A stick curtain wall is a method of constructing a building's exterior facade system where components are assembled directly on the construction site.
Understanding Stick Curtain Walling
Stick curtain walling is one of the most common and traditional methods for building lightweight, non-structural outer walls, often made of glass and aluminum. Unlike systems where large panels are prefabricated in a factory, the 'stick' approach involves bringing the individual pieces to the site for assembly.
According to a reference from 02-May-2023:
- Stick curtain walling involves assembling individual components (such as mullions and transoms) on site and then installing the glazing panels into these components.
This means that the vertical elements (mullions) and horizontal elements (transoms) of the frame are delivered to the site as separate 'sticks'. These are then erected and connected to the building's structure. Once the frame is in place, the glass panels, spandrel panels, or other infill materials are installed piece by piece into the assembled grid.
Key Characteristics
- On-Site Assembly: Components are delivered individually and assembled directly on the building's exterior.
- Component-Based: Relies on the assembly of primary vertical (mullions) and horizontal (transoms) framing members.
- Glazing Installed After Framing: Glass or other infill panels are typically installed into the erected frame on site.
The Stick Curtain Wall Process
The construction typically follows these steps:
- Anchor clips are installed and aligned on the building's structure at each floor level.
- Vertical mullions are attached to the anchor clips, spanning between floors.
- Horizontal transoms are installed between the vertical mullions, creating a grid.
- Gaskets, sealants, and pressure plates are applied to the frame members.
- Glazing panels or other infill materials are lifted and secured into the grid.
- Exterior cover plates are installed to conceal fasteners and provide weather protection.
Advantages and Considerations
While labor-intensive due to significant site work, stick systems offer flexibility, especially for projects with complex designs, varying site conditions, or where access restricts lifting large prefabricated units. They are often cost-effective for low-to-medium-rise buildings or sections of a facade. However, the quality of the final installation is highly dependent on the skill of the on-site labor and the weather conditions during construction.
Stick curtain walls provide a versatile solution for creating transparent and aesthetically pleasing building facades.
