What Installation Challenges Occur When Using Aluminum Curtain Walls on High-Rise Façades?

Installing aluminum curtain walls on high-rise façades presents practical and technical challenges that require careful planning. Wind during panel hoisting is a primary safety concern in tall towers; unitized panels act like sails, so erection windows and temporary restraints must be planned, especially in exposed Gulf towers or on high podiums in Almaty. Tolerance coordination between structural columns, slab edges and façade modules is another critical issue; misalignment can cause anchor load concentration or seal failure, so early BIM coordination and mock-ups are recommended. Access logistics—crane reach, tower crane hook availability and sequencing of façade trades—affect schedule and cost and vary by site constraints in cities like Dubai and Tashkent. Waterproofing and connection detailing at floor slabs, expansion joints and penetrations require experienced installers to prevent leakage. Thermal movement and differential settlement demand flexible anchor designs and slip joints; failures here can cause glass breakage or seal fatigue. Finally, quality control during factory fabrication and on-site assembly is essential—checking finishes, glazing edge conditions, gasket compression and fastener torque before lifting reduces rework. Addressing these challenges through integrated planning, qualified façade contractors and staged mock-up testing ensures efficient, safe installations in challenging high-rise environments.