Choosing the right curtain wall system is a smart long-term investment. It impacts your building’s comfort, operating costs, and environmental footprint. With rising energy costs and growing expectations around sustainability, curtain walls that combine thermal performance, quality glazing, and proper installation are becoming the new standard.
Importantly, new regulations are driving this shift. The government has confirmed that all commercial buildings will need to achieve a minimum EPC rating of Grade B by 2030, with an interim target of Grade C by 2027. Selecting the right curtain wall system now can help you meet these benchmarks without costly retrofits later.
What Is a Curtain Wall?
A curtain wall is a non-load-bearing outer wall that hangs from a building’s structure, typically made of glass, aluminum, or other lightweight materials. It serves as a protective skin—keeping out wind, rain, and extreme temperatures—while still allowing in plenty of natural light.
Since it doesn’t support the building, the curtain wall can be designed with performance in mind, especially energy efficiency.
Key Factors to Consider While Choosing Curtain Wall System
Glazing Matters Most
Glass plays a huge role in how much heat your curtain wall lets in or keeps out. Look for:
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Double or Triple Glazing: These layers of glass, separated by insulating gas, offer better thermal performance than single-pane systems.
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Low-E (Low Emissivity) Coatings: This invisible layer reflects infrared heat, helping keep heat inside during winter and outside during summer.
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Gas Fills: Gases like argon or krypton between panes improve insulation.
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Tinted or Fritted Glass: These can reduce glare and solar heat gain while still letting in natural light.
Tip: Match glazing to your climate. In cold regions, prioritize insulation. In warmer climates, reduce solar heat gain.
Thermal Breaks in the Frame
Most curtain wall frames are made from aluminum, which conducts heat easily. This can cause significant energy loss. Thermal breaks—insulating materials inserted between metal sections—help stop this heat transfer, improving overall energy performance.
Tip: Look for systems with advanced thermal break technology, especially for projects in extreme climates.
Framing Material Choices
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Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, but must include thermal breaks.
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Steel: Offers slimmer profiles and more strength, but costs more.
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Composite or Fiberglass: Better thermal performance and often require less maintenance.
Tip: Consider lifecycle costs, not just initial expense.
System Type: Stick vs. Unitized
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Stick Systems: Assembled on-site, cost-effective for smaller buildings.
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Unitized Systems: Prefabricated in a factory and installed in large sections, better for high-rise buildings and consistent quality.
Tip: Unitized systems usually offer better air and moisture control, which helps with energy savings.
Shading and Sun Control
Curtain walls can sometimes overheat a building if not properly designed. Consider:
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External Shading Devices: Like louvers or overhangs to block direct sunlight.
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Integrated Blinds or Smart Glass: For automatic solar control.
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Orientation-Based Design: West- and south-facing walls need more solar control.
Tip: Balancing natural daylight with heat control is key.
Ventilation and Airflow Integration
Some curtain walls include double-skin facades or ventilated cavities that improve airflow and insulation. This creates a buffer zone between indoor and outdoor temperatures, reducing reliance on HVAC systems.
Tip: Especially effective in buildings with large glass facades.
Key Performance Metrics to Compare While Choosing Curtain Wall System
| Metric | What It Means | Aim For |
| U-Value | Rate of heat transfer | Lower = better insulation |
| SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) | How much solar heat passes through | Lower in hot climates |
| VT (Visible Transmittance) | How much light comes in | Higher = brighter indoors |
| Air Infiltration Rate | How airtight the system is | Lower = less air leakage |
Installation and Maintenance
Choosing a well-manufactured system is one part—proper installation and routine maintenance matter just as much. Poor seals, warped frames, or dirty glazing can quickly erode energy savings.
Conclusion
Choosing an energy-efficient curtain wall system is more than picking pretty glass—it’s about making smart decisions that affect your building’s performance, comfort, and environmental footprint for years to come. With the right materials, features, and design strategy, curtain walls can be both beautiful and brilliantly efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curtain Wall System
What makes a curtain wall system energy-efficient?
An energy-efficient curtain wall system uses features like double or triple glazing, thermal breaks in the frame, low-emissivity coatings, and shading devices to reduce heat transfer, improve insulation, and minimize energy loss.
What is a thermal break and why is it important?
A thermal break is an insulating barrier placed within metal frames to stop the transfer of heat. It helps prevent indoor heat from escaping in winter and blocks outside heat in summer, improving the overall efficiency of the system.
Which curtain wall system is better: stick-built or unitized?
Both have advantages. Stick-built systems are more affordable for low-rise projects. Unitized systems, which are factory-assembled, offer better quality control and faster installation—ideal for larger or high-rise buildings.
Can curtain walls reduce heating and cooling costs?
Yes. Well-designed curtain wall systems with high-performance glazing and frames can reduce thermal bridging and solar heat gain, lowering the load on HVAC systems and cutting energy bills.
Are energy-efficient curtain walls more expensive?
They can have a higher upfront cost due to premium materials, but they offer long-term savings by reducing energy bills, improving comfort, and potentially increasing property value or qualifying for green building certifications like LEED.
How much does it cost to install a curtain wall system?
The installation cost for a standard curtain wall system typically ranges from $50 to $100 per square foot. This cost can vary based on the building’s height, complexity of the design, type of curtain wall (stick-built or unitized), and regional labor rates. High-rise projects often use unitized systems, which may have a higher material cost but faster and more efficient installation.
Looking for the best curtain wall installation system? Contact MK Installation Services for expert solutions and reliable service.
