The Difference Between Window Wall System And Curtain Wall System

‌The main differences between window wall system and curtain wall system are in terms of structural form, load transfer method, installation method and application scenario. ‌

‌1. Structural form‌: ‌

Curtain wall‌: Usually protrudes from the outer contour of the main structure to form an integral facade. The curtain wall transfers its own weight and load to the main structure by point transfer through anchor supports. ‌Window wall‌: Usually located within the outer contour of the main structure to form a local facade. The window is connected to the opening through the frame around it, and transfers its own weight and load to the main structure by line transfer. ‌

‌2. Load transfer method‌:

‌Curtain wall‌: The load is transferred by point transfer through anchor supports, which is suitable for large-area, continuous wall enclosure structures. ‌Window wall‌: The load is transferred by line transfer through the window frame and the opening, which is suitable for small-area, local enclosure components. ‌
 

‌3. Installation method‌:
‌Curtain wall‌: Usually hung on the main structure, the main load-bearing components are tension-bending components, and are designed with a retractable connection structure to adapt to temperature differences and deformation between layers of the main structure‌.
‌Window wall‌: Installed on the bottom surface of the window opening of the main structure, the main load-bearing components are compression-bending components, and usually there is no special structural design to adapt to temperature differences and deformation between layers of the main structure‌.
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4. Application scenarios‌:
‌Curtain wall‌: Suitable for large-area exterior wall enclosures, often used in commercial buildings, office buildings and other places that require continuous walls‌.
‌Window wall‌: Suitable for small-area window installation, often used in places such as residences and apartments that require partial windows‌.

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5. Deformation absorption capacity‌:
‌Curtain wall‌: Designed with a retractable connection structure, it can adapt to temperature differences and deformation between layers of the main structure‌.
‌Window wall‌: Usually there is no special structural design to adapt to these deformations‌.
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6. Sealing method‌:
‌Curtain wall‌: The perimeter of the building is sealed with elastic sealant‌.
‌Window wall‌: The installation gap between the window frame and the main structure is often filled with wet cement mortar, which cannot adapt to the relative displacement between the window and the opening wall after solidification.
In summary, there are significant differences between the window wall system and the curtain wall system in terms of structural form, load transfer method, installation method and application scenario. The selection of the appropriate system should be based on specific needs and environmental conditions.