Aluminium Curtain Walling
Get in touchAt Sure Shop Fronts, we design, fabricate, and install high-performance aluminium curtain walling systems for commercial buildings, retail complexes, showrooms, and office developments.
Curtain walling is a lightweight, non-load-bearing cladding system used on the exterior of multi-storey structures.
Our curtain walling installations consists of large aluminium-framed panels fitted with glazing or other façade materials, allowing architects and developers to create expansive glass elevations without compromising on performance.
Since aluminium is corrosion-resistant, strong, and adaptable, our curtain walling systems deliver a modern architectural finish while meeting the highest standards for weatherproofing, insulation, and structural reliability.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation or request a quote for aluminium curtain walling.
What Is Aluminium Curtain Walling?
Aluminium curtain walling refers to an external cladding system where aluminium-framed panels, filled with glass or opaque materials, form the exterior skin of a building.
Unlike structural walls, curtain walling transfers its load back to the building’s structural frame, allowing for large uninterrupted glass areas that maximise light and enhance the building's appearance.
At Sure Shop Fronts, we supply both stick systems (assembled on site) and unitised systems (prefabricated off-site), depending on project scale and design requirements.
All installations are fully compliant with UK building regulations and tailored to suit the performance specifications of your development.
What Is the Difference Between Stick and Unitised Aluminium Curtain Walling?
Stick curtain walling is assembled piece by piece on-site, with the aluminium frames, mullions, transoms, and glazing installed directly onto the building.
Our method allows for greater flexibility in design adjustments during installation and is often preferred for low- to mid-rise structures or smaller façades.
Unitised curtain walling involves the prefabrication of large panels off-site in a controlled environment.
These panels are then delivered and installed as complete units, allowing for faster installation and better quality control. Unitised systems are more suitable for high-rise or large-scale projects where speed, safety, and reduced site disruption are key priorities.
Sure Shop Fronts supplies both systems and will recommend the most suitable approach based on your project’s height, access, design complexity, and budget.
Can Aluminium Curtain Walling Be Fire Rated?
Aluminium curtain walling can be specified with fire-rated materials and glazing to meet fire safety regulations.
While aluminium itself is non-combustible, the fire performance of a curtain walling system depends on the glass type, sealants, insulation, and anchoring systems used within the façade.
Fire-rated curtain wall systems can be designed to resist fire for 30, 60, or 120 minutes, depending on the required compartmentation.
We can work with architects, fire engineers, and building control to ensure that your aluminium curtain walling meets all necessary fire safety standards for your building type.
How Does Aluminium Curtain Walling Handle Movement or Expansion?
Aluminium curtain walling systems are engineered to accommodate thermal movement, wind load, building sway, and structural settlement without compromising performance.
This is achieved through the use of expansion joints, gaskets, pressure plates, and flexible anchors that allow the system to absorb natural movement while maintaining weather tightness and structural integrity.
We make aluminium curtain walling ideal for buildings that may experience wind exposure, thermal fluctuations, or minor structural shifts over time.
Is Planning Permission Required for Aluminium Curtain Walling?
Aluminium curtain walling does not require planning permission if it forms part of a permitted commercial development or falls within existing planning parameters.
If the curtain walling significantly alters the building’s façade, height, or appearance, or if the building is located in a conservation area or near listed structures, planning permission may be required.
Sure Shop Fronts works closely with architects and planning consultants and can provide technical drawings, system specifications, and visualisations to assist with the planning process where necessary.
How Is Aluminium Curtain Walling Maintained?
Aluminium curtain walling is low-maintenance and highly durable. The aluminium frames are typically powder-coated or anodised, which protects the surface from corrosion and UV damage.
Regular cleaning with mild detergent and water will keep the façade looking sharp and professional.
Glazing should also be cleaned periodically to maintain transparency and light transmission.
We recommend scheduling annual inspections to check seals, anchors, and drainage paths, particularly on high-rise buildings exposed to wind and rainfall.
