Curtain wall, storefront, and window wall systems may have a similar architectural appearance, but they are designed for different building conditions and performance requirements. Storefront framing is commonly used for lower-height applications such as retail entrances, interior glazing and first-floor commercial spaces. Curtain wall is a non-load-bearing exterior wall system designed for larger expanses of glazing and can accommodate higher structural, wind, water and thermal performance requirements. Window wall is typically installed between floor slabs and can provide an efficient glazing solution for multifamily, hospitality and other mid- to high-rise applications.

Kawneer offers storefront, traditional and unitized curtain wall, and window wall systems with a range of sightlines, depths, glazing configurations and thermal-performance options. Selecting the appropriate system should consider building height, design pressure, exposure, thermal requirements, drainage strategy, installation method and architectural intent

Need more details? Schedule an AIA presentation for Curtainwall vs. Storefront with your local PGP Representative.

Kawneer storefront products include fixed framing choices that offer design versatility with unmatched fabrication flexibility and sliding mall front options with single- and multi-track applications.

With the Kawneer Storefront Product Selection Guide, selecting your storefront has never been easier.

Kawneer Storefront representation in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico & Wyoming.

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Selecting a Kawneer curtain wall should begin with the project's structural, thermal, water-management, glazing and aesthetic requirements. Architects should evaluate design pressure and mullion spans, desired system depth and sightline, glass thickness, thermal-performance targets, inside- versus outside-glazing requirements, fabrication method and whether structural silicone glazing or captured glazing is desired.

Kawneer's curtain wall portfolio includes traditional stick-built and unitized systems as well as thermally enhanced configurations for demanding building-envelope applications. Kawneer also provides architectural detail manuals containing system details, structural and thermal charts, performance specifications, CAD files and 3-D models to assist architects during design and specification.

Kawneer Curtainwall representation in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico & Wyoming.

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Window wall can be an effective alternative when the glazing system is designed to install between floor slabs rather than continuously in front of the building structure. It is frequently considered for residential, hospitality and similar projects where repetitive floor-to-floor conditions, interior installation and construction sequencing are important considerations.

Architects should compare window wall and curtain wall based on structural loading, slab-edge conditions, perimeter transitions, water management, thermal performance, glazing dimensions and installation strategy. Kawneer's window wall portfolio includes fixed and unitized solutions with high-performance thermal configurations and different glazing approaches, allowing the system to be evaluated against the specific requirements of the building envelope.

Kawneer Window Wall representation in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico & Wyoming.

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Terrace doors should be evaluated as part of the complete building-envelope system, particularly where they interface with curtain wall or window wall. Architects should consider sill conditions, accessibility, air and water performance, thermal continuity, glass requirements, hardware, drainage, wind loading and transitions between the door and adjacent framing.

Kawneer's terrace door offerings include inswing and outswing configurations, multiple glazing and finish options, and low ADA-compliant sill configurations depending on the system. Coordinating terrace doors with adjacent Kawneer façade systems early in design can help simplify detailing while maintaining a consistent architectural appearance and performance strategy across the elevation.

Kawneer Terrace Door representation in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico & Wyoming.

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Yes. Kawneer offers sun-control products engineered for compatibility with select curtain wall and storefront systems. Coordinating the products as a system can simplify detailing while maintaining consistent attachment, finish, and façade design.

Entrance selection should consider traffic level, stile width, glazing, hardware, accessibility, thermal performance, exposure, and security requirements. Kawneer offers narrow-, medium-, and wide-stile entrances, along with heavy-wall, thermal, hurricane-resistant, and blast-mitigating options.

Contact your local PGP West representative for more information.