Complete guide to curtain wall wind analysis, commercial facade systems, and Florida Building Code compliance for architectural glazing projects in Palm Beach County.
Side-by-side specifications for FBC-compliant curtain wall systems in Palm Beach County.
Field assembled
Frameless look
Factory assembled
Curtain walls in Palm Beach County must be designed for wind speeds of 150-180 mph depending on location. Design pressures range from +/-50 PSF for low-rise buildings to over +/-100 PSF for high-rise applications. Corner zones require higher pressure ratings than field areas by 50% or more.
Three main systems are used: stick-built curtain walls assembled on-site from aluminum mullions and glass panels, structural silicone glazing (SSG) with glass bonded to frames for a frameless appearance, and unitized systems pre-assembled in controlled factory environments.
In the Wind-Borne Debris Region, all curtain wall glazing must be impact-rated per ASTM E1996 or protected by approved hurricane shutters. This applies to both the glass and the complete framing system, which must pass large missile impact and cyclic pressure testing together.
Stick-built curtain walls cost $85-140 per square foot installed. Structural silicone systems range $110-180/SF. Unitized systems cost $150-250/SF. Complete curtain wall packages for commercial buildings typically range from $500,000 to several million dollars depending on size.
PE-stamped wind load calculations specific to your Palm Beach County commercial project including zone-by-zone pressure requirements.
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