AACLADDING specializes in architectural aluminum cladding, leveraging 26 years of technical expertise in the metal cladding business. The company provides high-quality products and services, focusing on competitive solutions for building envelope systems. It serves clients requiring advanced architectural facade solutions.
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Curtain Wall Manufacturers
Last updated: January 2026
This directory lists 92 curtain wall manufacturers across the United States, from bespoke facade fabricators specializing in intricate custom designs to large-scale operations focused on high-volume unitized system production.
Buyers engage these manufacturers to solve a range of critical problems, from achieving specific U-values and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC) for energy efficiency to meeting stringent wind load and blast resistance requirements. They often seek expertise in executing complex facade geometries, seamlessly integrating operable vents, or optimizing the design of glazing pockets for specialized glass types.
The supplier landscape encompasses various specializations. Some excel in traditional stick-built systems, offering greater field adaptability for unique designs, while others are geared towards the precision and rapid enclosure of unitized curtain wall fabrication. Niche players might focus on point-supported glass, hurricane-rated systems requiring Miami-Dade NOA, or specialized finishes like high-performance anodization or durable powder coating.
To ensure a smooth engagement, buyers should prepare detailed architectural drawings, comprehensive performance specifications (including AAMA and NFRC ratings), and clarify expectations for structural calculations and thermal modeling. Manufacturers typically expect clear communication regarding project timelines, budget constraints, and any specific requirements for full-scale performance mock-ups (PMUs).
A notable trend in the category is the accelerating demand for curtain wall systems with enhanced thermal performance and acoustic insulation, driven by stricter energy codes and a focus on occupant comfort. This pushes manufacturers towards advanced thermal breaks, triple glazing, and innovative frame designs, often requiring sophisticated simulation and testing capabilities.
Company Directory
92 companies nationwide
Based in Livermore, CA, Architectural Glass & Aluminum (AGA) designs, manufactures, and installs comprehensive facade and glazing systems. With in-house manufacturing facilities, AGA provides design-assist and project management for high-performance architectural glass and aluminum solutions, including curtain walls, transforming complex visions into reality.
Based in Livermore, CA, American Glass offers custom design, manufacturing, value-engineering, and installation services for curtain wall systems. They provide total glazing solutions, including window systems and slope glazing, utilizing advanced engineering and project management for superior quality and efficient project completion.
American Products, Inc. (API), based in Tampa, FL, is a specialty manufacturer and supplier of curtain wall systems. They provide fully fabricated, unitized curtain walls directly from their facility, serving retail and commercial construction industries. API also offers storefronts and architectural metal building products for various commercial projects.
Based in Rogers, MN, Americlad, LLC specializes in advanced manufacturing of easy-to-install exterior façade, soffit, column, and metal cladding systems. They provide comprehensive solutions for architectural building envelopes.
Based in Enumclaw, WA, AMS offers high-quality building facade materials and architectural cladding solutions. The company specializes in design and fabrication services for diverse architectural projects, providing advanced systems and components that meet modern construction demands for exterior building envelopes.
Based in Carteret, NJ, Arcmet custom fabricates ornamental metal and glass architectural solutions for commercial projects across NYC, NJ, and beyond. They provide custom-built metalwork, facades, and building envelope components, collaborating closely with owners, architects, and construction managers.
Based in Phoenix, AZ, Aristocrat AFS manufactures premium windows, doors, and architectural fixtures, including curtain wall systems. They provide stick-built, unitized, or cassette curtain walls with various glazing options for custom homes and commercial buildings, inspired by German engineering and European style.
Architectural System Fabricators, based in Southington, CT, specializes in custom architectural metal fabrication and high-quality panel systems. The company provides nationwide services, focusing on precision manufacturing for diverse architectural projects, which includes components and systems relevant to curtain wall construction.
Based in University Park, IL, ATAS International, Inc. manufactures a comprehensive range of architectural metal wall and roof panels. They produce diverse metal cladding systems, including corrugated, standing seam, and insulated metal panels, for commercial and residential applications. Their products are suitable for various exterior building envelopes, often incorporating into modern curtain wall designs.