Sure Shop Fronts can provide planned maintenance programmes to ensure your façade remains in excellent condition year after year.
Can You Replace an Existing Façade With Aluminium Curtain Walling?
Sure Shop Fronts can carry out façade replacement projects, upgrading older or underperforming exteriors with modern aluminium curtain walling.
This type of refurbishment significantly improves thermal efficiency, weather resistance, visual appeal, and overall building performance.
We handle all stages of the façade replacement process, including site survey, structural assessment, system design, removal of the existing façade, and installation of the new curtain walling system, ensuring minimal disruption to occupants or ongoing operations.
How Does Aluminium Curtain Walling Improve Daylight and Views?
One of the main advantages of aluminium curtain walling is the ability to create large, uninterrupted glazed elevations, which significantly increase natural light penetration and external visibility.
We reduce reliance on artificial lighting and creates a more welcoming, productive indoor environment for occupants.
Narrow aluminium profiles allow for a high glass-to-frame ratio, meaning your building enjoys maximum light transmission without compromising structural performance.
Curtain walling also supports floor-to-ceiling glazing and panoramic views, ideal for office buildings, hotels, and educational campuses.
Can You Integrate Louvres or Ventilation With Aluminium Curtain Walling?
Aluminium curtain walling systems installed by Sure Shop Fronts can be fully integrated with ventilation panels, operable windows, or louvre systems.
These elements support passive ventilation strategies or mechanical HVAC designs, allowing buildings to breathe while maintaining a consistent architectural style.
We offer a range of top-hung vents, side-hung openers, acoustic louvres, and solar shading devices, all compatible with our structural profiles.
Ventilation options can be manual or motorised and controlled via building management systems if required.
Does Curtain Walling Improve Acoustic Performance?
Aluminium curtain walling can be designed to provide excellent acoustic insulation, especially when specified with laminated or acoustic-rated glazing.
In urban or high-noise areas, such as near roads, airports, or industrial zones, enhanced acoustic performance contributes to better indoor comfort and productivity.
Curtain wall systems can be constructed with double or triple-glazed units, insulated spandrel panels, and noise-absorbing materials to meet specific decibel reduction targets.
Sure Shop Fronts works with acoustic consultants to meet the performance standards required for schools, hospitals, hotels, and offices.
Can Aluminium Curtain Walling Be Recycled?
One of the environmental advantages of aluminium curtain walling is that aluminium is 100% recyclable without losing its structural properties.
This makes curtain walling a more sustainable choice, especially when combined with energy-efficient glazing.
The aluminium profiles used in our systems can be reclaimed and reprocessed at the end of their life cycle, supporting low-carbon construction and helping you meet BREEAM, LEED, or other green building certification goals.
At Sure Shop Fronts, we aim to source sustainable materials and promote long-lasting, low-maintenance façade solutions and beyond.
How Much Does Aluminium Curtain Walling Cost?
The cost of aluminium curtain walling ranges from £450 to £650 per square metre.
The cost depends on the height, system type, glazing specification, access complexity, and finish.
Projects involving custom structural glass, solar control coatings, or complex shapes can increase the overall cost to £700–£900+ per m².
Since curtain walling is used for large-scale commercial buildings, each installation is priced on a case-by-case basis following technical surveys and architectural review.
Sure Shop Fronts provides fully itemised quotations, system drawings, and installation timelines so that you can plan your façade investment with confidence.
What Are the Benefits of Aluminium Curtain Walling?
Aluminium curtain walling offers a wide range of practical and architectural benefits for modern developments.
Maximises natural light across large elevations
Offers a sleek, contemporary aesthetic for commercial façades
Lightweight yet structurally robust for mid- to high-rise buildings
Accommodates thermal insulation, acoustic control, and solar protection
Compatible with opening vents, louvres, and integrated doors
Reduces building weight compared to traditional cladding materials
Resistant to corrosion, UV degradation, and weathering
Customisable in any RAL colour with powder-coated finishes
Increases property value and improves energy efficiency ratings
Since aluminium is flexible and durable, curtain walling systems remain one of the most efficient ways to deliver high-impact, high-performance building façades.
