Everything You Need to Know About Curtain Wall Glazing

Modern and commercial buildings across the UK increasingly rely on glass facades to combine natural light with striking architectural presence. Curtain wall glazing has become the go-to solution for offices, retail units, and mixed-use developments looking to make a strong visual statement while meeting today’s energy performance standards.

What Is Glass Curtain Walling?

It is a non-structural glass curtain walling system, typically made from aluminium framing and glazed infill panels, that hangs off a building's structure frame rather than bearing any load itself. A curtain wall spans multiple storeys as a continuous skin, giving architects far greater freedom over the building appearance.

In the UK, most systems are designed and tested in line with the BS EN 13830, the British standard covering weathertightness, wind resistance, and structural performance. Buildings using glass curtain walling are also expected to meet Building Regulations Part L for thermal efficiency depending on glazing specifications.

How Does A Glass Curtain Wall System Work?

A glass curtain wall system is built with a few key components.

· Mullions and transoms- The vertical and horizontal aluminium members forming the structural grid

· Gaskets and sealants- Manage weathertightness, air infiltration, and thermal movement

· Glazing infill panels- Typically double or triple glazed units sometimes combines with opaque panels

· Anchors and brackets- Fix the system back to the primary structure floor by floor

Two main installation approaches are used across the UK projects- stick system which is assembled piece by piece on the construction site and unitised curtain wall glazing system which are perfect for larger commercial spaces as they reduce site labour and speed up programme times.

Why Go For Curtain Wall Glazing?

There are several reasons as to why curtain wall glazing dominates the business market now:

· Maximized glazed area improves daylighting and well-being of occupants

· It supports complex geometrics, feature facades, and branding opportunities.

· The speed of construction with unitized curtain walling systems is good.

· Powder-coated aluminium framing carries a 25+ year performance warranty.

Fire Safety And Compliance

Fire safety is now a top priority for every glass curtain wall system used in the UK, especially on taller buildings. Following recent updates to building safety rules, there are much stricter checks on the materials used and how well a building’s facades stop fire from spreading between the floors. Trusted contractors ensure that their curtain wall glazing system meets all the current safety standards and can show proof of the proper testing and accreditation, giving developers and building owners complete peace of mind.

· Weather resistance - Making sure the system can handle wind and rain at the building's height and location

· Noise control - Important for buildings near busy roads or railway lines

· Easy maintenance - Planning how windows will be cleaned and accessed safely later on

· Sunlight and heat - Balancing natural light with keeping the building comfortable, not too hot

· Glazing choice - Deciding on glass type early, as it affects look, cost, and energy efficiency

Getting these decisions right early in the design process helps avoid delays and unexpected costs later, which is one of the most common issues when curtain walling isn't planned properly from the start.

Whether you're specifying a full-height glazed atrium, a feature entrance, or a complete facade for a new commercial development, choosing the right glass curtain walling partner makes all the difference. From initial design support and structural calculations through to fire-compliant detailing and unitised manufacture, our team at Lancashire Architectural Glazing delivers curtain wall glazing solutions engineered to British standards and built to last.