A. Zahner Company, based in Kansas City, MO, specializes in designing and manufacturing architectural metal products, versatile systems, and custom solutions. They provide innovative metal craftsmanship, including modular wall panel systems, for transforming both interior and exterior architectural spaces, collaborating on large-scale projects across various sectors.
Based in Wayne, NJ, Bendheim specializes in precision-engineered interior and exterior glass systems. They provide ventilated glass facade systems, decorative glass rainscreens, and GripGlaze exterior glass systems for architectural projects. Their high-performance glass has been integral to recognizable structures globally, offering versatile and advanced building solutions.
BŌK Modern, based in San Rafael, CA, manufactures innovative self-supporting architectural metal panel systems. They specialize in custom and standard metal solutions, including dividers, guardrails, fencing, and canopies for large-scale commercial, retail, and multi-residential projects. The company focuses on design and product development, creating practical and aesthetically pleasing architectural metal systems.
Building Blocks Facades specializes in designing, manufacturing, and constructing advanced facade systems for ambitious architectural projects. They utilize cutting-edge UHPC and GFRC cementitious technologies to deliver thin-profile, durable cladding solutions. Their integrated Design–Manufacture–Construct model offers turnkey solutions for architects, contractors, and developers.
Clark Pacific specializes in design-driven, prefabricated building systems, offering high-performance building envelopes and facades. They utilize off-site manufacturing to deliver customizable, cost-effective solutions, streamlining construction and supporting client sustainability goals. The company provides efficient, resilient buildings for commercial projects.
Coral Architectural Products manufactures high-performance commercial curtain wall systems, storefronts, and entrances. Their products are performance-tested to ASTME and AMMA standards, accommodating various glass types. They also provide hurricane and impact-resistant solutions for architectural projects, along with removable office partition systems.
Based in Allentown, PA, Eastern Exterior Wall Systems (EEWS) custom designs, manufactures, and installs prefabricated exterior wall systems for large commercial buildings. They provide turnkey solutions integrating wall framing and diverse finished claddings, including ventilated rainscreen or barrier performance models.
Based in Bloomington, MN, Enclos Corp. specializes in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and construction of custom curtain wall systems and high-performance building facades. They offer advanced technology and flexible manufacturing capabilities to deliver specialty facade solutions for various scales.
Based in Indianapolis, IN, Estes Design & Manufacturing is a full-service sheet metal fabricator specializing in engineering and manufacturing exterior and interior architectural wall panels and facades for commercial and industrial businesses. They provide custom sheet metal parts, utilizing 3D laser welding and rapid prototyping with lean manufacturing principles.
Euroline Steel Windows & Doors, based in Yorba Linda, CA, specializes in manufacturing extraordinary custom steel windows and doors, including steel curtain walls. The company crafts unique luxury masterpieces for homes, working with architects to realize distinctive designs. They emphasize custom characteristics and high-quality craftsmanship.
Fairview Architectural North America manufactures innovative metal facades and 100% solid aluminum cladding panels. Specializing in premium building façade products, they offer custom durable finishes for diverse architectural projects. The company emphasizes material safety, extensive testing, and R&D for high-performance solutions.
Fireglass specializes in manufacturing advanced fire-rated glass and framing systems, including its Fireframes® Curtainwall Series. The company provides solutions for large expanses of glass in both interior and exterior applications, utilizing narrow steel profiles. Their expertise delivers precise, proven fire-rated systems for architectural projects across North America.
FreMarq Innovations is a U.S. curtain wall manufacturer engineering standard and patented high-performance framing systems. The company specializes in maximizing energy savings and building efficiency, utilizing patented FortMax™ thermal barrier technology to eliminate thermal bridging and reduce energy costs. They also offer custom design options.
Frontek USA LLC manufactures ICC-certified extruded porcelain facade systems, offering a complete open-jointed rainscreen and cladding solution for building envelopes. Their double-ventilated panels are available in numerous colors and sizes, known for strength, durability, and lightweight design for exterior applications.
Based in Fullerton, CA, Golden Glass specializes in the design, custom fabrication, and installation of curtain wall systems for commercial projects. They partner with architects and general contractors, delivering exterior curtainwall façades and interior glass systems for various buildings from design to quality installation.
