Cambridge · Cambridgeshire
Curtain Walling in Cambridge
Is water getting in around an older glazed facade in Cambridge? We can inspect gaskets, seals and drainage paths and quote for the repairs or replacement needed.
- CB2
- CB4
- CB1
- Guide from £455 per m²
Aluminium curtain wall in Cambridge: what to know
Where a glazed screen must resist fire, the glass only performs as part of a fire-resistant system tested with its frame, seals, beads and fixings. Ratings use letters such as E for integrity and EI for integrity and insulation, and components must not be swapped without test evidence.
Under the energy rules for new work in England, curtain walling performance is assessed for the whole system, including frames and opaque infill panels, not just the glass. Solar gain through the glass is also considered, so the glass choice balances heat loss, overheating and daylight.
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.
The Centre for Window and Cladding Technology publishes the Standard for systemised building envelopes, the recognised UK industry standard for specifying, testing and assessing curtain walling. It draws in BS EN 13830 and the relevant building regulations, and is often referenced in commercial specifications.
What you get
- Sealing, weathering and drainage details at all interfaces
- System selection and glass specification for the building
- Final inspection, clean and maintenance guidance
- Survey of openings, supporting structure and access
About Cambridge for this job
- Postcodes covered
- CB2, CB4, CB1 and the surrounding area, including St Ives (Cambridgeshire), Newmarket and Ely
- Coast
- Cambridge is well inland, around 66 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Cambridge the midwinter sun reaches about 14° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.5 hours of daylight, rising to about 61° and 16.5 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
- City-centre facades often need crane or hoist bookings, pavement or road licences, out-of-hours deliveries and close coordination with other trades. Tight sites need careful sequencing, and unitised panels can reduce the amount of work at height.
- Rules in England
- Approved Document K requires safety glass in critical locations in England: glazing in doors and in side panels within 300 mm of a door, up to 1500 mm above floor level, and any glazing in walls or partitions up to 800 mm above floor level.
Guide prices in Cambridge
| 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
Replacing windows and doors with similar ones is usually permitted development for houses in England. Flats, listed buildings and homes in conservation areas or covered by an Article 4 direction can need permission, so check with the council first.
Specification choices
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.
Integrated opening vents
Top-hung or parallel-opening vents built into the curtain wall grid to provide natural ventilation without breaking the facade line.
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 Cambridge: questions
Can a single broken glass unit in a curtain wall be replaced?
Usually, yes. In capped systems the cap and pressure plate are removed to release the glass, and a new unit is fitted and resealed. Structurally bonded glass needs the new unit bonding to its carrier, which takes more preparation. Height and access drive much of the work, so we survey the unit and access before quoting.
What glass is used in curtain walling?
Curtain walling normally uses sealed double or triple glazed units, with toughened or laminated panes chosen for safety, security and wind load. Coatings control heat loss and solar gain, and heat-soaked toughened glass is often specified for upper levels. Where fire resistance is needed, a tested fire-resistant glazing system is used instead of standard glass.
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.
How should curtain walling be maintained?
Curtain walling should be cleaned regularly and inspected at planned intervals. Check that drainage outlets are clear, gaskets have not shrunk or slipped, sealant joints are intact and fixings show no corrosion. Address misted or cracked units early. A simple maintenance schedule kept with the building records helps facilities teams spot problems before they become leaks.
Do you cover Cambridge for curtain walling?
Yes. We can quote for curtain walling across Cambridge and the surrounding Cambridgeshire area, including postcode districts CB2, CB4 and CB1, and nearby St Ives (Cambridgeshire), Newmarket and Ely. 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 Cambridge
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.