Thermal Enhancements for Aluminum-Framed Curtain Walls – A Practical Perspective and Some Nonthermal Considerations

In the March issue Interface “ The Journal of RCI, Mary Arntzen and Derek McCowan discuss various modifications that may be made to aluminum-framed curtain walls to improve their thermal performance. This article discusses enhancement options for both the glazing and framing systems, such as the addition of non-metal pressure plates, gas-filled insulating glass units, warm edge spacers and other available features.  The article includes how these modifications may affect the thermal performance of the system and also touches on related design considerations such as weatherproofing, durability, expected service life, and other factors.