Abricos Glass works on commercial curtain wall facades — stick-built, unitized, structural silicone, captured, point-supported, and window-wall systems — for office, medical, mixed-use, hospitality, and institutional projects across the Denver metro area.
We work with architects, general contractors, developers, facade consultants, and property owners to review drawings, coordinate interfaces with surrounding trades, prepare a clear proposal, and complete installation or targeted renovation.
For a faster initial review, send architectural drawings, wall sections, elevations, specifications, structural information, project address, and the requested schedule.
A curtain wall is a non-load-bearing exterior envelope that hangs from the primary structure and carries only its own weight and wind loads back to the building. The framing, glass, gaskets, sealants, anchors, spandrel panels, air barrier tie-ins, and perimeter firestopping all work together as one system.
Successful facades come from decisions made early: system type, framing depth, glass makeup, thermal break geometry, spandrel treatment, movement joints, and how the wall meets the roof, slab edge, cladding, and ground plane. Late changes to any one of these items may cascade into the rest of the assembly.
Abricos Glass reviews the drawings, structure, wind loads, glass and coating options, interfaces with adjacent trades, and installation access before custom framing and glass are ordered. When information is missing, we flag it in writing rather than assume around it.
We work on new construction, tenant improvements, curtain wall renovation, reglazing, and targeted repair. Scope is confirmed in writing before fabrication.
Curtain wall is the right conversation when the glazing spans floor lines and carries only its own weight plus wind back to the structure; if the glazing sits within a single storey at grade, a storefront system is normally the correct and less expensive answer.
Multi-storey aluminium-framed facade glazing: stick-built and unitized systems, spandrel and vision zones, and coordination with the building structure.
Single-storey entrance and retail frontage is covered on the storefront and commercial door pages; interior partitions are covered on the interior glass wall page.
Best for: Smaller elevations, irregular geometry and projects where the facade is assembled in place.
Trade-off: More field labour and more field-dependent tolerances, but lower tooling and lead-time commitment.
Best for: Repetitive multi-storey elevations where schedule and consistency matter more than up-front flexibility.
Trade-off: Units are shop-assembled and hung, which shortens field time but requires earlier design freeze and accurate structural coordination.
Best for: Glazing contained within a single storey and supported at head and sill.
Trade-off: Not intended to span floor lines; specifying it where curtain wall is required creates a performance and coordination problem later.
Spanning multiple levels is the clearest signal that the assembly needs to be evaluated as curtain wall rather than storefront.
Anchor locations, slab-edge condition, tolerance and movement allowance all shape the system selection and must be coordinated with the structural design.
Unitized systems trade field time for lead time. The right choice depends on when design can be frozen and when the structure will be ready.
Framing, thermal breaks and the insulating glass make-up are selected together. At Front Range altitudes the insulating unit build-up also needs altitude consideration.
Facade performance criteria — wind loading, deflection limits, thermal performance, fire safing and testing requirements — are set by the project's design professionals and the authority having jurisdiction. Abricos Glass works to the documented project requirements rather than substituting its own conclusions.
Stick-built curtain wall is assembled piece by piece on site: verticals (mullions) and horizontals (transoms) are anchored to the structure, then glass and infill panels are glazed into the framing. It is commonly used on low- and mid-rise commercial buildings, tenant improvements, entry facades, and projects where site conditions favor field assembly. Final scope depends on structure, glass, wind loads, and coordination with adjacent trades.
Discuss this scope →Unitized curtain wall is delivered as shop-fabricated panels that interlock at the perimeter and are hung from the building structure floor by floor. It can shorten site duration, reduce weather exposure of the interior, and improve tolerance control on taller or repetitive facades. Feasibility depends on lead time, crane access, floor edge conditions, and coordination with the structural design.
Discuss this scope →Structural silicone glazing bonds the glass to the aluminum framing with a structural sealant on two or four sides. The result is a smoother, flush exterior appearance with reduced visible aluminum. SSG requires manufacturer-approved silicones, prepared substrates, controlled shop conditions, and inspection. Field-applied SSG on unqualified profiles is not appropriate.
