CURTAIN WALL
Curtain wall and window wall contractor
THE BUILDING ENVELOPE
Working on the envelope without compromising it
Curtain wall and window wall systems keep weather out of a building and carry wind loads, so any change to them is a change to the building envelope. Landlords are rightly careful about who touches it and how.
On tenant improvements, envelope work usually means adding a new entrance, replacing damaged or failed glass units, converting a window bay to a door, or adding operable windows or vents. Each needs the right system components, flashing and sealing to keep the envelope watertight.
We work to the landlord’s requirements and the building’s original system wherever possible, and document the work so the envelope warranty and future maintenance are protected.
Typical envelope work on a TI
- New entrance cut into existing curtain wall
- Replacement of cracked or failed glass units
- Window bay converted to a door
- Matching the original system and finish
- Flashing and sealing to keep water out
- Coordination with the landlord’s envelope consultant
SCOPE OF WORK
What we deliver
New openings
Entrances and doors added to existing curtain wall or window wall, with the framing reinforced as required.
Glass replacement
Replacing cracked, fogged or failed insulated glass units with matching glass.
System modifications
Reconfiguring mullions and infill for new uses, such as louvers, vents or operable windows.
Water management
Flashing, gaskets and sealants restored so modified areas stay watertight.
Engineering coordination
Structural and wind-load review where openings change, coordinated with the building’s engineer.
Access and safety
Lifts, swing stages or interior access planned with the landlord for safe work on occupied buildings.
HOW THE JOB RUNS
The envelope work sequence
01
Survey the system
02
Engineer and approve
03
Plan access and weather
04
Install, seal and test
COMMON QUESTIONS
Curtain wall questions
Often, with engineering review and the landlord’s approval. The framing around the opening is typically reinforced to carry the loads.
Usually, if the system is still available or compatible components can be sourced. We identify it before pricing.
The seal on the insulated glass unit has failed. The unit can be replaced without replacing the framing.
Almost always. The envelope is the landlord’s responsibility, and they typically review and approve any changes.
Where the specification or landlord requires it, yes, and we seal and flash every modification to keep water out.