As a system, framed curtain walling and patent glazing offers a more traditional option within architectural glazing design. Curtain Walling and Patent Glazing represent the more cost effective solution to most applications, however unless carefully designed/coordinated can sometimes detract from the buildings general aesthetics and character.

 

Framed glazing systems consist of an internal supporting frame (typically box section in nature). The system profiles integrate in such a way to provide weep water management between all internal profiles. The glass is then retained with the use of system gaskets, pressure plates and often feature caps. Through modern day evolution, many framework sections and cap designs are available.

 

On larger commercial contracts, Glazing Innovations also offer the ability to develop system extrusions and caps to meet an individual designs requirement.

 

Whilst both Frameless Glazing and Structural Glazing can be installed at shallower pitches. Framed curtain walling and patent glazing requires a minimum pitch of 15 degrees to ensure weep water management integrity and acceptable surface drainage. Due to curtain wall and patent glazing providing a fully framed finish. Doors, windows and roof vents can easily be incorporated and are typically provide as a standard component of the systems supplied.

 

Curtain Walling and Patent Glazing may be provided in polyester powder coated aluminium or in brushed stainless steel extrusions.

A Framed Glazing System (Curtain Walling and Patent Glazing) can be utilsed in many of the standard application geometries indicated within our website pages.

 

Typical applications where a fully framed system with pressure plates and caps may be utilsed Include:-

 

 

Patent Glazed Rooflights/Skylights/Atriums

 

Patent Glazed Canopies

 

Curtain Walling Facades

 

Patent Glazed/Curtain Walling Conservatories

 

 

If you are unsure about your application requirements of would like to discuss your design further, then please do not hesitate to contact our sales team accordingly.

When considering a bespoke design package, it is imperative that a design sales meeting is conducted to ensure that all aspects of a glass structures design is considered. There are huge advantages to a structures aesthetics and performance, when considered and every effort should be made to ensure that the design brief meets the client’s expectations.

 

We have listed many of the main considerations when utilising framed curtain walling and patent glazing below.

 

Cost/Budget Considerations

 

Framed Glazing is one of the most cost effective traditional solutions available. Framed Glazing is typically 33% - 38% more cost effective than that of a Frameless Glazing equivalent and 15% - 20% more cost effective than Structural Glazing solutions.

 

Design Considerations

 

Framed glazing systems offer a less flexibility within design, however may be utilsed in most glass design applications. Should the glass design require windows or doors (typically framed), these items are typically developed and supplied as part of the standard system details. The glass units are provided with a black spacer and silicone seal as standard. It is however worth noting that the spacer colour should only be visible looking through the glass and that unless around a swimming pool, polysulphide sealed units may be utilsed. Float laminate glass specifications may also be utilised within curtain walling and patent glazing systems. Necessary glass engagements and clearances must be maintained to ensure no future disengagement or glass breakage due to expansion, contraction and movement. Framed glazing systems may also be provided in a modular arrangement for installation simplicity. In rooflight applications, the pitch and horizontal transom cap design should always be reviewed to ensure no associated water ponding.

 

As framed glazing systems do rely on weep water management (water entering the internal framework via the external caps/gaskets a minimum pitch of 15 degrees is required. The pressure plates and caps should also be machined to accommodate system pressure equalisation, which ensures the effectiveness of weep water system.

 

Aesthetical Considerations

 

In this instance, the size of the internal framework is purely determined by the structural requirements of the design (imposed loads). Many different system sections and caps may be utilised and should the contract value and programme permit, a bespoke/unique extrusion can be developed. The finish and framework positioning of this system is critical when reviewing its aesthetical implication and often a dual colour design may be adopted (differing colours internally and externally). Aluminium curtain walling and patent glazing systems may be anodised; however there will be some variation on finish between the framework and perimeter flashings. In addition no visible components may be welded.

 

Programme Considerations

 

Unless a framed glazed design requires additional specialist finishing’s/coatings, there are no additional programme considerations with the patent glazing and curtain walling systems. Bespoke design programmes typically start at 10 weeks design and fabrication prior to site commencement (excluding approval periods).

 

 Maintenance Considerations

 

Maintenance is often a poorly considered area, however represents a continuous cost consideration (cleaning, glass replacement etc.). It is important that all areas of maintenance are considered at length during the design process (a typical requirement under CDM regulations). Framed Glazing designs may contain large and heavy units, where expensive access and lifting equipment may be required during replacement/cleaning. As an ongoing cost, glass maintenance considerations should be paramount and should be reviewed during the planning process. When cleaning, framed glazing systems have the disadvantage of proud caps/features, resulting in cleaning obstacles and ‘dirt traps’. When exploring the utilisation of any glazing system and/or design, it is also worth requesting a budget cost for glass replacement so that the risk of breakage and associated cost can be considered. Generally, framed glazing systems are very easy to maintain and there are more contractors readily willing to undertake such works.