Complete comparison of curtain wall systems for Palm Beach County commercial projects. Wind load performance, cost analysis, installation timelines, and Florida Building Code compliance.
Field-assembled from individual components
Factory pre-assembled panel modules
Detailed specification comparison for Palm Beach County curtain wall projects.
Stick-built curtain walls are assembled on-site from individual aluminum mullions, transoms, and glass panels. This traditional approach offers maximum flexibility for complex building shapes and allows field adjustments to accommodate construction tolerances. In Palm Beach County, stick-built systems remain popular for low-rise commercial buildings and renovation projects.
Stick-built systems are ideal when project conditions favor field flexibility over factory precision. They excel in renovation projects where existing conditions vary, complex building geometries that require custom fitting, and projects where shorter lead time is critical. The lower material cost makes them economical for smaller projects.
Stick-built systems can be engineered for Palm Beach hurricane loads, but achieving high wind ratings requires larger mullion depths and reinforced corners. Typical stick systems achieve +/-60 to +/-75 PSF, with +/-90 PSF possible using enhanced profiles. Field assembly quality significantly impacts performance.
Unitized curtain walls consist of factory-assembled panel modules that arrive on site complete with glass, gaskets, and weathersealing. Panels interlock at their edges to form the continuous facade. This approach dominates high-rise construction in Palm Beach County, where quality control and installation speed are paramount.
Unitized systems excel when consistent quality and fast field installation justify the higher material cost and longer lead time. They are the standard choice for high-rise buildings where scaffold-based stick assembly would be impractical, and for repetitive facades where standardized panels maximize efficiency.
Factory assembly allows unitized systems to achieve higher wind ratings more consistently. Standard unitized systems achieve +/-90 to +/-110 PSF, with +/-120 PSF or higher available for high-rise corners. Factory-applied gaskets and sealants provide superior water resistance under pressure.
Key factors to consider when selecting between stick-built and unitized curtain wall systems.
Stick-built curtain walls are assembled piece-by-piece on the construction site from individual aluminum mullions and glass panels. Unitized curtain walls are pre-assembled in a factory as complete panels that are then installed on the building. Stick-built offers more flexibility and lower material cost, while unitized provides better quality control, faster installation, and higher wind performance.
Both systems can be engineered for Palm Beach hurricane conditions when properly designed and installed. Unitized systems often achieve higher wind pressure ratings (+/-100 PSF or more) due to factory quality control and integrated gasket systems. Stick-built systems typically achieve +/-75 PSF but can be engineered for higher pressures with enhanced profiles. The best choice depends on building height, budget, and schedule.
Stick-built curtain walls cost $85-140 per square foot installed, while unitized systems cost $150-250/SF. However, unitized systems install 2-3 times faster, potentially reducing overall project costs through labor savings and faster building enclosure. For projects under 50,000 SF, stick-built is typically more economical. Above 100,000 SF, unitized often becomes cost-competitive when considering total project impact.
Yes, both stick-built and unitized curtain wall systems can achieve impact ratings per ASTM E1996 for Palm Beach County's Wind-Borne Debris Region. Impact-rated laminated glass and enhanced framing are available for both systems. Unitized systems may have advantages in maintaining impact performance due to their integrated design, factory-controlled gasket installation, and more consistent quality control during assembly.
PE-stamped wind load calculations and system selection guidance specific to your Palm Beach County project requirements.
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