Can Aluminum Curtain Walls Support Double-Glazed or Insulated Glass Units Effectively?

Absolutely — aluminum curtain walls are commonly specified to support double-glazed and insulated glass units (IGUs). The system must be engineered for glass weight, wind loads and movement. Mullions and transoms are sized to meet bending and deflection criteria, and pressure plates or silicone-set systems secure the glass while maintaining continuous seals. Proper setting blocks and horizontal bearers support the IGU weight and help maintain glass edge protection; they also allow controlled movement under thermal or seismic conditions. Thermal breaks in the frame reduce conductive heat transfer and prevent condensation on internal surfaces, which is especially important when using IGUs with low-E coatings and gas fills in hot Gulf climates or cold Central Asian winters. Perimeter gaskets and backer rods maintain airtightness and prevent water ingress. For larger IGUs or high-wind façades, laminated glass layers or tempered monolithic options are used for safety and increased stiffness. When design teams verify performance through structural calculations, mock-ups, and compliance with relevant glazing and façade standards, aluminum curtain walls reliably and efficiently support IGUs while delivering thermal, acoustic and safety benefits for tall buildings across the Middle East and Central Asia.