Understanding Hurricane Product Approvals – Curtainwall Spans

Curtainwall systems—common in commercial projects—are increasingly being used in high-end residential architecture. But they come with serious engineering and installation challenges most residential teams aren’t prepared for.

Key considerations:

• Maximum single span is limited to the height that can be unsupported—beyond that, you need intermediate anchors.

• Intermediate anchors must tie into a structural slab or steel beam for proper support.

• Glass load capacity and jamb mullion capacity must be calculated together to determine allowable glass sizes.

• The system must be designed with a façade or fenestration engineer, and field teams must follow those details precisely.

• Very few residential installers are qualified for curtainwall. You need a team experienced specifically with these systems.

I help architects, builders, and owners bridge the knowledge gap when integrating curtainwall into luxury homes—ensuring it’s not only beautiful but built to perform.