Gutmann North America, based in Culver City, CA, supplies advanced aluminum curtain walls, window walls, and window & door systems. They engineer high-performance facade solutions for architects and glazing contractors, providing customizable systems for diverse residential and commercial projects.
Based in Placentia, CA, Hale Glass, Inc. provides in-house fabrication and installation of high-quality commercial glass solutions. Serving Southern California, they complete diverse architectural projects for office buildings, medical centers, schools, and hotels. Services include project scope review, material sourcing, and precise, safe installation of large-scale glass structures.
Innovation Glass LLC, based in Tivoli, NY, is a facade engineering firm founded in 2006. They specialize in providing advanced glass curtain wall systems, including VS1, a patented stick-built facade technology. The company supplies highly adaptive components, offering design freedom for architecture and glazing projects globally.
Based in Manchester, NH, Kalwall manufactures advanced translucent wall systems for commercial and institutional projects across the USA. Specializing in innovative daylighting solutions, their custom architectural systems offer powerful performance and maximize natural light. Kalwall's durable, energy-efficient products are proudly made 100% in the United States.
Based in Anaheim, CA, KHS&S West is a specialty interior and exterior contractor that creates prefabricated building components, including exterior wall panels. The company also provides themed environments, rockwork, and specialty finishes for diverse construction projects.
Based in Chandler, AZ, Kovach designs, manufactures, and installs high-quality metal panel and glazing systems for commercial building enclosures. The company provides integrated solutions for complex architectural projects, focusing on comprehensive façade and envelope systems.
Based in Antioch, TN, LuxView designs and engineers architectural glass facade systems. They provide durable, sleek, and customizable glass walls, sliding doors, and large-format windows with precision-engineered hardware. LuxView specializes in massive glass sizes to enhance building aesthetics for architects and general contractors.
Based in Manhattan, KS, Manko Window Systems manufactures aluminum curtain walls for commercial applications. They offer systems featuring a 2 ½-inch face dimension, various back member sizes, and glazing options from ¼ inch to 1 ¾ inches. The company provides both standard and high-performance thermal curtain wall solutions.
Based in Oakland, CA, MAZ Glass is a family-owned commercial glass contractor operating since 1986. The company specializes in fabricating and installing custom curtain wall systems, storefronts, railings, and various glazing solutions. They partner with general contractors, developers, and architects for commercial projects in the Bay Area.
Based in Miami, FL, Miami Wall Systems engineers, designs, manufactures, and delivers architectural wall systems. The company provides custom-designed, high-performance curtain walls for new construction and renovation projects. They also offer windows, doors, railings, and storefronts, focusing on precision and sustainability in their architectural solutions.
Monarch Metal manufactures custom aluminum extrusions, metal fabrication, and architectural metal solutions. They provide engineered hanging systems, cladding, and rain screen systems, including wall brackets and substructure components. Their offerings cater to various exterior and interior panel systems for commercial building envelopes.
Nationwide Architectural Metals, Inc., based in Hickory, NC, specializes in custom architectural metal fabrication. The company designs and builds metal products tailored to specific project requirements, offering a comprehensive metal selection. They provide durable and functional metal components for various architectural applications, focusing on quality and aesthetic versatility.
Based in Mendota Heights, MN, New Hudson Facades specializes in designing and manufacturing custom curtainwalls and building facades. The company provides high-performance solutions for modern city structures, ensuring impeccable precision for iconic buildings with high standards for design and performance.
Based in Menomonee Falls, WI, Novum Structures specializes in the production and construction of advanced glass and steel architectural structures. They apply innovative technology to create complex building envelopes, including curtain walls, skylights, and other custom structural glazing systems for commercial projects.
Based in San Diego, CA, Pacific Coast Glazing, Inc. is a glazing contractor specializing in commercial, federal, and educational projects. They directly provide storefronts and curtain wall systems, including unitized, stick-built, and structural silicone glazed options. The company also offers a range of specialized windows and glass solutions.
