportunity to modify a building’s aesthetic to blend in with older or traditional structures.
There are a few general advantages that make cladding a good option, especially in comparison to other exterior finishes such as siding. However, there are also quite a number of disadvantages and even potential dangers to cladding, explored below.
Pros
One of the best aspects of cladding is the many different materials one can use. This allows the architecture to project the right style and atmosphere that the designer wants.
Cladding can be quite eco friendly, as it can be made from recycled or recyclable materials.
Cladding can protect the building from the elements and withstand harsher weather conditions.
This method can be lower maintenance
Cons
Cladding can be very expensive depending on the materials used and concrete has been known to be one of the most expensive options
Cladding can take a very long time to install and if the building isn’t structurally sound, the installation process could be delayed even further the building may have trouble withstanding the weight addition.
Even though this method can be lower maintenance, it is fixed to the building itself. Due to structural or elemental complications or if the cladding has been poorly fitted, it may break or fall apart and can devastate the building.
This method may not be load-bearing but the building’s foundations do have to bear the cladding. This means greater considerations about the strength of the foundations and can add costs to other aspects of the building’s construction to accommodate the cladding.
What happens when cladding is poorly fitted?
As set out above, when cladding is poorly fitted or uses lower quality or cheaper materials, it has the potential to become a tremendous fire hazard. Generally, there is a small cavity between the cladding and the wall that allows rain to run down. In the event of a fire, hot air is drawn up this cavity like a chimney, intensifying the flames and spreading the fire to the upper levels. As a result, the fire may spread to inside the building through windows via drying linen or curtains.
In contrast to this, curtain walling employs a passive fire prevention method, by utilizing specialised foam in the gaps between the concrete floor slabs and the curtain wall. These areas can slow the passage of fire and combustion gases, and, in conjunction with sprinklers, they can help prevent flames from rising up the building.
Curtain Walling
Curtain walling works in a slightly different way to cladding but does serve an almost identical purpose. Essentially, it provides a smarter and, quite frankly, safer option. This method offers free-standing outer covering protection from the elements; it’s more akin to double glazing. One primary limitation, however, is that it can only be made from glass and metal, thus reducing the aesthetic variety that it can provide to a building. Due to its modernist feel, you will often see this style implemented on government buildings, office buildings, high rises and luxury apartments.
As with cladding, curtain walling installation has certain advantages and a few disadvantages which inform its suitability. That said, as you will see below, many features provided by curtain walling make it superior to cladding, especially when considering cost, durability and safety.
Pros
Aluminium curtain walling can provide lightweight and durable protection from the elements by absorbing sway caused by wind; it can divert water from rain and even seismic activity.
Curtain walls do not need to be installed on the building’s foundations, they are free-standing and support their own weight so if they suffer damage or any complications, they are far less likely to damage the building they’re protected.
This method offers far greater protection against water and moisture penetration.
This method also provides greater thermal efficiency by helping keep heat out. This can save a lot of money on air conditioning.
They provide additional sound insulation
They can be adjusted to keep light out or allow it to penetrate further into a building
Curtain Walling installers are skilled labourers whose expertise can provide a more uniform, modern and sophisticated aesthetic.
Cons
This method requires more general maintenance and periodic washing.
A curtain walling system cannot be installed or maintained by anyone, it requires professionals who specialise in the process.
Due to the lightweight and specialised materials, harsh weather can delay installation.
In Conclusion
When considering the kind of exterior finish you want, it is important to factor in all pros and cons as well as safety considerations and the ideal look of your building.
For us, however, the choice is clear. Curtain walling is the more reliable and well-designed option with efficiency, safety and practicality in mind. If you want to add some elegance to your building then curtain walling is the perfect opportunity to push it into the 21st century, for more information, contact Crucial Engineering today at 03451 930 420 or visit this page.
Difference between Curtain Walls and Storefronts
As a business, you will undoubtedly face the dilemma of what façade you would like to place on the front of your commercial property. With choices including traditional storefronts, and now becoming increasingly popular, aluminium curtain walling, there is a lot to consider.
Both are ultimately designed to provide adequate natural light into your premises, provide you with a great outlook to the outside world, and protect you and your products from the external elements.
As mentioned above, both aluminium storefronts and aluminium curtain wall systems do perform similar functions; however, they both have some unique qualities making them different and flexible in a wide range of circumstances.
Differences to consider
The main difference between the two is where they are primarily used.
For example, curtain wall systems are perfect for much larger buildings, such as multi-stories and high rise offices; whereas you will mainly find storefront systems on buildings that are only one or two stories high.
It’s important to know some of the main differences between the two, so you can make the most informed decision about what is right for your commercial property.
Due to where these facades are placed means that there is also a difference in their general structure.
Storefronts, for example, are generally known to be the façade of a retail store positioned on the ground floor of a commercial property. Usually, boasting a large display window to showcase its products and services, the window frames themselves will usually be made from aluminium, steel or wood (this is because a smaller frame may be used, maximising the amount of window space a retail unit has), and will typically include glass to provide ultimate visibility.
Curtain walls, however, are much thinner in their design with aluminium frames primarily being the material of choice. The in-fill is typically made up of metal panels, glass or light stone, depending on the commercial building and its overall look and design structure.
This type of construction will not carry the buildings floor or roof loads as they are attached to the building structure, not a prominent part of it.
Due to this fact, curtain walls can be much larger than storefronts. For example, a curtain wall frame can reach at least 13-feet high, while a storefront frame will be restricted to no more than 10 feet in height.
Thickness is also a difference between the two, with curtain walls having a depth of anywhere between 2.5 inches and 8 inches, compared to a storefront which can’t exceed 2 inches (due to the weight load a storefront has to carry).
Water infiltration is another vital difference to note between the two, and how both systems handle rain, etc. will help with your decision making.
For storefronts, water will be directed to the sill flashing, usually through the vertical mullion, which is then discharged slowly out of the building. However, when extreme weather hits, problems such as overloading of the water flow systems can be common; hence the reason why storefronts are kept to ground level as well as have roof overhangs to protect them further from external elements.
For curtain walls, every glass lite is wept away individually. Causing minimum disruption and no additional systems need to be put in place to protect the building.
Taking everything into account cost is still one of the most significant factors in the decision-making process. It can’t be denied that storefronts are the cheaper option and are the perfect solution for elevations and entrances on commercial properties situated on the ground floor.
However, aluminium curtain walls, for all pricier for both materials and production, are the superior product in terms of their functionality and design.
Which one is best for you?
This is entirely up to you and the position of your retail property.
However, at Crucial Engineering, our team of aluminium fabrication experts will be able to answer your questions as well as provide you with ideal solutions to suit your requirements.
Make sure to call us today on 03451 930 420 to find out more and see how we can help you.