PRANCE metalwork is a leading manufacturer of metal ceiling and facade systems.
What installation timelines should project managers expect for large-scale glass wall curtains projects?
Installation timelines for glass wall curtain façades depend on system type (unitized vs stick-built), project scale, site logistics and local labor availability. Unitized systems—factory-assembled modules—offer accelerated on-site erection: once cladding and structure are ready, installation may progress at multiple modules per day depending on crane availability. For high-rise projects in the Middle East, an average cadence might be 10–30 modules per week after setup, but early mock-ups, long lead-times for glazing fabrication, and shipping can extend procurement phases.
Stick-built systems require longer on-site assembly time; each mullion and glazing unit is installed sequentially, with weather and working-at-height constraints affecting productivity. Project managers should plan for pre-installation activities: structural surveys, setting-out, temporary works, and protective scaffolding or façades access systems. Critical path items include glass lead time (often 12–20 weeks for specialized IGUs), metal extrusion lead times, and testing/mocking phases.
For remote Central Asian sites, factor in customs clearance and inland logistics when scheduling. Allow buffer for site-specific acclimatization of materials (e.g., curing times for sealants in cold climates). A realistic program aligns delivery sequencing to the building erection progress to avoid storage issues. Early supplier engagement, concurrent fabrication, and staged installations tied to milestones reduce schedule risk and maintain quality delivery for large-scale glass wall curtain projects.