What Is a Stick Curtain Wall System?

A stick curtain wall system is a facade built by assembling aluminum frame components piece by piece directly on site. Mullions, transoms, and glass panels arrive separately from the factory, then a crew fits them together on the building structure floor by floor. This type of curtain wall has been used across Saudi Arabia for decades because it balances cost, flexibility, and reliable performance. Al Samman Aluminum has manufactured stick curtain wall systems since 1973, supplying contractors with aluminum frames engineered for the Kingdom’s climate. Architects and engineers often specify this system when a project needs proven performance without the higher upfront investment of prefabricated panels.

How Does a Stick Curtain Wall System Work?

A stick curtain wall system works by anchoring vertical mullions to the building’s structural frame, then connecting horizontal transoms between them to form a grid.

Glass or metal infill panels are installed into this grid one at a time, sealed with gaskets and structural sealant to keep water and air out.

Because assembly happens on site, a stick curtain wall can adapt to small dimensional variations in the building structure that prefabricated panels cannot easily absorb.

Each stage, from anchor installation to final glazing, is inspected before moving to the next floor, keeping quality consistent across the full height of the building.

Weather protection during installation also matters, since exposed frames without sealant can allow water intrusion if a section is left incomplete overnight.

Planning a stick curtain wall project in Saudi Arabia? Contact Al Samman Aluminum to discuss your building design, facade requirements, and installation conditions with our technical team.

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Stick Curtain Wall System Components and Structure

Every stick curtain wall system relies on a few core components working together to resist wind, water, and thermal movement.

Mullions form the vertical structural members, while transoms run horizontally between them to complete the frame grid.

Pressure plates and cover caps hold the glazing in place from the outside, allowing panels to be replaced individually without disturbing the surrounding structure.

Gaskets and structural sealant seal the joints between glass and frame, while thermal breaks inside the aluminum profile reduce heat transfer through the metal.

A properly specified stick curtain wall also includes anchors and brackets designed to accommodate building movement without transferring stress into the glazing.

Weep holes are built into the frame to drain any water that gets past the outer seal, preventing moisture from accumulating inside the system over time.

Stick Curtain Wall System Design Considerations

Designing a stick system requires more than selecting aluminum profiles and glass. The facade must be engineered around the building’s structural behavior, environmental exposure, and installation conditions.

Key design considerations include:

• Wind loads and pressure based on building height and location
• Structural movement and deflection at slab edges
• Thermal expansion and contraction of aluminum components
• Glass thickness, weight, and safety requirements
• Thermal breaks and insulation requirements
• Drainage paths and weep hole locations
• Sealant and gasket compatibility
• Facade orientation and solar exposure
• Connection and anchor design
• Access requirements for installation and maintenance

Stick Curtain Wall System for Commercial Projects in Saudi Arabia

A stick curtain wall system remains a common choice for mid-rise commercial buildings, office blocks, and retail developments across the Kingdom.

Its lower upfront manufacturing cost compared to prefabricated systems makes it attractive for projects working within tighter facade budgets.

Al Samman Aluminum manufactures stick curtain wall components for commercial buildings in Jeddah, Riyadh, and other cities, adjusting profiles to each project’s structural requirements.

Contractors often choose a stick curtain wall when a building’s shape or schedule does not justify the higher upfront cost of a fully unitized approach.

Retail podiums and low-rise office blocks are common applications, where facade area is moderate and installation crews have easier access to every floor.

Read more: Facade Contractors in Saudi Arabia | Built for Major Projects

Advantages of Stick Curtain Wall Systems for Saudi Projects

A stick system offers several practical advantages, starting with lower material and shipping costs since components ship unassembled.

Site flexibility is another benefit. Installers can adjust individual components to account for construction tolerances that vary slightly from the original drawings.

Maintenance is generally simpler too, since individual glass units or gaskets in a stick curtain wall can be replaced without removing entire panels.

For smaller and mid-rise buildings, a stick curtain wall often delivers the best balance between performance and overall project cost.

