Can a large curtain wall be used in cold climates?

Yo, folks! I'm in the large curtain wall game, and I often get asked if these big bad boys can work in cold climates. Well, let's dig into it and see what's what.

First off, what exactly is a large curtain wall? It's a non - load - bearing exterior wall that's mainly there to keep the elements out and look good doing it. You can check out our Large Curtain Wall on our website to get a better idea.

Now, when it comes to cold climates, there are a bunch of factors we need to think about. One of the most obvious ones is insulation. In cold places, you don't want all that warm air inside your building leaking out through the curtain wall. A good curtain wall in a cold climate should have high - performance insulation. This means using materials that can stop the heat transfer between the inside and outside of the building. For example, double - or triple - glazed glass can make a huge difference. The layers of glass with air or gas in between act as a barrier, reducing the amount of heat that escapes.

Another thing to consider is condensation. Cold air can't hold as much moisture as warm air. So, when warm, moist air from inside the building hits the cold surface of the curtain wall, it can turn into water droplets. This is not only a nuisance but can also lead to mold growth and damage to the wall over time. To prevent this, we need to design the curtain wall with proper ventilation and moisture control. Some curtain walls have built - in drainage systems to get rid of any water that might form.

The structure of the curtain wall also needs to be able to withstand the cold. Cold temperatures can make materials more brittle. Metals, for example, can become less flexible and more prone to cracking. That's why we use high - quality materials that are designed to handle the cold. We also make sure the installation is done right, so there are no weak points in the structure.

Let's talk about the different types of curtain walls we offer. The Exposed Glass Curtain Wall is a popular choice. It gives a modern and sleek look to the building. In cold climates, the exposed glass might seem like a bad idea, but with the right insulation and coatings, it can work just fine. The glass can be treated to reflect heat back into the building, and the frame can be made of materials that are resistant to cold.

The Storefront Curtain Wall is another option. It's often used in commercial buildings. These curtain walls are designed to be strong and durable. They can handle the cold well, especially if they are properly installed and maintained. The frames can be reinforced to handle the extra stress that cold weather might bring.

We've installed large curtain walls in some pretty cold places, and they've held up great. One project was in a small town in the mountains where the winters are really harsh. The building owner was worried about the energy costs and the performance of the curtain wall. But after we installed our high - performance curtain wall, they were really happy. The building stayed warm, and the energy bills went down.

So, can a large curtain wall be used in cold climates? The answer is a big yes! With the right design, materials, and installation, a large curtain wall can be a great addition to any building in a cold area. It can improve the energy efficiency, give the building a modern look, and last for a long time.

If you're thinking about getting a large curtain wall for your building, whether it's in a cold climate or not, we're here to help. We've got the expertise and the products to make your project a success. Just reach out to us, and we can start talking about your needs. We'll work with you to design the perfect curtain wall for your building.

In conclusion, don't let the cold weather scare you away from using a large curtain wall. It's a smart choice that can bring a lot of benefits to your building. So, if you're ready to take the next step, get in touch with us, and let's make it happen.

References

• Building Envelope Design Handbook for Cold Climates
• Energy - Efficient Building Design in Cold Regions Research Papers