For commercial projects, the use of aluminum and glass is a viable option because of how professional and elegant it looks to the customer’s eye. There are a couple of options that architects recommend: storefronts and curtainwalls.
Although the two are very similar in terms of appearance, it’s necessary to know the differences between the two, since budgets, installation spaces, and styles can differ. Right now, we are going to cover what the differences are between each one.
Key Differences: Storefront and Curtainwall
| Feature | Aluminum Storefronts | Curtainwalls |
| Primary Use | Retail/commercial entrances (ground level) | High-rise buildings, large commercial facades |
| Structural Role | Non-load-bearing, mainly for façade coverage | Non-load-bearing, but structural support is integrated |
| Glass Area | Smaller glass panels (modular) | Large glass expanses, often spanning multiple floors |
| Framing | Narrow, simple aluminum frames | Larger, heavier framing, sometimes steel or aluminum |
| Insulation | Moderate, generally less efficient than curtainwalls | Higher energy efficiency, designed for thermal insulation |
| Installation | Simpler, more flexible design | More complex and expensive installation |
| Aesthetic | Modern, clean look, often with visible frames | Sleek, expansive glass façades, often continuous glass |
Cost
| Typically less expensive than curtainwalls | More expensive due to complexity, materials, and design
|
Storefront vs Curtainwall: What Is Each For?
As we mentioned, besides being ideal for your business, the nature of each one and the construction is very similar, since they are a combination of aluminum and glass.
But the differences are very marked depending on the project. First, let’s know what each one is:
What is a Storefront and for Which Applications?
A storefront is an aluminum and glass façade system used primarily on the first floor of buildings to provide a functional, aesthetically pleasing and efficient architectural solution. These systems are designed to combine durability, performance and aesthetics without compromising energy efficiency.
In most cases, storefronts come in two configurations depending on the glass installed:
- Center-fixed glass: Designed for a classic, balanced look.
- Front-fixed glass: Ideal for a clean, modern design, compatible with annealed or tempered insulating and monolithic glass.
Standard length is 24 feet but companies like PRL Glass can customize lengths thanks to our in-house aluminum extrusion capabilities, adapting to the specific needs of each project.
Some advantages of installing a storefront are as follows:
- Structural strength: Designed to withstand wind loads and seismic conditions.
- Energy efficiency: When combined with high performance or insulating glass (IG), they offer excellent thermal control.
- Impact protection: Resistant to extreme conditions such as hurricanes.
- Versatility: Compatible with various glass options, such as monolithic, tempered and insulating.
- Custom aesthetics: Adaptable designs that complement both traditional and modern styles.
- Durability and performance: High-quality materials ensure long life.
- Resource optimization: Systems designed to minimize air and water infiltration, reducing energy costs.
What is a Curtainwall and Where is It Used?
Curtainwalls are designed for low and medium-rise buildings, and are not load-bearing structures, but lightweight façades that are attached to the main structure of the building. They are composed of aluminum and glass frames and are designed to resist wind forces and water infiltration, as well as provide thermal and acoustic insulation.
There are several types of curtainwalls. For example, at PRL we offer 3 complete systems and produce in-house, cut-to-size frames, formed aluminum infills and steel reinforcements. Each curtain wall package includes your choice of glass type and all mounting components, ready to install:
- Pressure glazed systems
- Structural silicone glazed systems
Regardless of the system, curtainwalls will accept various types of glass, depending on the project requirements:
- Tempered glass
- Low-E glass
- Insulating glass (IG) units
Continuing along these lines, curtainwalls have some important advantages for businesses:
- Functional flexibility: Curtainwalls allow the integration of elements such as operable windows, shading devices and ventilation systems, enhancing the functionality of the building.
- Added value: Incorporating a curtainwall increases the attractiveness and value of the building in the real estate market.
- Energy efficiency: High-quality systems improve energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting and controlling solar heat.
- Aesthetic appeal: They offer a modern and elegant appearance, enhancing the architectural image.
- Protection: They act as a barrier against adverse weather conditions and wear and tear.
- Customization: They can be customized in size, shape and design to meet specific requirements.
So, Which Option Is Ideal For Me?
Storefronts and curtainwalls are two very similar options in terms of construction, featuring the highest quality aluminum and glass.
But, the main difference, as we saw, is the design features and their main uses.
The storefront is an ideal solution for commercial and/or residential use, both exterior and interior. It’s a wall and entrance door that allows full visibility, but it is not as large as a curtainwall.
👉 See some examples and the presentation of PRL Glass System’s storefront system.
In the case of curtainwalls, they are solutions designed for low or medium height buildings to achieve a new style and a lot of visibility. A good example are car dealerships.
👉 See some examples and the presentation of PRL Glass System’s curtainwall system.
PRL, the Best Supplier of Curtainwall and Storefronts
The choice between aluminum façades and curtain walls depends on the specific needs of the building, including design, functionality and budget. Both are commonly used for the exterior façades of commercial buildings, but they have different purposes and characteristics.
Storefront
These are mainly used for commercial and retail entrances, such as shop windows, lobbies and shop fronts. They are often used for ground-level applications, such as shop fronts or the first floors of a building.
PRL manufactures a combination of frames and glass panels, with narrow horizontal and vertical aluminum frames. They are lightweight but durable, designed to support moderate structural loads and don’t need a deep structure behind them.
✅ PRL’s newly designed modern aluminum storefronts come with thermal breaks in the frame to improve energy efficiency.
Aluminum storefronts are generally non-load-bearing, easy to install and flexible, and require little maintenance.
Curtainwalls
Curtainwalls are mainly used in skyscrapers and large commercial buildings as an outer shell or façade. They cover entire building façades or several floors and act as a climate barrier. They’re designed to withstand wind, rain and other external elements.
For PRL’s load-bearing curtainwalls, we use 3 different curtainwall systems. These are non-structural cladding systems attached to the building structure, with a more substantial frame and larger glass panels.
These curtainwalls are designed to span several floors and are load-bearing in the sense that they are attached to the building structure, but the walls themselves do not support significant vertical loads. All PRL curtainwalls are constructed with advanced insulating glass units (IGU’s), which provide better thermal performance compared to storefront systems and offer better weatherproofing.
