York · North Yorkshire
Curtain Walling in York
Is water getting in around an older glazed facade in York? We can inspect gaskets, seals and drainage paths and quote for the repairs or replacement needed.
- YO1
- YO31
- YO10
- Guide from £455 per m²
Commercial glazed screens for homes and businesses in York
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.
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.
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.
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.
Included as standard
- Fabrication drawings and coordination with other trades
- Final inspection, clean and maintenance guidance
- System selection and glass specification for the building
- Supply and installation of framing, glass and panels
Local details for York
- Postcodes covered
- YO1, YO31, YO10 and the surrounding area, including Selby, Harrogate and Goole
- Coast
- York is well inland, around 37 km from the nearest coast, so salt exposure is not usually a factor.
- Daylight and sun
- In York the midwinter sun reaches about 13° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 7.1 hours of daylight, rising to about 60° and 16.9 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 York
| 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.
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.
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 York: questions
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.
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.
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.
Do you cover York for curtain walling?
Yes. We can quote for curtain walling across York and the surrounding North Yorkshire area, including postcode districts YO1, YO31 and YO10, and nearby Selby, Harrogate and Goole. 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 York
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.