What are common design mistakes to avoid when planning a Glass Curtain Wall facade

Several recurring mistakes increase risk and cost when delivering curtain wall facades. A primary error is deferring façade engineering until construction documents are nearly complete; this causes retrofits, scope creep and misaligned interfaces. Inconsistent or underspecified metal finishes lead to patchy appearance after repairs; define finish systems and approved suppliers up front. Ignoring maintenance access—no BMU provision or difficult replacement paths for IGUs—creates expensive future outages. Insufficient mockups for glazing, metal trim, and spandrel transitions hide visual and performance issues until late. Poorly detailed drainage and pressure equalization systems cause hidden leaks and frozen moisture problems in temperate climates. Overly thin mullion sightlines without adequate stiffening can result in glass bowing or optical distortion on large panels. Failing to coordinate with structural engineers about building drift, slab edge tolerances and anchor locations results in on-site fitting problems and compromised seals. Neglecting acoustic or fire performance early can force expensive change orders. Finally, underestimating the impact of reflected glare on neighboring properties or public realm can create regulatory pushback. Engage experienced façade engineers and metal fabricators during schematic design, run mockups, and document clear maintenance and replacement strategies; consult metal system capabilities at https://prancedesign.com/best-glass-curtain-wall-selection-guide-prance/ for realistic finish and fabrication expectations. Avoiding these mistakes reduces cost, schedule risk and preserves design intent.