What types of buildings can benefit from curtain walling?

Curtain walling is suitable for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, particularly those seeking energy efficiency, enhanced aesthetics, and weather protection.

Are curtain walls cost-efficient?

Yes, while the initial investment may be higher, the energy savings, reduced maintenance, and improved building value make curtain walling an excellent long-term investment.

Can curtain wall systems be customised?

Absolutely! Our systems are fully customisable to meet architectural designs, functional requirements, and energy performance goals.

What should I look for when choosing curtain walling contractors?

When selecting curtain walling contractors, look for experience with a range of façade solutions, a proven track record on similar projects, and in-house expertise covering design, project management, and installation. It’s also essential to verify their ability to deliver compliant, durable, and cost-effective curtain wall systems. Learn more about our project approach.

Why should I work with a curtain wall specialist for my project?

A curtain wall specialist brings in-depth knowledge of the latest technologies, materials, and compliance requirements. Their expertise helps to optimise system performance, streamline construction, and resolve technical challenges, ensuring the facade meets both functional and design objectives. Discover our team’s expertise.

How does curtain walling enhance overall building performance?

Curtain walling improves a building’s energy efficiency, natural daylighting, and weather resistance. Advanced solutions from specialists help buildings meet modern sustainability standards, boost occupant comfort, and offer lasting value through increased durability and low ongoing maintenance.

What services do curtain walling contractors provide?

Curtain walling contractors such as Advanced Glass manage the entire process from façade design and material selection to precision installation and aftercare. At Advanced Glass, our comprehensive service ensures quality at every stage. Explore our full range of products.

How can I ensure my chosen curtain wall specialist stays up to date with regulations and innovation?

Working with a reputable curtain wall specialist means benefiting from up-to-date compliance with UK building standards and access to the latest products and installation techniques. Our team continuously monitors industry developments for your peace of mind

Where can I find more in-depth information about curtain walling systems?

For further details on products, performance, and applications of curtain walling, please visit our external facade cladding systems page.

How do you ensure louvres achieve required free area while maintaining façade design intent?

We work with manufacturers’ performance data to balance airflow requirements with aesthetic design. By adjusting blade pitch, depth, and spacing, we can achieve specified free area percentages without compromising architectural intent. Early design coordination with the façade package ensures the louvre zones integrate seamlessly with curtain walling or cladding.

Can louvres be integrated into curtain walling without compromising weather or fire performance?

Yes. Our team designs bespoke louvre panels that slot within curtain wall grids, maintaining drainage, pressure equalisation, and airtightness. Fire stopping is detailed around penetrations to comply with Approved Document B. While we don’t directly supply fire-rated louvres, if your project requires them, please contact us and we can advise on suitable options through our wider supply network.

What testing standards apply to weather performance of louvres?

High-performance architectural louvres are tested to BS EN 13030:2001 for resistance to wind-driven rain and airflow characteristics. We select systems that achieve Class A performance where stringent weather protection is required.

How do you manage acoustic performance when specifying louvres for plant areas?

For projects near residential or sensitive zones, we specify acoustic louvres with tested Rw and Dn,e,w ratings. These provide sound attenuation while maintaining required airflow, often mandated under planning conditions.

Do louvres impact a building’s thermal or airtightness strategy?

Standard louvres are not insulated, but we can supply insulated louvre systems where thermal performance is critical. In all cases, we ensure correct detailing and sealing with EPDM membranes and integrated fire stopping, so the louvre zones maintain the building’s airtightness and comply with Approved Document L requirements.

How do you ensure maintenance access without weakening the façade?

We can design removable louvre panels or doors within the louvre assembly, providing discrete yet secure access to plant behind the façade without undermining security or weathering.

Can architectural louvres contribute to a project’s fire strategy?

Architectural louvres themselves are not fire-rated elements, but correct detailing is essential to prevent fire spread around openings. We integrate fire stopping and cavity barriers around louvre penetrations to maintain compartmentation in line with Approved Document B. If your project specifically requires fire-rated or fire exit louvres, please contact us directly and we can advise on suitable options through our extended network.

How do you coordinate louvre finishes with rainscreen or curtain walling systems?

We offer full powder-coat or anodised finishes matched to aluminium systems from Technal, Senior Architectural Systems, and Aluprof. This ensures visual consistency across the façade, even where different systems interface.

Why should main contractors appoint Advanced Glass for louvre packages?

Because we deliver fully integrated solutions — not standalone products. By managing design, procurement, installation, and testing within the overall façade package, we reduce interface risks and ensure louvres perform as intended without impacting programme or compliance.

What is the purpose of brise soleil in modern façades?

Brise soleil systems are external shading devices designed to control solar gain. They reduce overheating, improve occupant comfort, and contribute to compliance with Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and Part O (Overheating in dwellings).

