Barry · South Glamorgan
Curtain Walling in Barry
Is water getting in around an older glazed facade in Barry? We can inspect gaskets, seals and drainage paths and quote for the repairs or replacement needed.
- CF62
- CF63
- Guide from £455 per m²
Commercial glazed screens across Barry
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.
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 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.
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.
Included as standard
- System selection and glass specification for the building
- Supply and installation of framing, glass and panels
- Sealing, weathering and drainage details at all interfaces
- Final inspection, clean and maintenance guidance
Barry at a glance
- Postcodes covered
- CF62, CF63 and the surrounding area, including Penarth, Cardiff and Llantwit Major
- Coast
- Barry is about 1 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 Barry 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 Wales
- In Wales, Approved Document N covers safety glazing: safety glass is needed in and around doors and in low-level glazing where people could walk into it.
Guide prices in Barry
| 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
Glass in a fire-resisting door or screen must be replaced with fire-rated glazing tested as part of that system. Ordinary toughened glass is not a substitute.
Specification choices
Opaque spandrel panels
Insulated or back-painted glass panels that hide floor slabs, ceiling voids and services while keeping the facade's appearance consistent.
Solar control glass
Coated glass that limits solar heat gain on sunny elevations while keeping good daylight, reducing overheating and glare inside.
Structural silicone glazing
Glass bonded to carrier frames with structural sealant, giving a flush external face with minimal visible framing.
Curtain Walling in Barry: 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.
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.
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.
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 Barry for curtain walling?
Yes. We can quote for curtain walling across Barry and the surrounding South Glamorgan area, including postcode districts CF62 and CF63, and nearby Penarth, Cardiff and Llantwit Major. 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 Barry
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.