What is the hail resistance of Alumicor Curtain Wall?

Hailstorms can pose a significant threat to building facades, causing damage that ranges from minor cosmetic issues to severe structural problems. As a leading supplier of Alumicor Curtain Wall, I am often asked about the hail resistance of our products. In this blog post, I will delve into the factors that contribute to the hail resistance of Alumicor Curtain Wall and explain why it is a reliable choice for buildings in hail - prone areas.

Understanding Hail and Its Impact on Curtain Walls

Hail is formed when updrafts in thunderstorms carry raindrops upward into extremely cold areas of the atmosphere, where they freeze into ice. The size of hailstones can vary widely, from small pea - sized pellets to large golf - ball or even softball - sized chunks. When hailstones strike a curtain wall, they exert a sudden and intense force on the surface.

The impact of hail on a curtain wall can lead to several types of damage. Minor damage may include scratches, dents, or chips on the surface of the wall. More severe impacts can cause cracks in the glass or other components, compromising the integrity of the curtain wall and potentially leading to water leakage, energy inefficiency, and even safety hazards.

The Design and Materials of Alumicor Curtain Wall for Hail Resistance

1. Aluminum Frame

The frame of Alumicor Curtain Wall is made of high - strength aluminum alloy. Aluminum has several properties that make it well - suited for withstanding hail impacts. Firstly, it has a relatively high strength - to - weight ratio. This means that the frame can be designed to be lightweight yet strong enough to absorb and distribute the force of a hail impact. When a hailstone hits the curtain wall, the aluminum frame deforms slightly, absorbing some of the energy of the impact. This deformation helps to prevent the force from being concentrated in one area, reducing the risk of damage to the glass or other components.

Secondly, aluminum is corrosion - resistant. In the aftermath of a hailstorm, the curtain wall may be exposed to moisture, which can accelerate the corrosion of metal components. The corrosion - resistant nature of aluminum ensures that the frame maintains its structural integrity over time, even in harsh environmental conditions.

2. Glass Selection

The glass used in Alumicor Curtain Wall is carefully selected to enhance hail resistance. We often use laminated glass, which consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a plastic interlayer. When a hailstone strikes laminated glass, the plastic interlayer holds the glass fragments together, preventing them from shattering and falling to the ground. This not only reduces the risk of injury but also helps to maintain the overall integrity of the curtain wall.

In addition, the thickness of the glass can be adjusted according to the specific requirements of the project. Thicker glass generally provides better resistance to hail impacts. Our engineers conduct detailed analyses based on the local hail climate data, such as the average size and velocity of hailstones in the area, to determine the appropriate glass thickness for each Alumicor Curtain Wall installation.

3. Sealing and Gaskets

Proper sealing and gaskets are crucial for the hail resistance of Alumicor Curtain Wall. The gaskets are made of high - quality elastomeric materials that provide a tight seal between the glass and the frame. This seal helps to prevent water from entering the curtain wall system in the event of a hail - induced crack or damage. It also acts as a buffer, absorbing some of the energy of the hail impact and reducing the stress on the glass and frame.

Testing and Certification

To ensure the hail resistance of Alumicor Curtain Wall, we subject our products to rigorous testing procedures. These tests simulate real - world hail conditions, including different hailstone sizes, velocities, and impact angles. Our curtain walls are tested in accordance with international standards, such as ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996, which are widely recognized for evaluating the performance of building facades under missile impact (including hail) and wind - driven rain conditions.

By passing these tests, our Alumicor Curtain Wall products receive certifications that attest to their ability to withstand hail impacts. This gives our customers confidence in the quality and reliability of our curtain walls, especially in areas with a high risk of hailstorms.

Real - World Examples of Alumicor Curtain Wall in Hail - Prone Areas

We have installed Alumicor Curtain Wall in many buildings located in regions known for frequent hailstorms. For example, in some areas of the Midwest in the United States, where hailstorms are common during the spring and summer months, our curtain walls have proven their durability.

One notable project is a commercial building with a Exposed Glass Curtain Wall. Despite being hit by several hailstorms over the years, the curtain wall has shown only minor cosmetic damage, such as a few small dents on the aluminum frame. The glass remains intact, and there has been no water leakage or other significant issues, demonstrating the excellent hail resistance of our product.

Another example is a large - scale project with a Large Curtain Wall in a hail - prone area. The building's curtain wall was designed to meet the high - impact requirements of the local climate. After a severe hailstorm, a detailed inspection revealed that the curtain wall had withstood the impact well, with only minimal damage that was easily repaired.

Comparison with Other Curtain Wall Systems

When compared to other curtain wall systems, Alumicor Curtain Wall offers several advantages in terms of hail resistance. Some traditional curtain wall systems may use materials that are more brittle or less resistant to corrosion, making them more susceptible to hail damage. For example, curtain walls with a steel frame may be prone to rusting after a hailstorm, which can weaken the structure over time.

In contrast, the combination of high - strength aluminum frame, laminated glass, and effective sealing in Alumicor Curtain Wall provides a comprehensive solution for hail protection. Our curtain walls are also designed to be modular and easy to repair. In the event of minor hail damage, individual components can be replaced quickly and cost - effectively, minimizing downtime and disruption to the building's occupants.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In conclusion, the hail resistance of Alumicor Curtain Wall is a result of its carefully engineered design, high - quality materials, and rigorous testing. Whether you are building a small Storefront Curtain Wall or a large - scale commercial building, our curtain walls can provide reliable protection against hail and other environmental hazards.

If you are considering a curtain wall installation for your next project, especially in a hail - prone area, I encourage you to contact us for more information. Our team of experts can help you select the right Alumicor Curtain Wall system for your specific needs and provide you with detailed specifications and cost estimates. We are committed to delivering high - quality products and excellent customer service, and we look forward to working with you on your next building project.

References

• ASTM International. (n.d.). ASTM E1886 - Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials.
• ASTM International. (n.d.). ASTM E1996 - Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Subjected to Windborne Debris in Hurricanes.