Where Is Aluminium Curtain Walling Commonly Used?
Aluminium curtain walling is widely used in office buildings, airports, universities, hotels, leisure centres, hospitals, and retail complexes.
Any building that requires large amounts of external glazing or a seamless glass façade can benefit from a curtain walling system.
Whether it’s a new commercial development or a retrofit of an outdated exterior, curtain walling provides a transformative and long-lasting architectural solution.
What Types of Curtain Walling Systems Do You Offer?
At Sure Shop Fronts, we offer both stick systems and unitised systems to suit different building types and project scopes.
Stick curtain walling is assembled and glazed on-site and is best suited to low- to mid-rise buildings or projects where site access is straightforward.
Unitised curtain walling is pre-assembled in factory conditions and delivered in large panels for rapid installation—ideal for high-rise structures where speed, weather resistance, and safety are critical.
Both systems can accommodate a wide range of glass types, spandrel panels, and finishes to meet your design and performance criteria.
Can Aluminium Curtain Walling Improve Energy Efficiency?
Properly designed and installed aluminium curtain walling contributes significantly to a building’s thermal and energy performance.
We use curtain wall profiles with thermal breaks, combined with double or triple-glazed units, to reduce heat loss and manage solar gain.
Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, argon-filled cavities, and solar control glass can further enhance performance and help achieve better EPC ratings.
Our curtain walling systems meet or exceed current Part L building regulations, making them a smart investment for developers seeking BREEAM credits or energy-efficient credentials.
Is Aluminium Curtain Walling Weatherproof and Durable?
All aluminium curtain walling installed by Sure Shop Fronts is fully weather-sealed and tested to meet the highest standards for wind resistance, air permeability, water tightness, and structural integrity.
Our systems are engineered to withstand harsh UK weather conditions and include internal drainage and pressure equalisation to prevent water ingress.
With corrosion-resistant frames and UV-stable finishes, aluminium curtain walling offers long-term durability with minimal maintenance requirements.
Can You Customise the Appearance of Curtain Walling?
All curtain walling installed by Sure Shop Fronts is fully customisable.
We offer a wide range of RAL powder-coated finishes, anodised aluminium, or dual-colour systems (e.g. different internal and external colours).
Glazing options include clear, tinted, reflective, frosted, or fritted glass, and we can incorporate projecting caps, feature mullions, or brise soleil for added shading and visual interest.
Every project is tailored to suit your building’s identity, usage, and architectural brief.
Do You Work With Architects and Main Contractors?
Sure Shop Fronts works closely with architects, surveyors, developers, and main contractors from initial concept through to completion.
We can provide detailed CAD drawings, structural calculations, installation methodology, and product certification to support your project from design approval to final handover.
Our experienced project managers and installation teams coordinate site logistics, ensure compliance with all UK regulations, and deliver high-performance systems on schedule.
How Long Do Aluminium Curtain Walling Installations Take?
The installation timeline for aluminium curtain walling varies based on building height, access, and system complexity.
Smaller low-rise buildings may be completed in a few weeks, while multi-storey or high-rise installations can span several months with phased progress.
Unitised systems offer faster installation times due to off-site pre-assembly.
Following your site survey and design approval, Sure Shop Fronts will provide a detailed programme outlining each phase of the curtain walling process.
Get a Free Quote for Aluminium Curtain Walling
If you're planning a commercial façade upgrade or new development, we offer expert design, fabrication, and installation of aluminium curtain walling systems built for performance and longevity.
We support you through planning, specification, and delivery, ensuring a visually stunning, structurally sound result that enhances your building’s value and energy efficiency.
Get a free quote for professional aluminium curtain walling installation today.
Other Services We Offer
At Sure Shop Fronts, we offer a wide range of services; some of these include: