Arbroath · Angus & Dundee
Curtain Walling in Arbroath
We cover Arbroath and Angus & Dundee for curtain walling and glazed screens, from new commercial facades to replacing failed glass units in existing buildings.
- DD11
- Guide from £455 per m²
Glazed facade systems for homes and businesses in Arbroath
Curtain walling needs planned upkeep. Clean frames and glass regularly, keep drainage outlets clear, and inspect gaskets, seals and fixings for shrinkage, gaps or corrosion. Failed or misted sealed units can usually be replaced individually without removing the surrounding framing.
Building regulations require external walls to limit the spread of fire, so curtain walling design has to consider how its materials react to fire and how fire could pass between floors. The requirements depend on the building's height and use, and differ between the UK nations.
Toughened glass can very occasionally break on its own because of nickel sulphide inclusions. Heat soak testing to BS EN 14179 reduces that risk by breaking flawed panes in the factory, and it is often specified for toughened glass high on facades where a breakage is harder to deal with.
Wind load on a facade rises with height, exposure and building shape, and it decides the mullion size, bracket design and glass thickness. Calculations for the specific site are part of the design, so a system suited to a sheltered ground-floor screen may not suit an exposed upper storey.
Included as standard
- System selection and glass specification for the building
- Fabrication drawings and coordination with other trades
- Sealing, weathering and drainage details at all interfaces
- Final inspection, clean and maintenance guidance
Local details for Arbroath
- Postcodes covered
- DD11 and the surrounding area, including Carnoustie, Montrose and Forfar
- Coast
- Arbroath is about 1 km from the coast or a tidal estuary, so salt air and wind-driven rain are worth planning for. Facades near the sea face salt-laden wind and driving rain, which attack frame finishes and stress seals. Suitable coating specifications, regular washing, gasket checks and higher design wind loads for exposed sites all matter for curtain walling there.
- Daylight and sun
- In Arbroath the midwinter sun reaches about 10° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 6.5 hours of daylight, rising to about 57° and 17.5 hours in midsummer. Large glazed facades bring in plenty of daylight but also solar gain and glare, especially on south and west elevations. Solar control glass, shading and blinds are balanced against light transmission so interiors stay bright without overheating.
- Access and setting
- Commercial buildings on open rural or upland sites can face high wind exposure and driving rain, which affect frame sizes, glass thickness and sealing details. Longer delivery routes for large glass units also need planning in advance.
- Rules in Scotland
- Section 4 (Safety) of the Scottish Technical Handbooks covers glazing that people could collide with, such as glass in and beside doors and low-level glazing, where safety glass is needed.
Guide prices in Arbroath
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Curtain walling, per m² (stick system) | £455 – £795 |
| Curtain walling, per m² (unitised) | £545 – £955 |
Get a guide price for your size
Section 6 (Energy) of the Scottish Technical Handbooks sets the thermal performance that replacement windows, doors and rooflights should achieve.
Options to choose between
Stick curtain wall
Mullions and transoms assembled on site with glass and panels fitted afterwards, suited to low-rise buildings, entrances and ground-floor screens.
Unitised curtain wall
Factory-assembled, pre-glazed storey-height panels lifted into place, reducing site joints and work at height on taller or tight sites.
Opaque spandrel panels
Insulated or back-painted glass panels that hide floor slabs, ceiling voids and services while keeping the facade's appearance consistent.
Curtain Walling in Arbroath: questions
How does curtain walling keep water out?
Curtain walling uses outer gaskets and seals to shed most rain, with drainage routes inside the framing that collect any water getting past them and lead it back outside. Inner seals then provide the air seal. Keeping drainage outlets clear and gaskets in good condition is essential, because blocked drains or shrunk seals can let water into the building.
How long does a curtain walling project take?
Timescales depend on size and complexity. Design, approvals and fabrication of framing and glass usually take several weeks to a few months before installation starts. Installation then depends on the facade area, access and sequencing with other trades. Replacing individual units is much quicker once the glass is made. Your written quote sets out the expected programme.
What affects the cost of curtain walling?
The main cost drivers are facade area, system type, glass specification, infill panels, opening vents, building height and access equipment such as scaffolding, hoists or cranes. Structural silicone glazing, unitised panels, fire-resisting sections and testing requirements add cost. See the guide prices for typical ranges, and your written quote fixes the price for the specification.
Should I choose a stick or unitised curtain wall?
A stick system is assembled on site and generally suits low-rise buildings, entrances and smaller screens, with simpler logistics. A unitised system uses factory-made panels lifted into place, which reduces site joints and work at height but needs cranage and longer planning. The building's height, access and programme usually decide which is the right fit.
Do you cover Arbroath for curtain walling?
Yes. We can quote for curtain walling across Arbroath and the surrounding Angus & Dundee area, including postcode districts DD11, and nearby Carnoustie, Montrose and Forfar. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Arbroath
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.