Curtain walls and window walls can both produce highly glazed elevations, but they transfer loads, manage water, and interface with the building differently. Recognizing those differences early helps avoid incorrect assumptions during design and procurement.
Curtain wall
A curtain wall typically hangs outside the slab edge and forms a continuous, non-load-bearing envelope. It can span multiple floors and provides integrated pressure equalization, drainage, glazing, spandrel zones, and perimeter connections.
Window wall
Window wall usually sits between floor slabs and is supported at each level. Slab-edge covers and perimeter seals become visible parts of the assembly, and each floor is treated as a separate zone for drainage and installation.
Project fit
Curtain wall often suits tall buildings, expressive grids, and demanding air-and-water targets. Window wall can suit residential projects with repetitive floors and interior installation access. The decision should be verified against geometry, sequencing, performance, and budget.
