Curtain Wall Glass Installation in Orlando, FL
Aluminate Glass designs and installs high-performance curtain wall systems for commercial buildings throughout Orlando and Central Florida. With over 30 years of glazing experience, our team delivers precision curtain wall installation on projects ranging from mid-rise office buildings to mixed-use developments — on schedule, on budget, and built to Florida's demanding code requirements. We work directly with general contractors, architects, and developers to ensure seamless coordination from design through final inspection.
What Is a Curtain Wall System?
A curtain wall is a non-structural exterior glass and aluminum facade that is attached to the building's structural frame. Unlike traditional load-bearing walls, curtain walls carry only their own weight — the building structure supports the floors and roof. This allows for expansive glass facades that flood interiors with natural light, create striking architectural appearances, and significantly improve a building's energy performance.
Curtain walls are distinct from storefront glass systems, which are designed for ground-level, single-story applications. Curtain walls are engineered for multi-story buildings and must handle greater wind loads, thermal movement, water infiltration, and structural complexity. If you need glass for a retail storefront or single-story commercial entrance, see our Storefront Glass page.
Curtain Wall Systems We Install
Stick-Built Curtain Walls
Assembled on-site piece by piece — aluminum mullions are installed first, then glass panels are set into place. Ideal for complex building shapes, smaller commercial projects, and renovations where flexibility is needed.
Unitized Curtain Walls
Pre-assembled in a controlled shop environment and delivered to the job site as complete units. Faster installation and higher quality control. Best suited for large-scale commercial projects and high-rise buildings where speed and consistency are priorities.
Structural Glazing
Glass is bonded directly to the frame using structural silicone sealant, creating a flush exterior appearance with no visible caps or pressure plates. The most seamless, modern look available for commercial facades.
Glass Options for Curtain Walls
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Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) — Double or triple pane for maximum energy efficiency
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Low-E Coated Glass — Reflects heat while allowing natural light, reducing HVAC costs year-round
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Tinted & Reflective Glass — Solar control and architectural variety
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Laminated Glass — Enhanced security, impact resistance, and sound insulation
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Hurricane Impact Glass — Miami-Dade and Florida Building Code compliant for storm protection
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Spandrel Glass — Opaque glass to conceal floor lines, columns, and mechanical systems for a clean facade appearance
What Affects the Cost of Curtain Wall Installation?
Curtain wall projects are among the most technically complex in commercial glazing. Cost is driven by:
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Building size and facade area — Total square footage of glass is the primary factor
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System type — Unitized systems have higher fabrication costs but lower installation labor; stick-built is the reverse
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Glass specification — Standard IGUs vs. high-performance low-E, impact-rated, or specialty glass significantly affect material pricing
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Building height and access — Higher floors require scaffolding or swing stage equipment, adding to labor costs
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Complexity of the building geometry — Curved facades, angled sections, or irregular mullion layouts increase engineering and fabrication requirements
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Florida wind-load zone — Central Florida's wind exposure category affects glass thickness and framing engineering requirements
We provide detailed project proposals with full material and labor specifications. Contact us early in the design phase — working with us during design development allows us to value-engineer systems and avoid costly changes during construction.
Why Curtain Walls Matter for Your Building
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Energy Efficiency — Modern curtain wall systems dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs with insulated, low-E glass
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Weather Protection — Engineered to handle Florida's rain, wind, and hurricane conditions
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Natural Daylight — Maximizes interior light, reducing electricity costs and improving occupant comfort and productivity
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Architectural Impact — A glass curtain wall facade is a statement that elevates your building's market value and tenant appeal
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Code Compliance — All systems designed and installed to meet Florida Building Code and local wind-load requirements
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Craftsmanship Warranty — All Aluminate Glass installations are backed by our workmanship warranty
Project Types
- Office buildings and corporate campuses
- Mixed-use developments
- Hotels and resorts
- Medical facilities and hospitals
- Educational institutions
- Retail centers
- Government and municipal buildings
Central Florida Service Area
We install curtain wall systems across Orlando, Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Lake County, and throughout the Central Florida region. We coordinate directly with general contractors, architects, and developers and can be brought in at any phase of a project.
Frequently Asked Questions — Curtain Wall Systems
What is the difference between a curtain wall and a storefront glass system? Storefront glass systems are designed for ground-level, single-story commercial applications — retail shops, restaurants, and office building entrances. Curtain wall systems are engineered for multi-story buildings and must handle significantly greater wind loads, thermal movement, and weather exposure. They require more complex engineering, permitting, and installation than storefront systems. Aluminate Glass installs both — contact us and we'll recommend the right system for your project.
What is the difference between stick-built and unitized curtain walls? Stick-built curtain walls are assembled on-site piece by piece, which offers more flexibility for complex or irregular building shapes but takes longer to install. Unitized curtain walls are pre-assembled as complete panels in a factory setting and lifted into place — faster to install and with higher quality control, making them better suited for large-scale or high-rise projects.
Do curtain wall systems meet Florida hurricane codes? Yes — when specified and installed correctly. Florida has some of the most stringent wind-load and impact requirements in the country. All of our curtain wall systems are engineered to meet the Florida Building Code, including the applicable wind speed and exposure requirements for your specific building location and height. We can also specify Miami-Dade approved impact glass where required.
How long does curtain wall installation take? Project timelines vary significantly based on building size, system complexity, and access requirements. A small commercial project may take a few weeks; a large multi-story installation may take several months. We work within your construction schedule and coordinate closely with your general contractor.
When in the project should I contact Aluminate Glass? The earlier, the better. Engaging us during the design development or construction documents phase allows us to provide value engineering input — helping you select the most cost-effective system that meets your performance and aesthetic goals. Last-minute glass contractor selection often results in higher costs and schedule pressure.
Do you work directly with architects and general contractors? Yes — this is a core part of our business. We have extensive experience working within the construction chain, providing shop drawings, coordinating with structural engineers, and meeting construction schedules. Contact us to discuss your project.
Planning a commercial project that needs curtain wall glazing?
Call (407) 956-5313 to discuss your project. We provide detailed proposals, work directly with your design and construction team, and deliver within your construction timeline.