Discuss this scope →Captured systems retain the glass with pressure plates and snap-on covers along the mullions. They are widely used, straightforward to install, and simpler to reglaze than SSG. The visible aluminum grid may be part of the intended architectural expression.
Discuss this scope →Point-supported facades attach glass to the structure through machined fittings (spiders) rather than a continuous frame. Applications may include atria, entry walls, and feature facades where minimized framing is desired. Point-supported design typically requires project-specific engineering by qualified professionals.
Discuss this scope →Aluminum storefront and window-wall systems overlap with curtain wall in appearance but perform differently. Storefront is generally floor-supported and used at the ground level. Window wall spans floor to floor and rests on the slab edge. Correct system selection depends on height, exposure, loads, and interface details.
Discuss this scope →Spandrel areas conceal floor slabs, structure, insulation, and mechanical spaces between vision-glass zones. Options include back-painted or ceramic-coated (fritted) glass, insulated metal panels, and shadow-box assemblies with a rear panel and vented cavity. Color, coating, and back-pan detail affect the finished appearance.
Discuss this scope →Exterior sunshades, projecting fins, and interior light shelves may be coordinated with the curtain wall to manage solar gain, glare, and daylight. Wind load, deflection, thermal bridging, drainage, and structural attachment must be reviewed together with the framing design.
Discuss this scope →Project-out, awning, or casement vents can be integrated into curtain wall framing where natural ventilation or code-required openings are desired. Vent selection affects thermal performance, water resistance, hardware, screens, and cleaning access.
Discuss this scope →Aluminum entrances, all-glass doors, revolving doors, and automatic operators may be integrated into a curtain wall at the ground plane. Threshold, closer, hardware, and access-control coordination should be planned with the surrounding framing and glass.
Discuss this scope →Older facades may be candidates for glass replacement, gasket renewal, sealant renewal, hardware upgrades, or complete overcladding depending on the existing framing, condition of anchors, water performance, and the owner's goals. A field investigation is typically required before scope is fixed.
Discuss this scope →Broken, cracked, or seal-failed glass in an existing curtain wall can often be replaced within the existing frame if the pocket, thickness, coatings, and access permit. Temporary weather protection may be arranged for damaged openings while replacement glass is fabricated.
Discuss this scope →System selection should match building height, wind exposure, schedule, floor edge conditions, and the design intent. There is no single "best" system — each approach has trade-offs.
Assembled in place. Common on low- and mid-rise projects. Predictable material logistics but longer field duration and higher weather exposure during assembly.
Shop-fabricated panels installed floor by floor. Faster enclosure, tighter tolerances, and reduced site labor. Requires longer lead time and coordinated crane or hoist access.
Framing is field-installed while pre-glazed cassettes or panels are hung into it. May balance schedule and logistics on mid-rise buildings.
Glass bonded to framing with structural silicone on two or four sides. Flush exterior with reduced visible aluminum. Requires qualified shop bonding and inspection.
Glass retained by pressure plates and snap covers. Well understood, straightforward to reglaze, and widely available in commercial projects.
Glass held by mechanical fittings without a full frame. Typically requires project-specific engineering, tempered or heat-strengthened laminated glass, and specialty hardware.
Spans floor to floor and rests on the slab edge. Often used in multifamily and mixed-use construction. Interfaces with the slab edge and floor-line fire safing require careful detailing.
Floor-supported aluminum framing at the ground plane. Not intended to carry the loads or spans of a full curtain wall. Selection should match exposure, height, and expected wind loads.
The framing package is more than aluminum extrusions. Thermal breaks, gaskets, setting blocks, structural and weatherseal sealants, air and water barrier tie-ins, anchors, and perimeter firestopping all contribute to real-world performance.
Standard curtain-wall framing material. Available in a range of profiles, depths, and thermal-break options. Finish and profile depth are chosen for spans, loads, and appearance.
