Unitized Curtain Wall System
A unitized curtain wall system is a type of building envelope that is made up of pre-fabricated units that are assembled on site. These units are typically made of aluminum or steel frames that are filled with insulating glass or other materials to provide a barrier between the interior and exterior of a building.
Unitized curtain wall system
Advantages of Unitized Curtain Wall Systems
A. Efficient installation
One of the main advantages of a unitized curtain wall system is that it is highly efficient to install. Because the units are pre-fabricated, they can be assembled quickly and easily on site, reducing the need for skilled labor and minimizing the amount of time that is required to complete the installation. This can result in significant cost savings for the building owner or developer.
B. Customizable
Another benefit of a unitized curtain wall system is that it is highly customizable. The units can be designed to meet specific architectural and aesthetic requirements, and can be configured to accommodate a wide range of building types and uses. This allows for a high degree of design flexibility, which is particularly useful for projects that have unique or complex requirements.
C. Durable and low-maintenance
Unitized curtain wall systems are also highly durable and low-maintenance. The materials that are used to construct the units are typically highly resistant to weathering, corrosion, and other types of wear and tear. Additionally, the units can be designed to be easily accessible for maintenance and cleaning, which can help to extend the life of the system and keep it looking like new.
Overall, unitized curtain wall systems are an excellent choice for any building that requires a high-performance, customizable, and low-maintenance building envelope. They offer many advantages over traditional curtain wall systems, and are an ideal solution for a wide range of building types and uses.
Importance of Proper Installation and Testing
While unitized curtain wall systems are a popular choice for many commercial and residential buildings, as they offer a high degree of customization, durability, and low maintenance, it's essential to ensure that these systems are properly installed and tested to ensure that they will perform as intended. A recent case study of a luxury SoHo, New York, NY condominium building the Raffi Group legal team worked on that sealant joints between metal panels on the parapets above were incomplete. The sealant that was observed was generally continuous and well-tooled, with no visible gaps. However, it was observed that the majority of the joinery that was reviewed in this area was factory-fabricated with continuous sealant joints. The only field connections occur near the corner of the building, with a curtain wall joint and field-installed metal panels for the height of the unit.
Conclusion
This case study highlights the importance of performing thorough testing of unitized curtain wall systems to ensure that they are properly installed and functioning as intended. It also illustrates that it's essential to identify the cause of leakage issues, as overspray from a nearby test can produce misleading results. By performing regular inspections and testing, building owners and developers can ensure that their unitized curtain wall systems will provide the desired level of performance, durability, and low maintenance.
