Glass Curtains - Are They Curtains, Windows Or Doors?
Most damage to curtain walls occurs at the lowest 5 feet of the walls on each floor of the building. This is where the workers and equipment will be in the closest contact to the walls. The best protection provides a "wall" in front of the glass wall itself. This protection wall can be constructed of wood or plastic. While wood is the strongest wall protection available, it is also expensive and time-consuming to erect. Corrugated plastic sheets in 4 ft by 8 ft sections can be taped together in front of the curtain wall providing a light weight and easily constructed wall. Unlike wood, plastic can be cleaned to remove dust and dirt as needed. Since there is no electricity for lights during early construction, protection walls constructed of white or clear plastic allow natural light to enter the building.
As the demand for curtain walls continues to increase, the need to protect these walls during construction will prove a challenge. Forward-thinking Cortinas de Cristal en Santiago and building owners are taking the next step with wall systems by moving from energy conservation to energy generation. These newer walls with photovoltaic modules will be even more expensive and harder to repair or replace. With proper foresight and the use of temporary curtain wall protection, the smart contractor will not have to worry about damage to his or her curtain wall systems getting damaged.
A popular interior show piece is becoming the retractable glass room divider. It offers clear glass views when closed but can also be fully retractable which offers unique practicality. For many years the market has been flooded with wooden room dividers, originating in the Far East where they are commonly used. The Frameless Glass Door is a modern version of this historically popular room show piece.
Now in the 21st century many of home owners have conservatories which are a common reason for purchasing glass walls or room dividers. They can offer better thermal insulation for home owners but also help to create rooms and enhance privacy. Being fully retractable allows the user to have full control over their household. Similar to bi-folding doors and folding sliding doors they can be fully opened and closed at the users will.
The glass alternative to wooden room dividers offers the same insulation properties (often better) but gives the added feature of allowing clear views.
The single glazed being made from toughened 10mm glass which allows it to be used for all internal purposes. The double glazed frameless glass door however, which is set to be released in April 2010 will be able to be applied to all external as well as internal applications. It will offer the same usability as a bi-folding aluminium or UPVC door but will be completely frameless. U-values may also even be lowered which will help insulation due to the fact that glass has better insulation properties to that of aluminium.
Sunseekerdoors currently manufactures Glass Room Dividers. Formally known as the glass curtain this new product is now known as the Frameless Glass Door. Set to take over the market of room dividers this innovative new product comes in a single glazed and double glazed version.
A double glazed frameless glass door has been sought after for decades in the door industry but without success. This product is finally set to be released in the UK and will be one of the only Countries worldwide to have the opportunity to purchase such a new and innovative product. In years to come it may even become an industry standard and many households will own a fully retractable frameless glass doors system.