Based in El Cajon, CA, Primary Glazing specializes in expert commercial glazing installations. They offer diverse solutions, including sleek storefronts and sophisticated curtain walls, for commercial spaces, ensuring professional and high-quality results.
Based in Industry, CA, PRL Glass Systems Inc. manufactures and supplies aluminum curtain wall systems. They provide complete, ready-to-install packages, allowing customers to integrate their choice of glass. The company also produces a diverse range of aluminum and glass architectural products, including storefronts and specialty door systems.
Based in Austin, TX, Sentech Architectural Systems specializes in structural glass engineering and high-performance façade design. The company provides custom fabrication, engineering, manufacturing, and construction supervision for advanced structural glass systems. They offer comprehensive design-build services for complex architectural glazing projects.
Sierra Pacific Windows manufactures timber curtain wall systems designed for both residential and commercial building designs. Their systems feature all-wood interiors, offering both structural integrity and a distinctive aesthetic. The company provides specialized window and door products for various architectural applications.
Based in Morgan Hill, CA, Silicon Valley Glass provides commercial glass and installation services, specializing in curtain wall systems. They serve architects and contractors across various sectors, including hospitals, commercial buildings, schools, and hotels. The company ensures quality materials and timely installation for architectural glass designs.
Based in Pine Grove, PA, Solar Innovations manufactures products for the architectural glazing industry. The company specializes in high-quality doors, windows, and custom glass structures, offering in-house testing and certifications for its product line, along with BIM objects for design integration.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Starlite Screen & Glass, Inc. provides custom glass fabrication and installation services. They specialize in commercial glass, including storefronts, curtain wall systems, and entry doors. The company also offers residential glass, shower doors, mirrors, and repair services for clients in Southern California.
Sto Corp manufactures engineered prefabricated wall panel and building envelope systems for architectural applications. Their offerings include StoPanel Systems and StoVentec Rainscreen Systems, providing a wide range of aesthetic façade surfaces. They focus on code-compliant solutions to meet diverse design and performance requirements.
Based in Suwanee, GA, Tarps and All manufactures custom-sized, waterproof body shop curtain walls and industrial curtains. They specialize in a variety of durable tarps, including vinyl, canvas, mesh, and poly options, tailored to exact dimensions for commercial and industrial applications.
TGP America designs and provides architectural glass and framing systems, specializing in SteelBuilt Curtainwall and Infinity Systems. These solutions enable architects to use larger glass areas with minimal frame profiles in curtain walls and facades. The company offers comprehensive systems for various architectural applications, focusing on precision and craftsmanship.
Thermally Broken Steel USA manufactures high-performance, thermally broken steel curtain wall systems. They also produce steel windows and doors, engineered for extreme efficiency, superior strength, and expansive architectural views. The company offers extensive design flexibility, custom configurations, and reliable service for commercial and residential projects throughout the USA.
Tower Glass, Inc. is a glazing contractor based in Santee, CA, specializing in the design and construction of curtainwall and glazing systems. The company provides various architectural glass and metal components, including metal panels, doors, skylights, and sunshades, for contractors across Southern California.
Based in Hawthorne, CA, Trü Architectural designs, engineers, manufactures, installs, and renovates bespoke façade systems. They specialize in curtain walls, sliding doors, and windows, offering meticulously crafted and innovative solutions for complex projects. The company serves architectural clients primarily across the American Southwest.
Unicel Architectural manufactures highly engineered glass, timber, and aluminum curtain walls and skylights. They utilize proprietary technology to create unique, passive-house-certified facades. Solutions offer enhanced thermal efficiency, daylight control, and privacy for commercial and healthcare applications.
Universe Corp specializes in manufacturing and supplying fully fabricated facade systems and panels. They offer time-saving rainscreen facade systems, precision panel fabrication using automated CNC machines, and expert facade engineering services from their production facilities in MO and NV.
US Facades is a full-service fabrication facility located in western PA, specializing in comprehensive facade systems and facade manufacturing. The company works with materials such as ACM, MCM, plate aluminum, and HPL, providing custom solutions for various architectural and construction projects.
Ventana specializes in the design, fabrication, and installation of high-performing curtain wall façade systems for the commercial contract glazing industry. They provide custom exterior cladding systems, including curtain wall and window wall, ensuring quality workmanship and on-time project completion for various architectural applications.
