Types of Curtain Wall Systems: Choose the Right Solution

Picking from the wrong types of curtain wall can leave a facade struggling against wind, heat, or budget within its first year. Al Samman Aluminum manufactures the main types of curtain wall used across Saudi Arabia, from stick systems to fully unitized panels. Since 1973, our Jeddah factory has supplied contractors and developers with aluminum facade systems built for the Kingdom’s climate. This guide breaks down the curtain wall we manufacture and when each one fits. Understanding these differences up front helps contractors avoid costly changes later, once fabrication or installation is already underway.

   Stick Curtain Wall System for Commercial Projects

Among the types of curtain wall available, stick systems remain the most common choice for mid-rise commercial buildings.

A stick curtain wall is assembled piece by piece on site. Mullions, transoms, and glass panels arrive separately and are fitted together by the installation crew.

This type of curtain wall generally costs less upfront than prefabricated alternatives, which makes it attractive for projects with tighter budgets.

Stick systems also allow more flexibility for irregular building shapes, since components are adjusted during installation rather than fixed at the factory.

Maintenance is also simpler with stick systems in many cases, since individual glass panels or gaskets can be replaced without disturbing neighboring units. This makes long-term upkeep more manageable for building owners.

 Read more : Curtain Wall Glass Types: Common Options Used in Modern Facades

Unitized Curtain Wall System for High-Rise Buildings

Unitized systems are the preferred types of curtain wall for tall towers where site labor and installation speed matter most.

Panels are fabricated, glazed, and quality-checked in our factory, then shipped as complete units ready to hang on the building structure.

This type of curtain wall cuts the amount of assembly work required at height, reducing both safety risk and construction time on high-rise projects.

Al Samman Aluminum produces unitized curtain wall panels for commercial towers, corporate headquarters, and institutional buildings across Saudi Arabia.

Because most of the work happens under controlled factory conditions, weather delays on site have far less impact on the overall schedule compared with a fully stick-built approach.

Structural Glazing Curtain Wall Systems for Modern Facades

Structural glazing is one of the more architecturally striking types of curtain wall, favored for its clean, frameless appearance.

Glass is bonded directly to the aluminum frame using structural silicone, hiding the metal support behind the glazing line.

This type of curtain wall suits modern commercial and institutional buildings where architects want an uninterrupted glass surface from the street or interior view.

Structural glazing requires precise fabrication tolerances, which is why we produce these systems in-house rather than outsourcing the bonding process.

Maintaining the silicone bond over years of thermal expansion and contraction is critical, so quality control during fabrication directly affects how long the facade performs without leaks.

Explore more: Curtain Wall Manufacturer in Saudi Arabia | Engineered to Perform

Semi-Unitized Curtain Wall Systems for Complex Projects

Semi-unitized systems sit between stick and fully unitized types of curtain wall, combining prefabricated components with some on-site assembly.

Frames are partially assembled at the factory, then completed on site. This type of curtain wall balances installation speed against the flexibility needed for complex facades.

Projects with varied floor plates, setbacks, or mixed material finishes often benefit from this middle ground rather than a single rigid system.

Our engineers can recommend semi-unitized systems when a project’s geometry does not fit cleanly into a standard unitized layout.

This approach is common on renovation projects too, where existing structural conditions limit how much can be prefabricated before components reach the site.

Double-Skin Curtain Wall Systems

Double-skin curtain walls use two layers of glazing separated by an intermediate cavity, creating an additional zone between the exterior and interior facade layers. This configuration can improve thermal performance and help manage solar heat gain.

The cavity can be designed to support controlled ventilation and reduce the direct impact of outdoor temperatures on the interior facade. This makes double-skin systems worth considering for buildings where energy performance and occupant comfort are major design priorities.

Double-skin curtain walls require careful engineering because the cavity, ventilation strategy, glazing specification, and drainage details all affect the final performance of the facade.

They can be suitable for commercial offices, high-performance buildings, and projects where architects want to combine distinctive facade design with enhanced environmental control.

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

Spider Curtain Wall Systems

Spider curtain walls use point-fixed glass connections instead of conventional aluminum framing across the visible facade. This creates a highly transparent appearance with minimal visible structural elements.

Spider systems are commonly considered for entrances, atriums, lobby areas, showrooms, and signature architectural facades where transparency and visual openness are important.

Because the glass is supported at specific fixing points, structural calculations, glass specification, connection design, and installation accuracy are particularly important.

The system can provide a distinctive frameless appearance, but it requires careful coordination between the glass, supporting structure, fittings, and surrounding building elements.

How to Choose the Right Curtain Wall System for Your Project

With several types of curtain wall available, the right choice depends on building height, budget, and architectural intent.

Commercial towers generally suit unitized systems, while smaller commercial buildings often do well with stick systems at a lower upfront cost.

Projects wanting a frameless, modern look should consider structural glazing, while complex geometries may call for semi-unitized types of curtain wall.

Climate exposure also matters. Coastal buildings face salt and humidity, so frame and glazing selection should account for this regardless of which curtain wall type is chosen.

Always ask your manufacturer for thermal, air, and water performance data specific to the types of curtain wall being considered for your project.

Budget planning should also account for maintenance costs over the building’s life, since some types of curtain wall are simpler and cheaper to service than others once installed.

Not sure which curtain wall system fits your building? Contact Al Samman Aluminum to discuss your project’s height, design, performance requirements, and budget.

