Curtain Walling and Commercial Glazing in the home

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Nick Dardalis

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Commercial Glazing is rarely considered for residential projects such as aluminium doors, windows and roofs.  So we are going to examine the case for using commercial glazing systems such as curtain walling, heavy-set sliding doors and commercial windows.

Advantages of Commercial glazing for residential properties.

senior curtain walling and windows in a house.
Senior SCW+Curtain Walling and SPW600 Doors featured in this idyllic modern home on Channel 4’s Grand Designs.

Commercial glazing systems can easily be incorporated in a residential setting. Specified correctly they can offer all the colour options, security, weather performance and energy efficiency of their residential counterparts. They can also provide benefits to a homeowner that residential systems may not.

In a recent episode of Grand Designs, broadcast on 12th October 2016, a selection of Senior Architectural Systems was used. These consisted of PURe residential doors, PURe windows and Senior SCW+ curtain walling.

Commercial Glazing Systems can create larger doors and windows.

The nature of commercial glazing systems is such that much bigger doors and windows are possible.  Typical top hung windows up to  1600mm wide and up to 1800mm high are already a possibility with some systems. Side hung windows can be made up to 1800mm high and 900mm wide (more than a foot larger than most residential systems restricted to 600mm or 750mm.

One of the enhancements available to commercial windows is a heavy-duty sash sections and more robust hardware than your average residential window.

Windows this large can be opened and closed and can handle the excessive weight of the extra glass comfortably.  There are more hardware options with commercial windows than residential. Choices include heavy duty friction hinges, butt hinges, folding openers and even window controls, either manual or automatic.

Commercial window systems can also be used in the creation of fixed light glazing. For impressive picture windows or large glazed windows, these are ideal. Many commercial window systems, when used as a fixed pane, can go up to 5m2. Therefore maximum light can enter the home far more than a typical residential window. For a large fixed window, the only limitation is how large the glass can be made.

Curtain Wall framing used in the home.

Curtain walling framing when used in the home also provides benefits. For a homeowner looking to create a box, square and contemporary appearance, curtain walling is ideal.

Face dimensions on curtain walling are consistent inside and out. A characteristic dimension is 50mm. Therefore curtain walling sight lines can be slimmer than a residential window in many cases.

The depth of the curtain walling section depends on how tall the screen is and how much of it is unsupported. You can choose from mullions that start at 50mm deep up to 200mm thick.

Another significant advantage of curtain walling is that it can incorporate virtually any window. Therefore you have a choice of curtain walling screens with casement, pivot, tilt and turn, reversible and even bottom hung opening inwards windows.

For doors, any hinged, sliding or folding doors can be integrated within a curtain walling screen.

Where can curtain walling be used in the home?

Curtain walling is ideal for creating large glazed screens spanning the entire height of the property.

Curtain walling can be used internally as well if internal glazing is needed, to galleries, or to divide a large width and height.

You can even use a modified curtain walling mullion as a roof bar. Commercial glazing systems feature a modern boxy appearance ideal for anyone that likes the industrial or square appearance.  Indeed, one of the leading aluminium residential roofs in the UK by Atlas is designed around the box section mullion principle of curtain walling.

Disadvantages to using commercial glazing systems in the home.

There are none. Curtain walling it could be said undergoes far more rigorous testing than residential windows and doors. As curtain walling is designed to cover entire elevations as tall as the building itself may be, it is a very sophisticated, strong and robust product.

Deflection, wind loads, stresses and tolerances are all built into the system. Also, there is pressure equalisation, zone drainage and excellent weather performance.

Installation of curtain walling can be more complicated than a window. Scaffolding, towers or cherry pickers may be required. However, with well-designed systems such as the Senior SCW Curtain Walling or SCW+ systems, these are fabricated and delivered to the site in modules.

If you consider yourself an experienced window installer, there is no reason why you cannot fit low-rise curtain walling in a dwelling.

Curtain walling is externally glazed but remains secure.

Depending on the size and the design of curtain walling,  it is delivered to site in a ladder and modular arrangement. The main grid is erected, and then the different types of gaskets are applied.

The next stage is to glaze the screen. The glass units are offered into the aperture and secured in place with gaskets and pressure plates. These pressure plates are fixed to the screen with bolts.

The final stage is to clip the external capping into place on the outside.

Curtain walling and commercial glazing in the home. Things to consider.

We think curtain walling or commercial glazing in the home works, provides a different aesthetic and a very high performance glazing solution. It needn’t cost more than a residential suite of windows and doors either. However, there are some things to consider.

Not everyone can fit commercial glazing.