Based in Bensalem, PA, Vetrina Windows manufactures custom facade and curtain wall systems tailored to specific project specifications. They provide high-quality fenestration products for both commercial and residential applications, focusing on innovative design and product excellence.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Woodbridge Glass Inc. is a family-owned, Los Angeles City Certified Fabricator and contract glazing company established in 1981. The firm provides a diverse range of customized glazing and fabrication services for major public and private facilities across California and beyond.
W&W Glass partners with architects to engineer, supply, and install high-performance architectural glass systems, including structural glass and unitized curtain walls. They offer design-build and design-assist services for new construction, facade reskinning, and lobby repositioning projects.
Based in Englewood, NJ, Yawal USA provides high-quality architectural curtain walls. Their innovative systems have been featured on iconic buildings across Europe for over 30 years, offering distinctive and durable solutions for commercial and architectural projects.
YKK AP America, based in Atlanta, GA, is a technology-oriented manufacturer of commercial facade systems. The company specializes in designing, engineering, and producing high-performance building envelope solutions. Offerings include curtain walls, windows, and storefronts for architectural projects across the United States.
Based in Wausau, WI, Apogee Architectural Metals manufactures high-performance architectural metal products. They specialize in aluminum windows, curtain wall systems, storefronts, and entrances for building designs. The company serves the commercial construction industry with durable and aesthetically pleasing building envelope solutions.
Kawneer engineers and manufactures comprehensive curtain wall systems, offering both traditional stick fabrication and unitized options. They also provide storefront subframes and various window series, advancing architectural design with pioneering products. The company creates positive environments through sustainable innovation.
Based in Vacaville, CA, All Weather Architectural Aluminum manufactures impact-rated windows and doors. The company specializes in high-performance aluminum fenestration products designed to meet extreme weather, wind-borne debris, and coastal area project requirements for architectural applications.
AmCraft Manufacturing, based in Elk Grove Village, IL, specializes in producing industrial curtain wall solutions and warehouse dividers. The company manufactures durable vinyl curtains to isolate work or storage spaces, establish temperature zones, and construct sound-blocking enclosures for various facilities.
Architectural Glazing Systems (AGS) is a glazing company with over 33 years of experience in the contract glazing industry. Based on tenets of integrity and quality, AGS provides comprehensive glazing services throughout Southern California, handling diverse architectural projects. The company emphasizes client comfort and dependable service.
AZA US specializes in manufacturing distinctive and customized facades, merging traditional brilliance with modern appeal. The company provides unitized curtain wall systems, featuring large framed units pre-assembled at their factory, complete with spandrel panels.
This architectural metal company fabricates and installs building facades, decorative exteriors, and custom railings. They specialize in complex sheet metal and paneling projects, utilizing materials such as ACM, Trespa, metal cladding, and composite panels. The firm serves Southern California for architectural applications.
Cherry Hill Glass is a commercial glass and glazing contractor specializing in the installation of unitized and stick-built curtain wall systems. Based in Cherry Hill, NJ, the company provides customizable solutions for diverse architectural projects, offering design, fabrication, and installation services for architects and general contractors.
Based in Ontario, CA, CRS Commercial specializes in custom sheet metal fabrication, cladding systems, and integrated commercial roofing. They provide turnkey wall system solutions for various commercial buildings and industrial facilities, operating as both a manufacturer and supplier.
Crystal Window & Door Systems manufactures custom windows, doors, and curtain wall systems for high-rise, multi-family, and commercial architectural projects. The company operates vertically integrated manufacturing facilities across New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Missouri, and California.
Dextall manufactures unitized prefabricated exterior wall systems and offers integrated design software. They provide fully integrated exterior wall solutions, assisting architects, developers, and general contractors. Their focus is on delivering smart, cost-effective, sustainable, and high-performance building exteriors and facade systems.
