28 Dec Curtain Wall vs. Storefront in Indianapolis, IN: What Does That Mean?

If you’re not in the architectural or construction industry, certain terminology is probably foreign to you. When you hear someone talking about curtain walls in Indianapolis, IN, you might think of theater performances rather than high-rise buildings. Even the term “storefront” in Indianapolis, IN might have more meaning than you think.

What are these, and what is the difference between the two? Both are terms that refer to the architectural style of the exterior wall of a building. Here’s the scoop on what makes each type unique.

Curtain Walls in Indianapolis, IN

A curtain wall in Indianapolis, IN hangs from the building’s floor slabs. It is non-load-bearing. Curtain walls can span multiple floors, reaching up to 25 feet or more. They also feature a self-draining system and are typically front glazed. The style gets its name from how it hangs from the slabs, like a curtain.
Storefront in Indianapolis, IN

Unlike curtain walls, storefronts in Indianapolis, IN are only one story. They should be no taller than 10 feet. Because of this, they are usually only used on the ground floor of a building, but they can be used on the second and third floors as well. This structure is also non-load-bearing, but it is center glazed and is not self-draining. It is made of a system of windows and entrances and is designed for strength and accessibility.

Structural Differences

The height, depth and location of these structures are the main differences between the two. To distinguish the two terms, keep these characteristics in mind:

• Height: Curtain walls in Indianapolis, IN are for building frames that are taller than 10 to 12 feet. Storefront in Indianapolis, IN is used for frames that are less than 10 to 12 feet.
• Depth: Storefront is thinner than curtain wall. Curtain wall is typically 2.5 inches to 8 inches deep, while storefront averages 1.75 to 2 inches.
• Location: You’ll typically find storefront on the ground floor of a building, while curtain wall in Indianapolis, IN may span multiple floors.

What’s Best for Masonry Restoration in Indianapolis, IN?

If you have a masonry restoration project on your task list, you may wonder if the type of exterior wall your building features makes a difference on your project. The answer is yes, it does. These types of fronts are structurally distinctive and withstand different weather and other conditions differently.

It’s important to know what type of structure you are dealing with before you start masonry restoration in Indianapolis, IN. To ensure the success of your project, contact a local professional in the industry to review your building and advise you on the best solution.

Check with the Experts

Before you start your masonry restoration in Indianapolis, IN, consult with the pros at Knauss Property Services, LLC. We have the highest skilled craftsman in the field. Our top-quality services include masonry restoration, waterproofing, painting, sanding, stucco, EIFS systems, emergency leak and repair, mobile sandblasting, dry ice blast cleaning and eco-friendly building washing. Reach out to our team today!