Commercial Glazing

Commercial Glazing Systems

We deliver comprehensive commercial glazing solutions built around performance, flexibility, and architectural vision. We combine our own proprietary systems with select partner products to offer the right solution – not a one-size-fits-all catalog. Our approach ensures each project receives a tailored façade system optimized for aesthetics, thermal performance, sustainability, and constructability.

Solutions to Reduce Energy Costs and Enhance Comfort

High-performance commercial glazing systems help large, industrial-scale buildings and towers maintain comfortable interior temperatures while minimizing energy consumption. By combining insulated glass, low-E coatings, and thermally optimized framing, these systems maximize daylighting while also reducing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. The end results of these features are lower HVAC demand and operating costs, a lighter ecological footprint, enhanced occupant comfort, and stronger support for green building ratings such as LEED certification with required product data and energy-related qualification points.

Beyond Energy Efficiency: How Curtain Walls Enhance Building Design

Curtain walls do more than reduce energy costs – they also transform interior spaces and support flexible, efficient layouts. By allowing abundant natural light to penetrate deep into the building, curtain walls reduce the need for interior partitions while creating bright, open, and inviting work environments. High-performance curtain walls also control acoustic conditions at the building perimeter, minimizing the need for additional interior walls to buffer noise fluctuations. Together, these benefits create adaptable interiors that can evolve with tenant needs, streamline fit-outs, and reduce long-term renovation costs.

Seamless Retrofits and Re-Glazing for Occupied Buildings

We provide retrofit and re-glazing services on large, occupied towers using specialized design and installation techniques that allow the building to remain fully operational during upgrades. Our approach includes precise sequencing, off-site fabrication, controlled staging, and safety protocols that minimize noise, debris, and disruption to tenants. By carefully coordinating with building management and other trades, we ensure that the retrofit or re-glazing process is efficient, predictable, and safe, delivering high-performance curtain wall improvements without interrupting day-to-day building operations.

Projects

North Mississippi Medical Center

Location

Tupelo, MS

Year

2024

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FAQs About Commercial Glazing Systems

  • What is a commercial glazing system or curtain wall?

    A commercial glazing system or curtain wall is a non-structural exterior façade system made of glass, aluminum, and other materials that encloses a building while transferring wind and gravity loads back to the structural frame. It can provide weather resistance, daylighting, thermal protection, acoustic control and architectural expression for large buildings.

  • How do high-quality curtain wall systems enhance occupant comfort?

    High-performance curtain walls improve comfort by controlling the factors that most affect how a building feels day to day. Advanced glazing reduces glare while still delivering abundant natural light, and acoustic insulation minimizes outside noise for a quieter interior. Thermally optimized framing and insulated glass keep temperatures stable and help regulate humidity by preventing condensation and drafts. Built with durable materials and long-lasting seals, these systems maintain their performance over time, ensuring consistent comfort throughout the life of the building.

  • What are the main benefits of curtain wall systems for large commercial buildings?

    Curtain walls offer expansive natural light, reduce the need for interior partitions, improve aesthetic appeal, maximize occupant comfort, and provide a durable barrier against air and water infiltration. High-performance systems also help control thermal transfer, reducing energy costs.

  • What materials are typically used in commercial curtain walls?

    Most systems use aluminum framing with insulated or laminated glass units, though some incorporate steel, sunshades, spandrel panels, or custom infill materials depending on design requirements.

  • How do curtain walls contribute to energy efficiency?

    High-performance glazing, thermal breaks, low-E coatings, and insulated framing minimize heat gain and heat loss. These features help stabilize indoor temperatures, reduce HVAC loads, and lower overall energy consumption.

  • Can curtain wall systems help a project achieve LEED certification?

    Yes. Curtain walls can contribute to LEED points through improved energy performance, daylighting credits, reduced heat island effect, optimized thermal comfort, and materials transparency documentation. The system itself doesn’t earn certification, but its performance supports multiple credit categories.

  • What sustainable features can be incorporated into curtain walls?

    Systems can integrate low-emissivity glass, recycled aluminum, shading devices, electrochromic glazing, and high-efficiency thermal barriers. These design choices enhance energy conservation and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

  • How are curtain walls tested for performance?

    Most systems undergo testing for air infiltration, water penetration, structural loading, and thermal performance. Testing typically follows ASTM and AAMA standards and may include large-scale mock-up testing for complex or high-rise projects.

  • What factors influence the cost of a curtain wall system?

    Costs vary based on system type, glass performance, project geometry, building height, structural loads, installation complexity, and schedule requirements. Custom shapes, large glass sizes, and specialty coatings also affect price.

  • How long do commercial curtain wall systems last?

    A well-designed and properly installed curtain wall can last 30–50 years or longer. Periodic maintenance, such as re-sealing joints, replacing gaskets, and cleaning glass coatings, can extend its service life significantly.

  • What’s the difference between stick-built and unitized curtain wall systems?

    Stick-built systems are assembled on site and are ideal for lower buildings, simpler geometries, and small budgets. Unitized systems, such as those built by Physical Security, are pre-assembled off-site, offer higher quality control, and install quickly, making them preferred for high-rises, complex facades, or projects with aggressive schedules.

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