Commercial Glazing Systems Overview
Curtain wall, storefront, and window wall systems — a technical comparison for specifiers.
Commercial Glazing System Types
Commercial buildings use three primary glazing system types, each suited to different applications and performance requirements.
Curtain Wall Systems
Curtain walls are non-structural cladding systems that hang from the building's floor slabs. They consist of a grid of aluminium mullions supporting glass infill panels. Curtain walls provide maximum design flexibility and are common in high-rise commercial construction.
Storefront Systems
Storefront systems are typically used at ground floor levels. They are installed between the floor slab and the structure above, using standard-sized frames. Storefront is the most cost-effective commercial glazing option for low-rise applications.
Window Wall Systems
Window walls fill the entire bay between floors, similar to curtain walls in appearance but with the glass panel spanning from slab to slab. They are easier to install than curtain walls and widely used in mid-rise residential and mixed-use construction.