Blackheath · Greater London
Curtain Walling in Blackheath
Misted, cracked or leaking facade units in Blackheath can usually be replaced individually, and we can survey the system and access before quoting.
- SE3
- SE13
- SE10
- Guide from £455 per m²
About curtain walling in Blackheath
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.
A stick system is built on site piece by piece. Aluminium mullions and transoms are fixed to the structure first, then the glass and infill panels go in, and finally the pressure plates and caps. It suits low-rise buildings and screens but needs access to both faces.
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.
What you get
- Survey of openings, supporting structure and access
- Fabrication drawings and coordination with other trades
- Final inspection, clean and maintenance guidance
- Sealing, weathering and drainage details at all interfaces
Working in Blackheath
- Postcodes covered
- SE3, SE13, SE10 and the surrounding area, including Greenwich, Lewisham and Catford
- Coast
- Blackheath is well inland, around 25 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In Blackheath the midwinter sun reaches about 15° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.6 hours of daylight, rising to about 62° and 16.4 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 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 Blackheath
| 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
If the glass sits in a fire-resisting door or screen, such as a flat entrance door or a commercial corridor screen, it must be replaced with fire-rated glazing tested as part of that system. Ordinary toughened glass is not a substitute.
Choosing your curtain walling
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.
Integrated opening vents
Top-hung or parallel-opening vents built into the curtain wall grid to provide natural ventilation without breaking the facade line.
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 Blackheath: questions
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 glazed screens in offices and entrances need markings?
Large areas of clear glass that people could walk into need to be made visible. In England, the guidance for buildings other than dwellings puts manifestation at 850–1000mm and 1400–1600mm above the floor, and workplace rules across Great Britain require glass to be marked where needed for safety. Frosted bands or logos can meet this.
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.
Do you cover Blackheath for curtain walling?
Yes. We can quote for curtain walling across Blackheath and the surrounding Greater London area, including postcode districts SE3, SE13 and SE10, and nearby Greenwich, Lewisham and Catford. 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 Blackheath
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.