PERFORMANCE OVER TYPICAL ALUMINUM SYSTEMS
Thermal Transmittance1 (btu/hr + ft2 + °F)
| Glass U-Factor2 |
Overall U-Factor |
| |
Stainless Steel Cover Cap |
Aluminum Cover Cap |
| 0.48 |
0.51 |
0.51 |
| 0.44 |
0.49 |
0.49 |
| 0.30 |
0.35 |
0.36 |
| 0.247 |
0.31 |
0.32 |
| 0.123 |
0.19 |
0.20 |
1. U-Factors are determined in accordance with NFRC 100. Approximate values only, actual values will vary depending on specific product configuration per project requirements.
2. Glass properties are based on center of glass values and are obtained from your glass supplier.
| |
Steel Curtainwall Systems |
Aluminum Curtainwall Systems |
| WIND LOAD CAPACITY |
3x stronger |
– |
| GLASS SIZE |
3x larger |
– |
| HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENT |
Low |
High |
| PROFILE SWEATING |
Rare |
Common |
| THERMAL EXPANSION |
Minimal |
High |
Frame tests performed in accordance with:
| AAMA 501.1 |
Dynamic Water Penetration |
| ASTM E283 |
Air Performance |
| ASTM E331 |
Static Water Penetration |
| ASTM E330 |
Structural Performance |
STEELBUILT VS. TYPICAL ALUMINUM CURTAINWALL ADVANTAGE STEEL
| NARROW FRAME WIDTH |
1–¾" (45 mm) face width vs. typical 2–½" face width of aluminum (SteelBuilt Curtainwall also available in 2–3/8” (60 mm width). |
| NARROW FRAME DEPTH |
Narrow 5–¾" back mullion using the SteelBuilt Curtainwall system vs. a required depth of nearly 8 inches for a typical aluminum curtainwall system. (SteelBuilt Curtainwall Systems are available with internal reinforcements to further reduce required frame depths). |
| LARGE SPANS |
20 foot span with no additional reinforcements required. |
| LARGE GLASS SIZES |
Considerably larger glass sizes possible when comparing the same size frame profiles. |
| DURABILITY |
Strength of steel profiles ensure long-term resistance to denting, scratching or deterioration. SteelBuilt Curtainwall systems can also include stainless steel cover caps for aesthetics or increased durability. |

SteelBuilt Curtainwall Design Criteria
| OVERALL HEIGHT: |
20' (no intermediate anchor) |
| OVERALL WIDTH: |
9' 1–13/16" |
| GLASS PANEL SIZE: |
36" x 79–7/16" |
| DESIGN PRESSURE: |
25 PSF |
| DEFLECTION: |
L/240+1/4" L/175 < 13'6" L/240+1/4" > 13'6" |
To obtain CAD details for this product, please use our CAD request form.