What is a Curtain Wall?1

A curtain wall is an outer covering of a building in which the outer walls are non-structural. Unlike traditional load-bearing walls, a curtain wall carries only its own weight and transmits wind loads and other forces back to the building’s structure. In modern architecture, curtain walls are almost always made of lightweight aluminum framing and infilled with glass panels. This combination creates a sleek, transparent façade that floods interiors with daylight while providing thermal insulation and water resistance. Properly engineered curtain wall systems include gasket seals, thermal breaks, and drainage paths to prevent air and water infiltration. Glass curtain walls can be customized in shape, tint, and coating to optimize energy performance, glare control, and visual appearance.