As a business, choosing the best facade for your premises is never easy. There are many things to take into account, as there’s a lot riding on it.
The aesthetic appearance of your building is the key to attracting customers. If your entrance looks unwelcoming, psychologists say it subconsciously deters people from coming in.
In addition, you need to think about how much the installation will cost, ongoing maintenance requirements and the durability of the materials used.
© CAS Shopfronts
The facade of your building determines how customers will perceive your brand: curtain walling looks elegant, contemporary and stylish. It can change the whole appearance of your building, turning it into a more attractive option for potential customers.
What is curtain walling?
When the outer wall of your premises is non-structural, so it isn’t there to support the building’s weight, this is known as curtain walling.
The curtain wall is an outer covering for your building that keeps the weather out, but it doesn’t carry any structural load. The facade can be fashioned from lightweight materials when it doesn’t support the building’s weight, so it can be aesthetically pleasing in a way an average wall can’t manage.
Curtain wall systems are typically made up of a lightweight aluminium frame, onto which glazed or opaque panels are fixed – often described as glazing.
Wrapping the building’s exterior in curtain walling is currently on-trend. Although it originates from the 19th century, it has become a modern architectural choice for new buildings because of the advantages it offers.
What are the advantages of curtain walls?
As curtain walling is lightweight, it can be made from materials such as aluminium. Providing a contemporary look that will also withstand the UK’s weather conditions; this is a popular choice, as it is durable, as well as lightweight.
Curtain walling can be a more cost-effective option for new buildings because it’s so light. The foundations are among the most expensive parts of the building’s structure. It can save money at the construction stage because it doesn’t need to withstand the heavier weight of window walls.
Also allowing natural light in, it makes your building a more pleasant place for employees and customers: glass walls, combined with sunlight, create a cheerful indoor ambience. This could also help save on energy bills, as it may reduce the need to have electric lights on in your premises.
Natural solar power is created, as the sunlight comes through the windows. This will enhance the pleasant interior environment without increasing energy bills.
Curtain walling makes a good impression on passers-by and can attract them into your business premises in a way other exterior designs may not achieve. People tend to notice and remember glass facades, as they are so striking and standout on an otherwise more uniformed road.
Is curtain walling safe?
There’s no need to worry about whether curtain walling is safe, as it’s able to withstand even the worst of our British weather.
Do not be fooled by its lightweight nature: curtain walling is 100% weather resistant, keeping torrential rain and strong winds safely outside, while ensuring moisture does not penetrate to the interior of the building.
If you’re concerned about too much light coming in, such as when your staff are working on computers, the brightness can be controlled by adding translucent or tinted blinds or curtains.
Does curtain walling need maintenance?
Maintenance is simple and minimal. Ensure the glass and frames are kept clean, as you would with any normal panes on a building.
Employing the services of a time-served professional, such as Commercial Aluminium Shopfronts, to install your curtain walling means you will also have access to our customer care services after the installation is complete. We can offer a modern, lightweight curtain wall, custom-made to suit the bespoke needs of your business.
If you have any questions about curtain walling, please contact our friendly team and we will be delighted to offer our expert advise.