Polyamide struts or poured-and-debridged pockets separate the interior and exterior aluminum. Thermal break depth and geometry meaningfully influence U-factor and condensation resistance.
EPDM or silicone gaskets seal the glazing pocket. Setting blocks distribute the weight of the glass. Compatibility with sealants and adjacent materials must be verified.
Manufacturer-approved silicones used in SSG assemblies. Substrate preparation, cure conditions, primer, and inspection are required to achieve the intended bond.
Perimeter and joint sealants used to close the exterior weather barrier. Backer rod, joint geometry, and adhesion testing should follow manufacturer requirements.
The curtain wall must tie into the surrounding air barrier, water-resistive barrier, flashings, and drainage plane. Detail coordination is essential to real-world performance.
Aluminum embed clips, steel angles, or engineered brackets transfer wind and dead loads to the primary structure. Anchor design should be reviewed by qualified engineering when project-specific.
Perimeter fire containment (safing insulation, spray fill, and smoke seal) at each floor edge is typically required for occupied floors. Tested, listed systems should be used.
Glass selection affects thermal performance, solar gain, appearance, safety, sound, and framing compatibility. Final specifications should be based on the complete assembly and applicable project requirements.
Sealed dual- or triple-pane assemblies with air or gas fill. Common baseline for exterior curtain wall. Performance depends on coatings, spacers, and glass makeup.
Low-emissivity coatings can influence U-factor, SHGC, and appearance. Different families of coatings produce different color, reflectivity, and performance profiles.
Heat-treated glass used where safety glazing or higher strength is required. Cannot be cut after tempering, so dimensions must be verified before fabrication.
Roughly twice the strength of annealed glass and less prone to spontaneous breakage than tempered. Often specified in laminated makeups for taller facades.
Two or more lites bonded with an interlayer (PVB, SGP, or acoustic). May be used for safety, security planning, sound reduction, overhead glazing, or fall protection.
Reduced-iron glass provides higher clarity and more neutral color. Frequently used at entrances and feature facades where appearance is critical.
Baked-on ceramic patterns can provide shading, bird-safe treatments, spandrel opacity, or graphic effects. Coating side and pattern density affect appearance and performance.
Opaque back-painted or ceramic-coated glass concealing floor lines and mechanical zones. Insulation, back pan, and cavity design should be reviewed together.
Bronze, gray, blue, or green body-tinted glass can reduce solar gain and provide a specific exterior appearance. Coating and orientation influence surface temperature.
Fire-resistant and fire-protective assemblies use listed components with specific installation practices. Fire-rated scope requires qualified sources and applicable listings.
Patterned, fritted, or coated glass developed to reduce bird collisions. Selection should consider local guidance and the surrounding site.
Sloped or overhead glazing typically requires laminated glass on the underside and additional consideration for drainage, thermal stress, and safety.
Performance is measured through structural, air, water, thermal, condensation, and acoustic tests. Ratings apply to the tested assembly. Substituting one component may invalidate the referenced performance.
Framing depth and glass thickness must be selected for site wind pressures and allowable deflection. Deflection criteria typically limit visible bowing and protect gaskets and sealants.
Air leakage is measured in cubic feet per minute per square foot at a specified pressure. Values depend on system design, gaskets, and joinery — not one component alone.
Static water resistance is measured under a uniform pressure with a controlled spray. It represents laboratory performance, not field conditions.
Dynamic testing introduces variable pressure to simulate wind-driven rain and can reveal weaknesses that a static test may not.
Field spray-rack testing can help evaluate installed water performance on portions of a completed facade. Field results depend on installation quality and adjacent construction.
Overall thermal performance depends on the glass, spacer, thermal break, frame geometry, and perimeter details — not the center-of-glass value alone.
Solar heat gain coefficient describes solar energy admitted through the assembly. Appropriate levels depend on orientation, climate, shading, and interior use.
Condensation resistance depends on interior humidity, exterior temperature, framing geometry, and thermal breaks. High interior humidity may exceed the assembly's capability regardless of glass.
