Coleraine · County Londonderry
Curtain Walling in Coleraine
From capped systems to structural silicone glazing, we can quote for curtain walling in Coleraine that balances daylight, solar gain and thermal performance.
- BT52
- BT55
- Guide from £455 per m²
Commercial glazed screens for homes and businesses in Coleraine
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.
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.
The look of the facade depends on how the glass is held. Capped systems clamp the glass with pressure plates hidden behind a visible cover cap, while structural silicone glazing bonds the glass to carrier frames so the outside reads as a smooth, almost frameless surface.
The price depends on the facade area, the system type, glass specification such as solar control or triple glazing, infill panels, opening vents, building height and access equipment, and design and testing requirements. Replacement units also depend on how the glass is retained. See the guide prices for typical ranges.
What a typical job includes
- Supply and installation of framing, glass and panels
- Final inspection, clean and maintenance guidance
- Fabrication drawings and coordination with other trades
- Survey of openings, supporting structure and access
Local details for Coleraine
- Postcodes covered
- BT52, BT55 and the surrounding area, including Portstewart, Ballymoney and Limavady
- Coast
- Coleraine sits roughly 6 km from the nearest coastline, close enough that exposure on open or high ground is worth considering. 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 Coleraine the midwinter sun reaches about 11° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 6.9 hours of daylight, rising to about 58° and 17.1 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 Northern Ireland
- Technical Booklet V covers safety glazing in Northern Ireland, including glass in and around doors and low-level glazing where people could walk into it.
Guide prices in Coleraine
| 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
Technical Booklet F1 sets the energy performance that replacement windows, doors and rooflights need to meet in Northern Ireland.
Options to choose between
Integrated opening vents
Top-hung or parallel-opening vents built into the curtain wall grid to provide natural ventilation without breaking the facade line.
Capped system
Glass clamped by pressure plates behind a visible external cap, available in different profiles and colours to emphasise the grid.
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 Coleraine: questions
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.
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.
What is the difference between curtain walling and windows?
Curtain walling is a continuous framed wall of glass and panels that spans across floors and hangs off the building structure, carrying its own weight and wind loads. Windows sit within individual openings in a masonry or framed wall. Curtain walling suits large glazed areas and multi-storey facades, while windows suit punched openings.
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.
Do you cover Coleraine for curtain walling?
Yes. We can quote for curtain walling across Coleraine and the surrounding County Londonderry area, including postcode districts BT52 and BT55, and nearby Portstewart, Ballymoney and Limavady. 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 Coleraine
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.