Exeter · Devon
Curtain Walling in Exeter
Our glaziers install aluminium curtain walling and full-height glazed screens in Exeter, coordinating with other trades and sealing every interface with the structure.
- EX1
- EX2
- EX3
- EX4
- Guide from £455 per m²
Glazed facade systems across Exeter
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.
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.
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.
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.
Included as standard
- Supply and installation of framing, glass and panels
- System selection and glass specification for the building
- Final inspection, clean and maintenance guidance
- Fabrication drawings and coordination with other trades
Working in Exeter
- Postcodes covered
- EX1, EX2, EX3, EX4 and the surrounding area, including Exmouth, Tiverton and Newton Abbot
- Coast
- Exeter is about 6 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 Exeter the midwinter sun reaches about 16° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.7 hours of daylight, rising to about 63° and 16.3 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 Exeter
| 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.
Choosing your curtain walling
Integrated opening vents
Top-hung or parallel-opening vents built into the curtain wall grid to provide natural ventilation without breaking the facade line.
Structural silicone glazing
Glass bonded to carrier frames with structural sealant, giving a flush external face with minimal visible framing.
Solar control glass
Coated glass that limits solar heat gain on sunny elevations while keeping good daylight, reducing overheating and glare inside.
Curtain Walling in Exeter: questions
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.
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.
Does new curtain walling need building regulations approval?
New curtain walling is building work that has to meet requirements for structure, energy and fire, so it is normally checked by building control as part of the project. The approval route depends on the building and the nation, because England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate systems. Planning permission may also be needed for changes to appearance.
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 Exeter for curtain walling?
Yes. We can quote for curtain walling across Exeter and the surrounding Devon area, including postcode districts EX1, EX2, EX3 and EX4, and nearby Exmouth, Tiverton and Newton Abbot. 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 Exeter
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.