Sound transmission through glazing depends on total mass, laminated interlayers, and airspace. STC and OITC ratings apply to the tested assembly, not any single glass makeup.
Movement joints, story drift capability, and interstory racking should be considered on taller or seismically active projects. Framing systems are designed for specific movement ranges.
Glass acting as guarding at floor edges or low walls requires laminated makeup, engineering, and applicable safety-glazing labels.
Standard curtain wall should not be described as blast-, ballistic-, or hurricane-rated unless the complete assembly has been tested and listed as such.
Specific ratings, code compliance, or listed classifications should be confirmed with the complete selected product and the applicable authority having jurisdiction before publication or bidding.
The visible symptom is rarely the complete story. Framing, gaskets, sealants, drainage, adjacent construction, and building movement may all contribute.
When any of these show up, document with photographs, note the weather at the time, and involve the design team early — especially on facades that are still under warranty.
The most expensive curtain wall problems are almost always coordination problems — not a defective piece of glass or aluminum.
Planned maintenance typically costs less and preserves warranty value better than waiting for visible failures. A short annual review can catch most issues early.
Walk the facade and interior perimeter each year. Look for staining, gasket displacement, sealant cracking, and glass condition. Photograph and document findings.
Perimeter and joint sealants typically have finite service life. Sealant renewal on a planned schedule is less disruptive than emergency repair after leakage.
Use manufacturer-approved cleaners and soft tools. Avoid razor blades on coated or heat-treated glass, and avoid harsh solvents on gaskets, sealants, or anodized finishes.
Confirm weep holes remain open. Do not paint over, seal over, or cover drainage paths during exterior work.
Check for displaced or hardened gaskets, loose pressure plates, and worn vent hardware. Address early to reduce risk of water entry.
Fogged or seal-failed IGUs can often be replaced within the existing frame if the pocket, thickness, coatings, and access permit.
Damaged glass can be temporarily protected with plywood or polycarbonate while replacement is fabricated. Board-up should not damage the surrounding framing.
Keep the original submittals, shop drawings, and glass information available. This information significantly speeds up future repair and reglaze work.
Each building type has different requirements for visibility, thermal performance, security, hardware, daylight, and cleaning access. The facade scope should be developed around the actual use of the building.
Curtain wall interfaces with more trades than almost any other envelope element. Clear responsibility at each interface — air barrier, waterproofing, roofing, firestopping, slab edge, interior finishes — reduces friction and rework on site.
Abricos Glass may coordinate with
Send plans, elevations, wall sections, specifications, project address, requested service, bid deadline, and anticipated installation date.
We review the intended system type, glass makeup, framing depth, spandrel treatment, movement requirements, and interfaces with surrounding trades.
For new construction, we work from architectural and structural documents. For existing facades, we schedule a field review to evaluate current conditions.
Curtain wall interfaces heavily with the architect, structural engineer, waterproofing consultant, and general contractor. We coordinate open items early.
A written proposal identifies the included scope, system approach, assumptions, exclusions, submittal responsibilities, and pricing basis.
Product data, shop drawings, engineering calculations when applicable, finish samples, glass samples, and mock-ups (where required) are coordinated for approval.
Approved glass, aluminum extrusions, anchors, gaskets, and sealants are procured. Unitized systems typically require longer lead time than stick-built.
Field dimensions, slab edges, embed locations, and adjacent conditions are verified before final fabrication of critical components.
The system is installed in sequence with adjacent trades. Air, water, and firestop interfaces are coordinated and documented as work progresses.
Any specified field water testing, punch-list corrections, cleaning, and closeout documentation (warranties, O&M, as-builts) are completed per the contract.
Curtain wall can be estimated during earlier design stages, but firm pricing and final fabrication typically require approved structural information, wind loads, glass makeup, and finish selections.
Abricos Glass serves Denver and the surrounding communities. Projects outside the immediate metro area may also be considered depending on scope, access, and schedule.