Which standards govern the performance of brise soleil?

While there is no single brise soleil standard, performance is typically modelled using dynamic thermal simulations to meet building regulations. Structural fixings must comply with Eurocode load requirements for wind and snow loads.

How are brise soleil systems fixed to façades?

They can be fixed directly to curtain walling, rainscreen cladding, or structural steelwork. Advanced Glass ensures brackets are designed to accommodate building tolerances while transferring loads safely back into the primary structure.

Can brise soleil be integrated with curtain wall systems?

Yes, but the fixing interface must be carefully engineered. Incorrect detailing can compromise weathering, airtightness, or even structural integrity. Contact us to discuss bespoke solutions that integrate with systems from Technal, Senior Architectural Systems, and Aluprof.

Do brise soleil systems reduce energy consumption?

Yes. By cutting solar gain, they reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, lowering operational carbon. They are often part of achieving BREEAM credits and net-zero carbon strategies.

What blade profiles are available for brise soleil?

We supply a range of options including aerofoil, rectangular, and tubular blades, in aluminium or glass finishes. The choice affects shading efficiency, aesthetics, and structural performance.

How is long-term performance ensured?

Aluminium blades are typically powder-coated or anodised to withstand UV exposure and weathering. Stainless steel fixings are used to prevent corrosion, ensuring longevity with minimal maintenance.

Can brise soleil be automated or adjustable?

Yes. While many systems are fixed, we also provide motorised or manually adjustable brise soleil that optimise shading depending on the sun’s position, improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Why should contractors appoint Advanced Glass for brise soleil?

Because we provide a full façade package, integrating brise soleil with curtain walling, rainscreen cladding, and glazing systems. This reduces interface risks, ensures compliance with energy and safety standards, and delivers a single point of responsibility for contractors.

What types of automated doors do you provide?

We specialise in sliding, swing, and revolving door systems, integrated within glazing and façade packages. Each type is chosen based on project requirements for traffic flow, accessibility, and aesthetics.

Which building regulations govern automated door systems?

Automated doors must comply with BS EN 16005 (Safety in Use of Power Operated Doorsets) and UK Approved Document M (Access to and Use of Buildings), ensuring safe and inclusive access for all users.

How do you ensure safety for users of automated doors?

All systems incorporate sensors, safety edges, and fail-safe operation to prevent injury. Our installations follow strict risk assessments to comply with BS EN 16005 and Health & Safety at Work regulations.

Can automated doors be integrated with curtain walling and glazing systems?

Yes, but it requires careful detailing. We coordinate with suppliers such as Technal, Senior Architectural Systems, and Aluprof to ensure structural support, airtightness, and aesthetic alignment.

How do sliding doors differ from swing doors in application?

• Sliding doors: Ideal for high-traffic areas such as retail or transport hubs.
• Swing doors: Suited for single access points or where space constraints apply.
• Revolving doors: Provide continuous access while reducing air infiltration, often used in commercial or transport projects.

Are automated doors energy efficient?

Yes. Revolving doors significantly reduce heat loss compared to swing or sliding options. All doors can also be specified with thermally broken frames and insulated glazing to comply with Approved Document L.

What are the main security considerations for automated doors?

We integrate access control, locking systems, and blast/security-rated options when required, ensuring compliance with project-specific security strategies.

Can automated doors be specified for fire escape routes?

Yes, but they must be tested and certified to EN 16361 (Power Operated Doorsets – Safety in Escape Routes). Where required, we integrate fire-rated glazing and controlled closing to ensure compliance with Approved Document B.

Why should contractors appoint Advanced Glass for automated doors?

Because we don’t just install automated doors — we integrate them seamlessly into the glazing and façade package. This ensures compliance, reduces interface risks, and provides contractors with a single point of responsibility.

What are EPDM membranes used for in façade construction?

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) membranes provide airtightness, weatherproofing, and vapour control at the interfaces of curtain walling, windows, doors, and rainscreen cladding.

Which regulations require the use of EPDM membranes?

They support compliance with Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) by reducing air leakage, and with BS EN 12114 (Air Permeability Testing of Building Components) for performance verification.

Where are EPDM membranes typically installed?

They are used around window perimeters, façade interfaces, movement joints, and behind cladding panels to seal connections between the façade system and the primary structure.

How do EPDM membranes contribute to thermal performance?

By ensuring airtightness, they reduce uncontrolled air infiltration, which would otherwise undermine insulation performance and increase operational energy use.

Are EPDM membranes resistant to UV and weathering?

Yes. High-grade EPDM membranes are resistant to UV exposure, ozone, and extreme temperatures, ensuring long-term durability even when partially exposed.

