Curtain Wall Detailing is the specialized process of developing comprehensive technical documentation for glazed facade systems including mullion profiles, transoms, glazing methods, connection designs, and weatherproofing details. This documentation defines precisely how curtain wall components are fabricated, assembled, and installed to create a complete building envelope system. Curtain wall detailing is critical because these systems form the primary environmental separator between interior and exterior conditions while supporting no structural loads beyond their own weight. Proper detailing ensures weathertightness, thermal performance, structural integrity, and longevity while achieving the desired architectural aesthetic. The non-load-bearing nature of curtain walls combined with their complex performance requirements demands exceptionally precise technical documentation to ensure successful implementation.

Our Curtain Wall Detailing services address the complete spectrum of glazed facade systems used in contemporary architecture. We provide comprehensive documentation for stick-built systems where individual mullions, transoms, and glazing components are assembled on-site from extruded profiles. For unitized curtain walls, we detail factory-assembled panels with complete component definition and connection interfaces that enable efficient installation of pre-assembled modules. Our services extend to structural silicone glazing (SSG) with four-sided, two-sided, and stepped configurations that create seamless glass appearances. We also document point-supported systems including spider fittings, tension rod structures, and cable-supported walls that minimize visible structure. Additionally, we provide detailing for specialty applications including sloped glazing, skylights, canopies, vestibules, and custom facade elements that integrate with standard curtain wall systems to create complete building envelope solutions.

Our Curtain Wall Detailing provides exceptional documentation depth tailored to specific project requirements and system complexity. Standard documentation includes comprehensive system overview drawings showing configuration, primary dimensions, and key relationships between components. Detailed mullion and transom drawings define exact extrusion profiles, internal reinforcing, thermal breaks, and accessory components with precise dimensions and material specifications. Connection details document all interfaces including stack joints, expansion provisions, and corner conditions with appropriate fastener specifications and assembly instructions. Glazing details specify glass types, gasket systems, pressure plates, and cap profiles with complete weatherproofing provisions. Anchorage documentation defines the interface between curtain wall and building structure including embed details, adjustment mechanisms, and load transfer provisions. For manufacturing and installation support, we provide component schedules, hardware specifications, assembly sequences, and quality control references. All documentation is developed with appropriate scales, annotation standards, and dimensioning systems that ensure clarity and precision throughout the fabrication and installation process.

Performance integration is fundamental to our Curtain Wall Detailing methodology. We incorporate comprehensive performance considerations throughout the documentation process, beginning with clear identification of system requirements including structural loading criteria, air/water infiltration limits, thermal transmission targets, acoustic attenuation needs, and fire resistance provisions. The resulting details explicitly address weatherproofing through precise documentation of gasket systems, sealant applications, pressure equalization chambers, and drainage paths that prevent water intrusion. Thermal performance is addressed through detailed thermal break specifications, placement of insulating elements, and minimization of conductive paths. Structural integrity is ensured through explicit documentation of load paths, connection designs, and reinforcement provisions that accommodate specified wind loads, seismic requirements, and building movements. Additional performance aspects including acoustic isolation, condensation resistance, and solar control are addressed through appropriate material specifications and assembly details that create a comprehensive high-performance envelope system. Throughout the documentation, we incorporate industry standards, testing requirements, and performance verification methods that establish clear expectations for the installed system.

Comprehensive interface coordination is a cornerstone of our Curtain Wall Detailing approach. We implement systematic coordination processes that define precise relationships between curtain wall components and all adjacent building elements. For structural integration, we develop detailed anchor documentation showing exact connection locations, load transfer mechanisms, and adjustment provisions with appropriate tolerance accommodations that ensure proper fit while accommodating building movements. Adjacent system coordination includes explicit transition details between curtain wall and other envelope elements including roofing, waterproofing, opaque wall systems, and entry features with continuous weatherproofing integration to maintain envelope integrity. Interior interface details define the relationship between curtain wall and interior finishes including perimeter conditions, sill details, and ceiling transitions that ensure proper fit and finish. MEP coordination addresses penetrations, equipment attachments, and service integration requirements including electrical pathways, lighting connections, and mechanical interfaces. Throughout the coordination process, we maintain dimensional control references, tolerance management strategies, and construction sequence considerations that ensure successful integration of the curtain wall with all building systems.

Our Curtain Wall Detailing follows a structured development methodology that ensures comprehensive, accurate documentation. The process begins with detailed analysis of project requirements including architectural design intent, performance specifications, and site conditions to establish system parameters. For standard systems, we confirm manufacturer capabilities, catalog components, and system limitations that inform the documentation approach. Preliminary development focuses on system configuration, primary dimensions, and critical interfaces with schematic details that establish the overall approach. Following stakeholder approval, we proceed with comprehensive detail development addressing all components, connections, and performance elements with progressive refinement at appropriate scales. Throughout development, we implement rigorous quality assurance including dimensional verification, standards compliance, and constructability review. Technical coordination with other disciplines ensures proper integration with structural, architectural, and MEP systems. The completed documentation undergoes comprehensive checking procedures before submission, with revision management tracking changes through the review process until final acceptance. This systematic approach ensures complete, coordinated details that support successful curtain wall implementation.

Complex geometries and custom curtain wall elements require specialized detailing approaches that we have refined through extensive experience. For non-orthogonal conditions including curved facades, angled surfaces, and compound geometries, we employ sophisticated documentation techniques that precisely define three-dimensional relationships through appropriate projections, section development, and geometric controls. Complex corner conditions are documented with detailed component definition showing exact mitering requirements, internal reinforcing, and specialized connection elements that maintain system integrity at geometric transitions. For sloped glazing and overhead applications, we develop specialized details addressing additional performance requirements including condensation management, drainage provisions, and enhanced structural support. Custom facade elements receive comprehensive component-specific documentation including specialized extrusion profiles, non-standard connections, and unique assembly methods appropriate to the design intent and manufacturing capabilities. Throughout complex detailing, we emphasize constructability through rational geometric development, manageable component configuration, and practical assembly sequences that enable successful fabrication and installation while preserving architectural intent.

Our Curtain Wall Detailing services provide comprehensive deliverables tailored to project requirements and fabricator workflows. Standard documentation packages include detailed drawing sets with system elevations, grid layouts, typical details, isometric assemblies, component profiles, connection details, and installation instructions organized according to industry conventions. These are supplemented by component schedules, hardware specifications, glass schedules, and finish definitions that specify all required materials and parts. Technical submittals include product data, performance calculations, engineering verifications, and testing certifications that support system approval. Deliverable formats include both hard copy printing at appropriate scales and digital files in multiple formats including native CAD (typically DWG), PDF sets at production-ready resolution, and specialized formats for manufacturing systems where required. For fabrication support, we can provide CNC-ready data, 3D component models, and production information compatible with automated manufacturing equipment. All deliverables undergo comprehensive quality review before release, with detailed checking documentation that verifies completeness and accuracy.