An aluminum curtain wall is a non-structural outer covering of a building. It is designed to keep the weather out while letting the light in. Because it is made of lightweight aluminum alloy, it reduces the overall weight of the building.
Our factory is one of the leading aluminum curtain wall manufacturers. We provide high-quality aluminium curtain wall profiles, frames, and panels for global construction projects. Whether you are looking for a glazed aluminium curtain wall or a unitized aluminium curtain wall, we have the expertise to deliver.
Types of Aluminum Curtain Wall Systems
There are several types of aluminum curtain wall designs. Choosing the right one depends on the building size and the installation budget.
1. Unitized Aluminum Curtain Wall
In an aluminium unitized curtain wall, the large units are assembled and glazed in our factory. They are then sent to the job site and hung on the building.
- Advantage: Very fast installation and high quality control.
- Best for: High-rise buildings.
2. Stick-Built Curtain Wall
This metal or aluminium curtain wall system is assembled piece by piece at the construction site.
- Advantage: Lower shipping costs and easier to adjust on-site.
- Best for: Low-rise to mid-rise buildings.
3. Glazed Aluminium Curtain Wall System
The aluminium glass curtain wall is the most popular choice. It uses large panes of glass to create a transparent, modern look.
- Glazed aluminium curtain wall: Provides maximum natural light.
- Aluminium glazed curtain wall: Can be double or triple-glazed for better energy efficiency.
4. Aluminium Panel Curtain Wall
Instead of glass, this uses solid aluminium panel curtain wall sections. It is often used for a sleek, industrial look or to provide privacy and insulation.
Technical Specifications: Alloy and Temper
Our factory uses high-grade aluminium alloy curtain wall extrusions. The specific alloy determines the strength and durability of the aluminium curtain wall profile.
| Feature | Specification 1 (Standard) | Specification 2 (Structural) |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy Type | 6063 Aluminum | 6061 Aluminum |
| Temper (State) | T5 | T6 |
| Tensile Strength | ≥160 MPa | ≥260 MPa |
| Hardness | ≥8 Webster | ≥15 Webster |
| Wall Thickness | 2.0 mm−3.0 mm | 3.0 mm−5.0 mm |
Aluminium Curtain Wall Sections and Profiles
The aluminium curtain wall section is the “DNA” of the building’s exterior. We produce hundreds of different profiles to meet diverse architectural needs.
| Profile Type | Standard Depth | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Mullion | 120 mm−250 mm | Primary vertical support |
| Horizontal Transom | 50 mm−150 mm | Horizontal support for glass |
| Pressure Plate | 50 mm | Holds the glass in place |
| Snap Cover | Custom | Decorative outer finish |
Aluminium Storefront vs. Curtain Wall
Many customers ask about the difference between an aluminium storefront vs curtain wall. Here is a simple comparison:
| Feature | Aluminum Storefront | Aluminum Curtain Wall |
|---|---|---|
| Height Limit | Low (usually ground floor) | Unlimited (High-rise) |
| Water Drainage | Basic | Advanced (Internal weeping) |
| Installation | Between floor slabs | Fastened to the outside of slabs |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Structural Load | Minimal | High wind and seismic resistance |
Surface Treatments and Finishes
To protect the aluminium curtain wall frame from the elements, we offer various finishes.
- Anodized Aluminium Curtain Wall: This creates a hard, durable layer that is part of the metal. It will not peel or flake.
- Powder Coating: Available in any color. It provides excellent protection against UV rays.
- Electrophoresis: Provides a smooth, mirror-like finish that is very easy to clean.
- PVDF Coating: The highest level of protection for buildings in harsh coastal or industrial environments.
Application Areas
Aluminium window curtain wall systems are used in a wide range of modern buildings:
- Commercial Offices: Creating a professional and transparent work environment.
- Shopping Malls: Using aluminum glass curtain walls to showcase products.
- Hotels: Providing guests with floor-to-ceiling city views.
- Public Buildings: Airports, hospitals, and libraries use aluminum-framed curtain walls for durability.
- Residential Luxury Towers: High-end condos often use unitized aluminum curtain walls.
Aluminum Curtain Wall Market Trends
The aluminum curtain wall market is growing rapidly. Architects are moving toward “Green Buildings.” This means there is a high demand for:
- Thermal Break Profiles: These use a polyamide strip to stop heat from traveling through the aluminum frame.
- Solar Integration: Some aluminum curtain wall details now include solar panels built directly into the system.
- Large Format Glass: The market is pushing for larger aluminum curtain wall panels with fewer visible frames.
Design and Quality Standards
When reviewing an aluminium curtain wall design guide manual, you will find strict standards. In the US aluminium curtain wall market, we follow ASTM and AAMA standards.
Important Design Details:
- Thermal Expansion: Aluminum expands and contracts. Our aluminium curtain wall details include expansion joints to prevent cracking.
- Wind Load: The aluminium curtain wall profile must be thick enough to resist high winds at high altitudes.
- Water Tightness: Our systems use multi-layered gaskets to ensure no water leaks inside.
Why Choose Our Factory?
As leading aluminum curtain wall manufacturers, we offer more than just metal. We provide a complete solution.
- Customization: We can create a custom aluminium curtain wall section based on your architectural drawings.
- Precision Manufacturing: Our CNC machines ensure that every aluminium curtain wall frame fits perfectly.
- Global Export: We understand the requirements for the US aluminium curtain wall market and European markets.
- Digital Support: We provide aluminium curtain wall details in CAD and BIM formats for your design team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the average life of an aluminium curtain wall?
With an anodized aluminium curtain wall or PVDF coating, the system can last over 40 to 50 years with minimal maintenance.
2. Can I use aluminum panels instead of glass?
Yes. An aluminium panel curtain wall is common for sections of the building where you need insulation or privacy.
3. How do you handle water drainage?
Every aluminum curtain wall system we make has an internal drainage system. Any water that gets past the outer seal is collected in a “weep hole” and sent back outside.
4. Is it easy to repair an aluminum glass curtain wall?
In a stick-built system, individual panes can be replaced. In a unitized aluminum curtain wall, repairs are more complex but still possible by removing the specific unit.
What is an Aluminum Curtain Wall System?
An aluminum curtain wall system consists of an aluminum-framed curtain wall containing in-fills of glass, metal panels, or thin stone. The frame is attached to the building structure and does not carry the floor or roof loads of the building.
Key Components:
- Aluminium curtain wall frame: The structural skeleton that holds everything together.
- Aluminium curtain wall panels: These can be glass (for a glazed aluminium curtain wall) or solid metal.
- Aluminium curtain wall section: The specific shape of the extruded aluminium used in the system.
- Mullions and Transoms: The vertical and horizontal bars of the frame.
aluminium curtain wall for sale
The aluminium curtain wall is the face of modern architecture. It combines the strength of aluminum alloy with the beauty of glass. Whether you are building a small shop or a massive skyscraper, choosing the right aluminium curtain wall manufacturers is the first step to success.
Our factory is ready to support your next project with the best aluminium curtain wall profiles and systems in the industry. Contact us today to receive our aluminium curtain wall design guide manual or to get a quote for your specific project needs!
