The most common types of curtain wall systems are:
1. Stick-built system: In this system, individual components such as mullions and glass panels are assembled on-site. The mullions are fixed to the building structure first, and then glass panels are fitted between them.
2. Unitized system: In this system, pre-fabricated units consisting of frames, glass, and infills are put together in the factory. These units are then transported to the construction site and installed. This system is faster to install than the stick-built system.
3. Point-supported system: In this system, glass panels are connected to the building structure using hardware such as spider fittings or cables. This system provides a clean, minimalistic look but requires careful design to ensure structural stability.
The design of a curtain wall system takes into consideration factors such as wind loads, thermal expansion and contraction of materials, and the weight of the system. The system is designed to distribute the weight of the wall evenly across the building structure while allowing for movement due to thermal expansion and contraction. The chosen system may also have an impact on energy efficiency and acoustics within the building.
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