Curtain walls refer to the exterior cladding of a building, where the outermost walls serve no structural purpose. These walls are often constructed from extruded aluminum frames filled with glass panels, chosen for their visual appeal and ability to let natural sunlight flood interiors. To ensure they can withstand various weather conditions, it’s important to factor in design considerations like thermal expansion and contraction, the building’s sway and movement, effective water management, and thermal efficiency. The latter helps in optimizing the costs associated with heating, cooling, and lighting the building.