What details should be paid attention to when installing glass curtain walls

When installing glass curtain walls, it is essential to pay attention to the following key details to ensure safety, quality, and aesthetics:

1. Preliminary preparation and material control

Design drawing review

Check whether the grid size and node structure of the curtain wall match the main structure to avoid installation difficulties caused by dimensional deviations.

Confirm whether the design of fire prevention, lightning protection, drainage, and other systems complies with the specifications, such as the thickness of the fireproof layer being ≥100mm and not being in direct contact with glass.

Material quality control

Glass: Tempered glass (high impact resistance), laminated glass (anti-shatter) or Low-E glass (thermal insulation) shall be selected. Check the 3C certification mark and thickness deviation (±0.2mm).

Frame: Aluminum alloy profiles must comply with the GB/T 5237 standard, with a surface oxide film thickness of ≥15μm; steel materials must undergo hot-dip galvanizing treatment to meet anti-corrosion performance standards.

Sealant: Weather-resistant silicone sealant shall be selected to ensure compatibility with glass and frame materials. The construction temperature should be between 15-30℃, with humidity ≥50%.

Installation of embedded parts

The positioning deviation should be controlled within ±5mm, and anti-corrosion treatment (such as applying anti-rust paint) should be carried out after welding to avoid loosening in the later stage.

II. Key details of the construction process

Surveying and setting out

Utilize tools such as laser theodolites and level gauges to ensure that the flatness and perpendicularity errors of the curtain wall are ≤2mm, and the diagonal error is ≤3mm.

Re-check the deviation of the main structure. If the deviation of the embedded parts exceeds ±45mm, it is necessary to adjust the position of the frame material or redesign the connection method.

Keel installation

Column installation: First, install the vertical joists, leaving a 15-20mm expansion joint between the upper and lower columns. Connect them using aluminum alloy sleeves to accommodate temperature-induced deformation.

Beam installation: Install the horizontal joists later, ensuring that the horizontal deviation between two adjacent beams is ≤1mm, and the elevation deviation within the same layer is ≤5mm (when the width of the curtain wall is ≤35m).

Anticorrosion treatment: Add anticorrosion isolation gaskets to the contact surface between the joist and the main structure. The welding areas need to be polished, derusted, and coated with anti-rust paint.

Glass installation

Cleaning process: Before installation, wipe the glass and aluminum frame to ensure reliable bonding of the sealant; the coated surface of the coated glass should face indoors.

Mechanical assistance: Large-area glass (such as single piece area > 3m²) should be handled using vacuum suction cups to avoid damage caused by manual handling.

Fixing method:

Visible frame curtain wall: Fix the glass with pressing plates and rubber, and set 2 hard rubber cushion blocks (thickness ≥ 5mm, length ≥ 100mm) at the lower edge.

Hidden frame curtain wall: The glass is fixed with structural adhesive, which needs to be applied in the factory. It is then hung and installed at the designed location on site.

Gap treatment: Reserve 2-3mm expansion gaps around the glass, fill them with elastic sealing strips, break off the bevel at the corners, and fix them with adhesive.

Sealing and waterproofing

Sealant application process: The application thickness of weather-resistant sealant should be greater than 3.5mm, and the width should be at least twice the thickness, ensuring adhesion on both sides (to avoid tearing caused by adhesion on three sides).

Drainage design: The top of the curtain wall is enclosed with aluminum buckle plates or galvanized iron sheets, and drainage holes are provided at the bottom to prevent rainwater accumulation.

III. Safety and acceptance management

Construction safety

For work at heights, scaffolding or hanging baskets must be erected, and workers must wear safety belts and helmets.

In case of strong winds above level 5, heavy rain, or high temperature weather (temperature > 35℃), immediately stop work.

Quality acceptance

Appearance inspection: The surface of the curtain wall is smooth and free of scratches, with uniform glue joints and no bubbles.

Performance testing: Conduct tests on air tightness, water tightness, and wind pressure resistance to ensure compliance with design standards.

Acceptance of concealed works: Inspect concealed parts such as embedded parts, fireproof partitions, and lightning protection grounding to ensure there are no defects.

Post-maintenance

Regularly clean the surface of the curtain wall to prevent dust accumulation from affecting light transmittance.

Check whether the sealant is cracked and the glass is self-exploded, and replace the aging materials in a timely manner.