Maidstone · Kent
Curtain Walling in Maidstone
From capped systems to structural silicone glazing, we can quote for curtain walling in Maidstone that balances daylight, solar gain and thermal performance.
- ME14
- ME15
- ME16
- Guide from £455 per m²
Curtain walling across Maidstone
BS EN 13830 is the product standard for curtain walling. It treats the system as a kit, including its fixings, set from vertical up to 15 degrees off vertical. Sloping roof glazing and patent glazing fall outside it and are covered by other standards.
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.
A unitised system arrives as storey-height panels assembled and glazed in a factory, which are lifted into place and interlocked. Fewer joints are made on site, which can reduce the risk of air and water leaks from site workmanship, but cranage and lead times need careful planning.
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
- Final inspection, clean and maintenance guidance
- System selection and glass specification for the building
- Supply and installation of framing, glass and panels
- Fabrication drawings and coordination with other trades
Maidstone at a glance
- Postcodes covered
- ME14, ME15, ME16 and the surrounding area, including Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham
- Coast
- Maidstone sits roughly 15 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 Maidstone 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
- 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 Maidstone
| 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.
Options to choose between
Capped system
Glass clamped by pressure plates behind a visible external cap, available in different profiles and colours to emphasise the grid.
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 Maidstone: questions
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.
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 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.
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.
Do you cover Maidstone for curtain walling?
Yes. We can quote for curtain walling across Maidstone and the surrounding Kent area, including postcode districts ME14, ME15 and ME16, and nearby Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham. 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 Maidstone
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.