Based in South Bend, IN, Envel Facade, Inc. manufactures Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) panels for building facades. They offer diverse cladding types, custom colors, textures, and patterns for various architectural designs. The company provides attachment systems for its UHPC facade solutions, serving commercial projects.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Giroux Glass manufactures highly engineered, fully tested, prefabricated façade systems. They offer innovative architectural glazing solutions, specializing in custom curtain walls and glass installations for commercial clients. With advanced manufacturing capabilities, they serve the Western United States.
Based in Carbondale, PA, Hendrick Manufacturing specializes in custom-fabricated and perforated metal products. They provide perforated metal solutions and grating systems for diverse exterior and interior applications, including façade and architectural elements, suitable for various building envelope designs and curtain wall components.
Itzko Glass & Metal, Inc. (IGM) is a commercial glazing contractor based in West Sacramento, CA, specializing in comprehensive facade and envelope solutions. Licensed in California, Nevada, and Idaho, the company offers commercial glazing and exterior facade services, partnering with material suppliers to deliver tailored solutions for diverse project requirements.
Island Facades is a manufacturer and installer of high-performance, turnkey prefabricated facade systems and building envelope solutions. Based in Cambridge, MA, the company leverages specialized personnel and technology within its US-based manufacturing facility. They provide tailored solutions spanning design, engineering, fabrication, and installation for complex projects.
Based in Pascoag, RI, Lockheed Architectural Solutions, Inc. manufactures and installs curtain wall systems. They also offer storefronts, windows, skylights, and terracotta cladding. The company provides in-house shop drawing, engineering, and fabrication for commercial and institutional new construction and renovation projects.
M.G. McGrath, Inc. manufactures and installs high-performance unitized glass curtain wall systems and conventional building enclosures. Specializing in custom fabrication, the company offers design-assist and prefabricated volumetric modular solutions from its dedicated manufacturing center. They also provide custom finishes for architectural metals.
Based in Acworth, GA, PAC-CLAD by Petersen manufactures architectural metal wall panels and metal roofing systems. The company specializes in durable exterior wall solutions, including Reveal Wall Panels and Snap-Clad. PAC-CLAD provides robust, high-performance systems for commercial and industrial building envelopes, known for their strength and aesthetic versatility since 1965.
Pacific Glazing Contractors specializes in providing innovative glazing solutions and architectural metal works for commercial and architectural projects. This employee-owned company, serving the Bay Area since 2005, offers expert services for building envelopes, including custom curtain walls and advanced fenestration.
Based in Greenville, SC, Steel Clad, INC offers design, fabrication, and installation of architectural wall cladding systems and facades. Since 1990, they specialize in metal panels, insulated metal panels, and ACM systems for commercial, industrial, and pharmaceutical clients. They serve the Southeast and Midwest regions.
Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions manufactures custom glass and aluminum products for commercial building projects. They specialize in high-performance curtain wall systems, such as their SB750 series, engineered for low to mid-rise applications. The company also provides architectural glass, entrance systems, and custom fabrication services.
Valmont Structures designs, engineers, and manufactures custom architectural facade systems, including a wide range of curtain walls. They provide unitized, stick-built, and point-supported curtain walls, along with other building envelopes. Serving commercial and industrial clients, the company offers comprehensive solutions for complex building projects.
Vern's Glass, based in Victorville, CA, offers curtain wall systems, all-glass storefronts, and display systems for commercial applications. They also provide all-glass entrances. Serving the High Desert since 1957, the company specializes in comprehensive commercial glass solutions for businesses.
Based in Carrollton, TX, VEWUS is a manufacturer of high-performance architectural façade systems. They specialize in unitized curtain walls, window walls, storefronts, and panel wall systems. VEWUS provides comprehensive services including design, engineering, precision manufacturing, assembly, and installation for commercial projects.
Vision Systems, Inc. specializes in the design, fabrication, and installation of custom engineered aluminum glazing systems. The company manufactures its own systems for various commercial projects. Past work includes notable structures such as The Grand San Diego Convention Center and facilities for Qualcomm.
Based in Minneapolis, MN, Wells Concrete specializes in manufacturing prefabricated building facade systems and integrated concrete solutions. The company provides design-assist services and prefabrication expertise for commercial, industrial, and community projects, focusing on durability, efficiency, and performance.