If the homeowner is looking to take a look at commercial glazing at their local double glazing firm, the likelihood is they’ll be disappointed. Only specialist companies and those that work in the commercial sector are proficient in specifying and fitting commercial aluminium systems. But as we way, choose the right modular system such as Senior SCW, and you may be surprised how easy to install they are. Contact us, and we can help.

Commercial glazing systems offer more flexibility and design freedom.

Residential doors and windows are mostly designed around typical window styles, sizes and property types. It is true that special window designs can be created. However, the flexibility of commercial systems is far greater.

A commercial glazing system is designed to meet virtually any building design, glazing requirement, size and performance level.

The other benefit of using a commercial glazing system will be that the installer is likely to be far more experienced in installation than your average home improvement firm specialising more in replacement windows or new build work.

If you would like more information about commercial systems and how they can provide benefits in a residential setting, please contact us.

 

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
Nick responded incredibly quickly to my enquiry (on a Saturday too!), and was able to offer invaluable advice on both aluminum systems and manufacturer / suppliers. Thanks Nick!
chris steerchris steer
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Had a meeting with Nick during the grand designs show. Was extremely helpful and professional would highly recommend
Chris WesthorpChris Westhorp
19:55 13 Sep 23
Extremely helpful with pointing us in the right direction to find the products we required and suggesting firms that could reliably fit them.Nick was quick to reply and very detailed in his advice.Highly recommend reaching out to them.
Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
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12:45 05 Sep 23
This is a must site for anyone looking for advice. Great service and very quick answers to questions. Nick has been of great help quiding us through the maze of aluminium products. Thank you
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20:24 26 Jul 23
I contacted Nick @ ATS for guidance on what aluminium sliding door systems would be suitable for an opening in an extension that is going to be both wide and tall. He came back really quickly with very detailed and incredibly helpful advice. He is clearly extremely knowledgeable about the systems on the market and their respective features and capabilities. If you’re feeling a bit lost by the overwhelming range of choices out there, I’d definitely recommend contacting him.
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17:25 19 Jul 23
Nick's advice is great. He is always quick to respond and spends time on responses, which really help to make an informed decision.
Alan FosterAlan Foster
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Absolutely fantastic. Asked for advice about replacing Crittall (?) windows late last night and early this morning received 3 great suggestions and contact information for suppliers
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Fantastic website full of valuable and pragmatic advice about product selection and comparison: no other website gives information like this. Truly written for public interest. Don't hesistate to reach out to Nick via the mailing system. He responds very quickly, is friendly, and has very sound and high knowledgable advice. I have already shared this with my friend planning her own grand design.
guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
I emailed this company just on the off chance they could help me with new magnetic sliders for my patio door. They were not able to supply those but were so very helpful providing me with the name of a company who could. I am so very grateful at the great service. Dare say customers must be very happy. thank you so much.
Benjamin LewisBenjamin Lewis
10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
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I asked Nick some questions about an installation we were considering and he replied within hours with some very useful suggestions that will probably lead us to using a different make and supplier. Thanks, Nick. Great work.
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After a lot of research to find doors that would meet our unusual size requirements and feeling increasingly uncertain about the best way to spend our small budget, I stumbled on the ATS website, and I'm so glad I did! I contacted ATS to request advice and Nick promptly replied with a wealth of information, providing us with options and relevant contact details. I only wish I'd found them sooner!
Carol NortonCarol Norton
10:01 17 Mar 23
I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
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It is rare that I write reviews, however after my very positive communication with Nick - enquiring about suitable slim sash aluminium windows for my project, I felt that a review was definitely warranted. I can reinforce the many positive reviews posted so far, Nick was very quick to respond, providing comprehensive detail, with excellent independent advice.In summary, great service, thank you Nick.
Chantal AuerbachChantal Auerbach
13:04 09 Mar 23
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply was incredibly helpful informative and pleasant to deal with. He responded quickly to emails and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend being in touch with Nick if you are considering new aluminium windows or doors.
Lee JonesLee Jones
20:21 22 Feb 23
I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
G JG J
15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
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So impressed with this company.Responded to my query quickly andgave valuable advice. Nick was extremely helpful and we were able to move forward with our project.
Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
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Looking for aluminium crittall style internal door and external patio French doors. Noted good reviews and thought would ask for advice. Comprehensive reply with excellent independent advice and lists of fitters who could provide products and installation. Great service.
Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
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Nick has been very helpful on signposting me to a number of partner organisations for steel/aluminium doors.
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My experience with this firm was exceptionally good and this is notalways the case as a female, dipping a toe into technical waters.I was spoken too with courtesy and at a level that helped me consolidate what was needed .On top of that I was given a list of companies and places where I could obtain the type of product I needed.I could not thank them enough and would certainly go there again and reccommend others do too.
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