Explore more: Top Aluminium Company in Saudi Arabia: Projects & Prices & Expertise

Curtain Wall System Selection Factors

The best curtain wall system depends on several project-specific factors rather than appearance or initial price alone. Contractors, developers, and architects should evaluate the following before approving a system:

• Building height
• Facade geometry
• Wind loads
• Thermal performance
• Acoustic requirements
• Glass specification
• Installation access
• Construction schedule
• Initial budget
• Long-term maintenance
• Building location
• Architectural appearance

High-rise projects may benefit from unitized systems because of their factory assembly and installation speed, while smaller or more geometrically complex buildings may benefit from stick or semi-unitized systems.

The final specification should be based on engineering requirements, site conditions, and the building’s intended performance.

Stick vs Unitized Curtain Wall: Key Differences

Contractors comparing these two types of curtain wall usually weigh cost against installation speed.

Stick systems cost less to manufacture but take longer to assemble on site, since components are fitted piece by piece by the installation crew.

Unitized systems cost more upfront but are pre-glazed at the factory, cutting site labor significantly, especially on tall buildings where access is limited.

Quality control also differs between these types of curtain wall. Unitized panels are inspected under factory conditions, while stick systems depend more heavily on site workmanship.

Neither type is universally better. The right choice depends on the project’s height, schedule, and budget constraints.

Some large developments actually combine both, using unitized panels for the tower’s main elevations and stick systems for lower podium levels where access is easier.

Need help choosing between stick and unitized curtain wall? Speak with Al Samman Aluminum about installation speed, project scale, site conditions, and long-term performance.

Curtain Wall Systems Comparison

This comparison gives project teams a quick way to understand how the major types of wall differ before moving into detailed engineering and specification.

Curtain Wall Manufacturing and Installation in Saudi Arabia

Whichever types of curtain wall your project needs, manufacturing quality determines how the facade performs over time.

Our process starts with design and engineering review, followed by material selection, in-house fabrication, and quality checks before any panel ships from our Jeddah facility.

Installation is carried out by our own technical team, trained to Saudi Building Code standards, keeping design and execution under one accountable company.

Typical timelines for design, manufacturing, and installation of common types of curtain wall run 10 to 15 days, depending on project size.

Documentation matters too. We provide shop drawings and material certificates for each project, which consultants and contractors need for final approval before installation begins.

Have project drawings or specifications ready? Contact Al Samman Aluminum for engineering support, custom manufacturing, shop drawings, and professional curtain wall installation.

Curtain Wall Maintenance and Service Requirements

Different types of wall can have different maintenance requirements. Building owners should consider access, glass replacement, sealant inspection, drainage, gaskets, and facade cleaning before selecting a system.

Regular inspection can help identify water infiltration, damaged seals, loose components, glass damage, and other issues before they develop into larger facade problems.

For high-rise buildings, maintenance access should be considered during the original design. Cleaning systems and access arrangements can be much more difficult to introduce after the facade has already been installed.

Al Samman Aluminum Factory for Curtain Wall Systems

Al Samman Aluminum has manufactured facade systems in Saudi Arabia since 1973, building the factory capacity behind every project we deliver.

We produce all major types of curtain wall in-house, including stick, unitized, structural glazing, semi-unitized, double-skin, and spider systems.

Our Jeddah facility keeps fabrication tolerances tight and gives contractors direct visibility into production timelines, rather than relying on imported components.

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

We also stay involved after handover, supporting facility teams with maintenance guidance and replacement parts for any of the types of curtain wall we have installed.

Curtain Wall Solutions for Contractors and Developers

Contractors and developers evaluating types of curtain wall for a new project can rely on our engineering team from concept through installation.

We assess load requirements, glazing needs, and budget before recommending a system, rather than pushing a single product line on every job.

Custom profiles, finishes, and panel sizes are also available for developers whose architectural vision does not fit a standard catalog system.

Sample panels can be produced for approval before full production begins, letting contractors and developers confirm color, glazing, and finish across the different types of curtain wall under consideration.

Whatever combination of curtain wall types your project calls for, our factory can manufacture, engineer, and install it under one roof.

We also work directly with architects during early design, offering input on which types of curtain wall will meet both the aesthetic brief and the project budget before drawings are finalized.

Start Your Curtain Wall Project in Saudi Arabia

Planning a curtain wall project in Saudi Arabia? Contact Al Samman Aluminum for expert system selection, in-house manufacturing, engineering, and professional installation tailored to your project’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of curtain wall systems available?

The main types are stick, unitized, structural glazing, semi-unitized, double-skin, and spider curtain wall systems, each suited to different building types.

Which type of curtain wall is best for high-rise buildings?

Unitized systems are generally preferred for high-rise buildings because panels are pre-glazed at the factory, reducing site labor and installation time.

Is stick curtain wall cheaper than unitized systems?

Yes, stick systems typically cost less upfront, though they require more time and labor to assemble on site.

Can Al Samman Aluminum manufacture custom curtain wall types?

Yes. We fabricate custom aluminum profiles, glazing, and finishes to match specific architectural drawings and project requirements.

Do your curtain wall systems meet Saudi Building Code requirements?

Yes. All types of curtain wall we manufacture comply with Saudi Building Code standards for structural and climate performance.

What warranty comes with your curtain wall systems?