curtain wall and skylights

curtain wall

thin usually aluminum-framed wall, containing in-fills of glass, metal panels, or thin stone

framing is attached to the building structure and does not carry the floor or roof loads of the building

wind and gravity loads of the curtain wall are transferred to the building structure

frame conductance

is a function fo the frame material, geometry and fabrication (e.g. thermal break)

water penetration resistance

function of glazing details

frame construction and drainage details, weather stripping, frame gaskets, interior sealants, perimeter flashings and seals

sightlines

key visual features of curtain walls are glazing appearance and ____

defined as the visual profile of the vertical and horizontal mullions

are a function of both the width and depth of the curtain wall frame

sound attenuation

capability of curtain walls can be improved by installing sound attenuating infill and by making contrustion as airtight as possible

stick system

[types of curtain wall]

the curtain wall frame (mullions) and glass ior opaque panels are installed and connected together piece by piece

commonly run past two floors with a combined gravity/lateral anchor at one floor and a lateral ancor only at the other

unitized system

[types of curtain wall]

a.k.a. modular

the curtain wall is composed of large units that are assembled and glazed in the factory, shipped to the site and erected on the building

vertical and horizontal mullions of the modules mate together with the adjoining modules

mullion

vertical curtain wall element -- frame

transom

horizontal curtain wall element -- frame

three-way

anchoring of unitized curtain wall typically consists of a proprietary assembly with a ________ dimensional adjsutability

the anchor occur at each pair vertical mullions along the edge of slab or spandrel beam

glazing failures

[curtain wall durability]

glazing problems specific to curtain wall construction include bisual obstruction from condensation or dirt, danage to opacifier films from material degredeation, condensation and or heat build up and IGU issues/laminated glass issues

failure of internal gaskets and sealants

[curtain wall durability]

from curtain wall movements (thermal, structural), prolonged exposure to water (good drainage features reduce this risk), heat/sun/UV degredation (age)

failure of exposed gaskets and sealants

[curtain wall durability]

including perimeter sealants, from curtain wall movements (thermal, structural), environmental degredation

skylights

can help hugely in improving energy efficiency, illuminating low light areas, and also provide the much needed dimension to a living space

can also incrase the convenience of internal spaces which otherwise are dependent on supplementary artficial ventilation or lighting

aesthetic value vs natural light

[skylight selection]

identify your need, what is expected of the skylight to do

basically its function

positioning

[skylight selection]

affects the size of skylight and numbers of skylight

preventing overexposure

room size and shape

[skylight selection]

might demand multiple bends in the tubing to achieve optimal performance

generally the larger the better

operability

[skylight selection]

either fixed or vented

glazing

[skylight selection]

runs the range from single or multi paned glass to innovative plastics with or without insulation and coatings to control variables

cost and installation

[skylight selection]

pricing may be problematic with the wide available variety

fixed

[types of skylights]

one of the most popular types

do not open for air ventilation, totally sealed to the roof

ventilated

[types of skylights]

serves multi-puprposes

works as a source of ventilation of air and light

perfect for kitchens and batrooms as they aid in removing excess mositure and keep a constant flow of fresh air in the living area

tubular

[types of skylights]

are an effective product to provide natural light to both residential and commercial indoor spaces

consists of: light collector, reflective tube, and interior fixture

custom

[types of skylights]

open up to the sun, air, and stars

uniquely designed, elegant windows to the sky which let in natural light

pyramid

[types of skylights]

typically mounten on curbs on flat roofs, available with several slopes and pitch options

dome shaped

[types of skylights]

made up of robust and flexible plastics

allows sunlight to evenly spread across the room

barrel vault

[types of skylights]

pratcical and economical means of bestwoing daulight and spaciousness to an atrium, lobby, or the interior of a building

curb-mounted

[types of skylights]

one of the most popular styles of skylights available

relatively affordable and go really well in any type of room setting

either built on-site ir can be provided by the skylight manufacturer

curb needs to be double walled and insulated

ridge

[types of skylights]

applicable to conditions where the skylight continues in the same plane as the roof pitch and the ridge of the skylight folows teh line of the ridge of the roof