Advantages and Disadvantages of Glass Curtain Walls

Advantages

1. The factors such as architectural aesthetics, building function, building energy saving and building structure are organically unified. The building presents different tones from different angles, and changes with the sunlight and The changes in moonlight and lighting give people a dynamic beauty.

2. Lightweight and beautiful, not easy to pollute and save energy.

3. It can absorb infrared rays, reduce solar radiation entering the room, and lower the indoor temperature.

Disadvantages

1. Poor fire resistance

Glass curtain wall is a non-combustible material, but it can melt or soften in the face of fire. It only takes a short time for glass to break, so the fire protection requirements of the building must be fully considered in the building design.

2. Structural adhesives are prone to failure

Due to long-term exposure to adverse factors in the natural environment, structural adhesives on curtain walls are prone to aging and failure, causing the glass curtain wall to fall. Then when designing, you should try to use exposed frame or semi-hidden frame glass curtain wall, because even if the structural adhesive fails, the chance of glass falling will be greatly reduced due to the support and restraint of the frame.

3. Thermal stress causes glass to break

Glass will expand when heated. If it is heated unevenly, tensile stress will occur inside the glass. When there are small cracks on the edges of the glass, these Small imperfections can easily be affected by thermal stress, eventually leading to glass breakage. Therefore, when installing glass, the edges of the glass should be carefully processed to reduce the occurrence of cracks.

4. Water seepage

There are many reasons for water seepage in glass curtain walls, but the main reason is that construction and sealing materials are closely related. Therefore, construction parties with strong skills and materials that meet national standards should be selected. . To minimize water seepage.

5. Heating increase and heat island effect

Research by optical experts shows that the reflected light of mirror building glass is stronger than sunlight, with a reflectivity as high as 82%-90%. Summer sunlight is reflected into the room, raising the room temperature by an average of 4 to 6 degrees Celsius.

6. High energy consumption

In order to pursue visual effects, large-format glass curtain walls are widely used in high-rise buildings in cities, resulting in "cold in winter and hot in summer" in the building. Phenomenon, indoors have to use high-power air conditioning to adjust the room temperature.

7. Migratory bird killers

According to FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program), a bird protection volunteer organization, in Toronto alone, there are between one million and nine million birds every year. of migratory birds die from these glass walls.

Extended information

Regular maintenance

(1) Clean with solvent. Use solvents such as xylene, toluene, inorganic alcohol or ether to remove grease and glazing materials, then clean and rinse. Be careful not to use too strong solvents to avoid damaging the sealant that fixes the glass.

(2) Normal cleaning and rinsing. Glass should be cleaned, rinsed and dried frequently, especially during construction, using soft, clean dust-free cloth and neutral soap, paint detergent or slightly acidic cleaning solvent. Immediately rinse with clean water after washing, and then wipe away the remaining water with a clean squeegee.

Because fingerprints, oil, stains, dust, slag, sealant residue, scratches, and any surface abrasions are more noticeable on coated glass than on plain glass. We should take extra care when managing and cleaning coated glass. Therefore coated glass may require frequent cleaning throughout the project and spacers should always be used between coated glass panes.

(3) Surface damage. Staining by concrete. Alkaline or fluorine-containing substances sometimes released from concrete or building masonry during storms may stain or corrode glass. Concrete structures in front of window arches should be designed so that dripping water will not drip. onto the glass. When manufacturing precast panels and other concrete wall materials, they should be fully stirred to make them uniformly hydrated and completely cured. The surface treatment of the concrete (acidified sandblasting, stone drilling, grouting, waterproofing materials, etc.) should be done in This ends before the glass is installed and any debris should be removed.

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia-Glass Curtain Wall