Shipping is also more straightforward, since unassembled components take up less space and are less fragile in transit than fully glazed panels.

Not sure whether a stick curtain wall is right for your project? Speak with Al Samman Aluminum about building height, budget, design flexibility, and long-term facade performance.

When Should You Choose a Stick Curtain Wall System?

A stick curtain wall system is often the right choice when a project needs installation flexibility, manageable upfront costs, and the ability to accommodate variations in building dimensions.

This system can be particularly suitable for:

• Low-rise and mid-rise commercial buildings
• Retail developments and podiums
• Office buildings with moderate facade areas
• Projects with irregular facade geometry
• Buildings where site access allows efficient installation
• Projects with tighter initial facade budgets
• Renovation projects requiring on-site adjustments

Stick systems can also make sense when the project does not justify the factory-prefabrication requirements of a unitized curtain wall system.

However, building height, construction schedule, site access, wind loads, and installation conditions should always be reviewed before making the final selection. A qualified facade engineer can compare the available systems against the project’s specific requirements.

Read more: Types of Aluminium Window Profiles: Complete Guide and Best Options 2026

Stick Curtain Wall System Performance: Thermal, Air and Water

Performance testing matters as much for a stick curtain wall system as it does for any prefabricated alternative.

Air infiltration is evaluated using methods similar to ASTM E283, measuring how much air passes through the assembly under a set pressure difference.

Water penetration resistance follows testing approaches like ASTM E331, simulating wind-driven rain against the joints and glazing of a stick curtain wall.

Thermal breaks within the aluminum profile reduce condensation risk and improve energy efficiency, which matters given Saudi Arabia’s high summer temperatures.

Every stick curtain wall we manufacture is designed to meet Saudi Building Code requirements for structural, thermal, and water performance.

Coastal projects require extra attention to sealant durability, since salt-laden air can accelerate wear on joints if lower-grade materials are used.

Stick Curtain Wall Design, Engineering and Installation

Designing a stick curtain wall system starts with reviewing architectural drawings alongside the building’s structural loads and movement joints.

Our engineering team selects profile sizes, glazing thickness, and thermal break specifications based on the building’s height, orientation, and climate exposure.

Fabrication takes place at our Jeddah facility, where mullions and transoms are cut and machined to project-specific dimensions before shipping to site.

Installation is carried out by our own technical team, trained to assemble each stick curtain wall according to Saudi Building Code standards.

We also provide shop drawings and material certificates during the design phase, documentation that consultants typically require before approving installation on site.

Have architectural drawings ready? Share your project requirements with Al Samman Aluminum for facade engineering, shop drawings, custom fabrication, and professional installation.

Stick Curtain Wall vs Unitized Curtain Wall System

Contractors often compare a stick curtain wall system with a unitized curtain wall before choosing the right facade solution. Both systems can deliver reliable performance, but they differ in cost, installation method, site labor, quality control, and suitability for different building heights. Understanding these differences helps project teams select the system that matches their schedule, budget, building design, and site conditions.

Comparing stick and unitized curtain walls? Contact Al Samman Aluminum for technical guidance based on your project’s height, construction schedule, site access, and facade specifications.

Stick Curtain Wall System Cost Factors in Saudi Arabia

The cost of a stick curtain wall in Saudi Arabia depends on more than the aluminum frame itself. Material specifications, facade dimensions, building height, and installation conditions can all influence the final project cost.

Key cost factors include:

• Total facade area
• Aluminum profile sizes and quantities
• Glass type and thickness
• Thermal break requirements
• Surface finish and color
• Structural and wind load requirements
• Custom profiles or architectural details
• Engineering and shop drawings
• Testing and compliance requirements
• Installation labor
• Building height and site access
• Transportation and material handling
• 

Stick Curtain Wall System Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps a stick system maintain its appearance, weather resistance, and long-term performance. Building owners should inspect the facade periodically rather than waiting for visible leaks or damaged components to appear.

