Understanding the difference between storefront and curtainwall glazing systems. A practical guide for architects, GCs, and developers selecting the right system for their commercial project.
Storefront and curtainwall are the two most common commercial glazing systems, but they serve fundamentally different structural and performance roles. Selecting the wrong system can result in water infiltration, structural failure, code violations, or unnecessary cost.
ACG installs both storefront and curtainwall systems and helps project teams select the appropriate system based on building height, wind loads, water management requirements, and budget. This guide explains the key differences.
Three critical distinctions between the two most common commercial glazing systems.
Storefront spans between structural supports (typically floor-to-floor or floor-to-header). Curtainwall hangs from the building structure and is non-load-bearing, designed to resist wind loads and transfer them to the structure.
Storefront systems are face-sealed — they rely on sealant joints to prevent water entry. Curtainwall systems are pressure-equalized with internal drainage, making them suitable for high-rise applications with greater exposure.
Storefront is ideal for low-to-mid-rise applications (typically 1-4 stories). Curtainwall is designed for mid-to-high-rise applications where wind loads, thermal movement, and structural deflection exceed storefront capabilities.
Curtainwall is typically required when the glazing application exceeds 3-4 stories, when wind loads exceed storefront system ratings, when pressure-equalized water management is required, or when the building structure has deflection characteristics that would compromise a face-sealed storefront system.
Yes. Curtainwall systems are significantly more expensive than storefront due to more complex engineering, specialized framing, pressure-equalized construction, and more labor-intensive installation. The cost premium is justified by superior performance in high-exposure applications.
Yes. ACG's estimating and engineering teams regularly advise architects and GCs on system selection. We evaluate building height, wind loads, water management requirements, structural conditions, and budget to recommend the most appropriate system.
Window wall is a third system type used primarily in multifamily and hospitality high-rise construction. It spans floor-to-floor between concrete slabs, similar to storefront in structural concept but designed for high-rise residential applications. ACG installs window wall, storefront, and curtainwall.
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