How do curtain walls compare to precast concrete in weight and flexibility?

Compared with precast concrete cladding, aluminum glass curtain walls are substantially lighter and far more flexible in aesthetic and functional detailing. The reduced weight of curtain walls lowers structural requirements and foundation sizes, which can translate into cost savings for superstructures and seismic design in regions like the UAE or Egypt. Flexibility in form is another advantage: curtain walls accommodate large glazed areas, slim sightlines, curved geometries and integrated shading, whereas precast units are heavier, bulkier and less adaptable to fine detailing or transparency. From a schedule perspective, factory-fabricated unitized curtain wall panels accelerate erection and reduce on-site curing time associated with concrete. For maintenance and replacement, individual curtain wall components can be swapped out without dismantling large façade sections. These attributes make curtain walls preferable where lightness, architectural flexibility, and speed of construction are priorities.