How are EPDM membranes fixed?

They can be bonded using structural adhesive, hot air welding, or mechanical fixings. The fixing method depends on substrate type and whether long-term movement or settlement needs to be accommodated.

What are the biggest risks if EPDM membranes are omitted or poorly installed?

The façade may suffer from air leakage, condensation, and water ingress, leading to failed airtightness tests and non-compliance with Approved Document L. This can cause delays, remedial works, and reputational risk for contractors.

Can EPDM membranes be integrated with fire stopping systems?

Yes. While EPDM itself is not fire-stopping, it can be detailed to work alongside fire stops and cavity barriers. Careful sequencing on site ensures both airtightness and fire safety requirements are met.

Why should contractors rely on Advanced Glass for EPDM membrane installation?

Because airtightness is only as strong as its weakest detail. We ensure EPDM membranes are fully integrated into the façade package, coordinated with glazing, cladding, and fire protection to guarantee compliance and avoid programme delays.

What is the purpose of fire stopping in façade construction?

Fire stopping prevents the spread of flames, smoke, and hot gases through gaps in the building envelope, maintaining the integrity of fire compartments as required by Approved Document B.

Which standards govern façade fire stopping in the UK?

Fire stopping must comply with Approved Document B, BS EN 1366-4 (Fire resistance tests for service installations – Linear joint seals), and BS EN 13501-2 (Fire classification of construction products).

Where is fire stopping required in curtain walling and cladding?

At slab edges, around window openings, at compartment lines, and anywhere services or penetrations pass through the façade. These are critical weak points where fire could otherwise spread unchecked.

How is fire stopping installed in façade systems?

Fire stops are typically compressed mineral wool or intumescent materials, sealed with fire-rated coatings or membranes. They are mechanically fixed to ensure long-term stability under fire conditions.

How does fire stopping interact with cavity barriers?

Cavity barriers block hidden voids in rainscreen cladding, while fire stops seal linear joints in curtain walling and windows. Both are essential for compliance but serve different functions.

Can fire stopping also provide acoustic or thermal benefits?

Yes. Many fire stopping products also deliver acoustic insulation and support thermal performance, helping meet Approved Document E (Resistance to Sound) and Approved Document L requirements.

What are the biggest risks of poor fire stopping installation?

Incorrectly installed or omitted fire stops can create a direct route for fire spread, leading to catastrophic building failure. Non-compliance also exposes contractors to liability under the Building Safety Act 2022.

How is fire stopping performance verified?

Through third-party certification, manufacturer test evidence, and site inspections. At Advanced Glass, we provide installation records and photographic evidence to demonstrate compliance. This is especially important for Gateway 3 sign-off.

Why should contractors appoint Advanced Glass for fire stopping?

Because we integrate fire stopping within the full façade package, coordinating with glazing, rainscreen, and curtain walling. This ensures compliance, reduces interface risk, and provides a single point of accountability for contractors under the Building Safety Act.

What is the primary function of window barrier louvres?

Window barrier louvres are designed purely as safety barriers. They are fixed externally to open-in windows in high-rise buildings, allowing residents to fully open their windows without the risk of falling.

Which building regulations govern the use of barrier louvres?

Barrier louvres are tested to resist loads in line with BS EN 1991-1-1 and comply with Approved Document K (protection from falling). These are the key standards architects and contractors must meet when specifying them.

Where are window barrier louvres most commonly specified?

They are widely used in student accommodation, residential high-rise blocks, and care facilities, where occupant safety and compliance with fall protection requirements are critical.

How are barrier louvres installed?

They are mechanically fixed to the outer frame of an open-in window system. This ensures that residents can still operate their windows fully for ventilation, while the barrier prevents falls.

Do window barrier louvres affect glazing or acoustic performance?

No. Since the glazing unit itself is not altered, the acoustic, thermal, and weather performance of the window remain unchanged. The louvre system functions only as an external safety feature.

What materials are barrier louvres manufactured from?

They are typically manufactured from aluminium, chosen for its strength, durability, and low maintenance. They can be powder-coated in a wide range of finishes to integrate with the façade design.

What blade profiles are used in barrier louvres?

Most barrier louvres use oval or aerofoil-shaped blades, which are engineered to withstand horizontal barrier loads. This design provides strength while maintaining a visually light appearance on the façade.

Do window barrier louvres have any fire protection requirements?

No. They are not fire-rated elements and do not form part of a building’s compartmentation strategy. Their sole purpose is to protect against falling.

Why should contractors appoint Advanced Glass for barrier louvres?

Because we integrate barrier louvres as part of the full glazing and façade package. This gives contractors a single point of responsibility for design, supply, and installation, ensuring compliance, reducing risk, and maintaining programme certainty.