Maintenance typically includes:

• Inspecting sealants and gaskets for deterioration
• Checking drainage paths and weep holes
• Examining aluminum frames for damage or corrosion
• Inspecting glass for cracks or seal failure
• Checking pressure plates, cover caps, and visible fasteners
• Cleaning glass and aluminum surfaces
• Investigating signs of water infiltration
• Replacing damaged glazing or deteriorated seals when requir
•   Explore more: Structural Glazing vs Curtain Wall: Key Differences & Uses

Stick Curtain Wall System Cost Factors in Saudi Arabia

The cost of a stick curtain wall in Saudi Arabia depends on more than the aluminum frame itself. Material specifications, facade dimensions, building height, and installation conditions can all influence the final project cost.

Key cost factors include:

• Total facade area
• Aluminum profile sizes and quantities
• Glass type and thickness
• Thermal break requirements
• Surface finish and color
• Structural and wind load requirements
• Custom profiles or architectural details
• Engineering and shop drawings
• Testing and compliance requirements
• Installation labor
• Building height and site access
• Transportation and material handling

Stick Curtain Wall System Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps a stick system maintain its appearance, weather resistance, and long-term performance. Building owners should inspect the facade periodically rather than waiting for visible leaks or damaged components to appear.

Maintenance typically includes:

• Inspecting sealants and gaskets for deterioration
• Checking drainage paths and weep holes
• Examining aluminum frames for damage or corrosion
• Inspecting glass for cracks or seal failure
• Checking pressure plates, cover caps, and visible fasteners
• Cleaning glass and aluminum surfaces
• Investigating signs of water infiltration
• Replacing damaged glazing or deteriorated seals when requir

Al Samman Aluminum Factory for Stick Curtain Wall Systems

Al Samman Aluminum has fabricated stick curtain wall components in Saudi Arabia since 1973, building the factory experience behind every project we deliver.

Our Jeddah facility machines mullions, transoms, and pressure plates in-house, keeping tolerances tight for every stick curtain wall we produce.

Because design, fabrication, and installation happen under one company, contractors get a single accountable partner rather than coordinating separate vendors.

Every stick curtain wall we manufacture carries a comprehensive two-year warranty covering materials and workmanship.

Our team also supports facility staff after handover, answering questions about maintenance schedules and sourcing replacement components when needed.

Stick Curtain Wall Solutions for Contractors and Developers

Contractors and developers planning a stick curtain wall system can rely on our engineering team from early design through final installation.

We assess structural loads, glazing requirements, and climate exposure before recommending profile sizes and thermal specifications for the project.

Custom finishes and panel dimensions are also available where a standard stick curtain wall does not match the architectural brief.

Whatever the project scope, our factory can manufacture, engineer, and install a stick-built curtain wall built for the Saudi climate.

We also assist with phased deliveries on larger developments, coordinating component batches so materials reach the site in step with the construction schedule.

Choose the Right Stick Curtain Wall

Planning a commercial or high-rise facade in Saudi Arabia? Contact Al Samman Aluminum for expert engineering, custom manufacturing, and professional installation tailored to your project requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stick-built curtain wall?

It is a facade system assembled on site from separate aluminum components, including mullions, transoms, and glazing, rather than shipped as prefabricated panels.

Is a stick curtain wall cheaper than unitized systems?

Yes, a stick curtain wall generally costs less upfront, though it requires more labor and time to assemble on site.

What components make up a stick-built curtain wall ?

Core components include mullions, transoms, pressure plates, cover caps, gaskets, structural sealant, and thermal breaks within the aluminum profile.

Does Al Samman Aluminum manufacture stick curtain wall in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. We have manufactured stick system since 1973 from our Jeddah facility, serving projects across the Kingdom.

Are stick-built curtain wall suitable for high-rise buildings?

They can be used on taller buildings, though unitized systems are often preferred above a certain height due to installation speed and safety.

What warranty applies to a stick-built curtain wall from Al Samman Aluminum?

Every stick system we manufacture includes a comprehensive two-year warranty on materials and workmanship.