Barnes Painters specializes in manufacturing custom aluminum curtain wall systems using advanced extrusion technology and modular designs. They engineer high-impact architectural façades for large projects, including office towers, shopping centers, airports, and hotels. Their solutions offer modern, durable, and energy-efficient designs with high structural strength and acoustic insulation.
Based in Frederick, MD, Intus Windows manufactures custom, high-performance curtain wall systems. They create integrated building envelopes designed for extreme energy efficiency, superior thermal performance, and acoustic insulation. Their durable systems provide elegant solutions for expansive glass areas in various commercial and residential projects.
Based in Manhattan, NY, Porcelanosa Facades provides complete exterior porcelain cladding systems and rain-screen cladding solutions. The company specializes in manufacturing high-performance facade materials, offering aesthetic versatility, water impermeability, and resilience to high wind loads. They help architects create durable and visually striking building exteriors.
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How to Choose a Company
- Verify the manufacturer's demonstrated expertise and production capacity for your chosen system – whether it's precision-fabricated unitized curtain wall, adaptable stick-built, or complex structural silicone glazing (SSG) for specific design aesthetics.
- For projects in high-wind regions or hurricane zones, ensure the manufacturer can provide proven Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) documentation or other relevant regional approvals for their system designs and glazing components.
- Evaluate their in-house engineering capabilities for thermal analysis and structural calculations, confirming they can model U-values, condensation resistance factors (CRF), and wind loads accurately, and design appropriate thermal breaks for your climate.
- Be wary of manufacturers who outsource critical elements like performance mock-up (PMU) testing or rely heavily on unvetted third-party installers without clear project oversight. The integrity of air, water, and structural (AWS) performance hinges on integrated responsibility.
- Confirm their finishing capabilities for aluminum extrusions – whether they offer a range of anodization options or have certified powder coating lines – to ensure aesthetic consistency and long-term durability for the facade's exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between unitized and stick-built curtain wall systems for my project?
Unitized curtain wall systems are largely factory-assembled into large modules, including glazing, thermal breaks, and sealants, then shipped to the site for rapid installation. This offers superior quality control and faster enclosure times, ideal for high-rises or repetitive facades. Stick-built systems involve assembling individual components (vertical mullions, horizontal transoms, glass) piece by piece on-site. While offering greater field adaptability for complex or non-repetitive geometries, it often requires more on-site labor and can be more susceptible to weather delays and site-specific quality variations.
Why are AAMA test standards so crucial when selecting a curtain wall manufacturer?
AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) standards are the industry benchmark for testing the performance of fenestration products, including curtain walls. They define methodologies for evaluating air infiltration (AAMA 502), water penetration (AAMA 501.1, 503), and structural integrity against wind loads (AAMA 501.2). A manufacturer's adherence to specific AAMA standards, and their experience with full-scale performance mock-ups (PMUs) to validate these, directly indicates their ability to deliver a facade that will withstand environmental elements and perform as specified over the building's lifespan.
How should I specify thermal performance for curtain wall in different climates, and what are thermal breaks?
Specifying thermal performance involves defining target U-values (overall heat transfer), Solar Heat Gain Coefficients (SHGC), and Condensation Resistance Factors (CRF). For colder climates, a low U-value is crucial, often achieved with triple glazing and robust thermal breaks. Thermal breaks are non-conductive materials inserted into the aluminum frame to interrupt the path of heat transfer, preventing energy loss and surface condensation. In warmer climates, managing SHGC to reduce cooling loads becomes paramount. Discuss specific NFRC ratings and the manufacturer's expertise in designing appropriate thermal breaks with your climate in mind.
What is a Performance Mock-Up (PMU) and why is it essential for complex curtain wall projects?
A Performance Mock-Up (PMU) is a full-scale physical section of the proposed curtain wall system, typically built off-site, that replicates critical details of the actual facade. It undergoes rigorous air, water, and structural (AWS) testing under simulated extreme conditions according to standards like AAMA 501.2 and 501.3. A PMU is essential for complex projects because it allows for early detection of design flaws, fabrication issues, or installation deficiencies before mass production and field installation, mitigating expensive rework, delays, and potential failures down the line.