Glazing system knowledge hub

What is thermal bridging in curtain walling?

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:18:50 GMT

Thermal bridging in curtain walling can lead to heat loss. Discover the key measures we take to avoid it.

Thermal bridges – also known as "cold bridges", "heat bridges" and "thermal bypasses" – aren't unique to curtain walls. They apply to any object where one area has higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding materials. This lets heat pass through, reducing the object's thermal resistance.

In curtain walling, this happens when heat passes through conductive materials such as aluminium and steel. Heat penetrates the insulation layer and gets lost.

When heat bypasses insulation in this way, more energy is required to heat and cool a space. What's more, condensation can build up in the building envelope, leading to mould – not to mention discomfort for the people using the building.

The construction industry knows the importance of insulation. Yet thermal bridging in building envelopes is more common than you might think and is often a nasty surprise to clients.

Here at Wrightstyle, our curtain wall systems are thermally broken, meaning they provide thermal breaks that eliminate thermal bridging. It's one example of why our glazing systems are the best in the business.

The importance of conduction in understanding thermal bridging

Heat transfer happens in three ways: convection, radiation and conduction. In thermal bridging, whether in a curtain wall or other architectural component, heat transfers through conduction.

The rate at which the heat is transferred depends on two things:

The thermal conductivity of the material on each side of the thermal bridge

The difference in temperature between them

Heat follows the path of least resistance through the material with the highest thermal conductivity and the lowest resistance. In the case of curtain walls, this path or thermal bridge can take place in three places:

Structural connections, such as metal fixings and brackets that anchor the curtain wall to the building's main structure

The frame itself – steel or aluminium mullions and transoms that haven't been fitted with non-conductive thermal break material

Junction points, located where the curtain wall connects to the floor slab, roof or cladding. If the junction is inadequately sealed, thermal bridging can occur.

What are the key causes of thermal bridging in curtain walling?

Curtain walls form part of a building's thermal envelope. This is the physical barrier that separates a building's conditioned interior – whether heated or cooled – from the unconditioned outdoors. It includes walls, roofs, floors, windows and doors as well as curtain walls.

Curtain wall frames are often made from aluminium. This is a highly conductive material with a typical thermal conductivity of more than 200 W/mK (watts per meter-Kelvin). In most cases, the frame extends from the building's exterior to its interior, making it prone to thermal bridges.

Here at Wrightstyle, our curtain wall systems – and indeed all our glazing systems – are made from steel. This is for a number of reasons, including steel's superior strength. It's also, however, because steel is far less thermally conductive than aluminium.

Mild carbon steel has a thermal conductivity of around 50 W/mK, while stainless steel performs better with a thermal conductivity of around 14-16 W/mK. This makes it an ideal choice of material for a curtain wall glazing system.

What are the impacts of thermal bridging?

There are no positive outcomes from thermal bridging. It brings only heat loss, condensation and increased energy costs.

Thermal bridging makes buildings less energy-efficient – hotter in summer and colder in winter. This can lead building owners and users to rely more heavily on cooling and heating systems.

These come at a price, of course. Thermal bridging has a direct negative impact on energy bills, as well as the building's environmental footprint.

Thermal bridging also incurs unwanted costs by leading to mould growth and damage to interiors. This is because the cold spots on the inside of the frames or glass cause moisture to accumulate.

Thermal bridging is a problem. So, what are the solutions?

How can thermal bridging be prevented?

One solution for thermal bridging is to include thermal breaks. These are plastic or composite elements placed within the frame.

They're typically a quarter of an inch to one inch thick and made from a low-conductivity material, such as polyamide or nylon. Placed between the exterior faceplate and the structural mullion, they break the conductive path and stop heat from being transferred.

Where else is thermal bridging found in construction?

Thermal bridging typically occurs at junctions between two or more building elements. This can include:

Areas with poor insulation
Door-to-wall junctions
Floor-to-wall junctions
Balcony-to-wall junctions
Metal ties in cavity walls
Roof-to-wall junctions
Wall-to-wall junctions
Window-to-wall junctions
Window and doors frames
Studs and joists in exterior walls, ceilings or roofs

What else affects the thermal efficiency of a curtain wall?

Thermal bridging is a common cause of thermal inefficiency in curtain wall systems – but it's not the only one.

The type of glass used also plays its part. This is why thermally efficient glazed curtain walls will typically use double or triple glazing.

There's also the question of installation. If a curtain wall is poorly installed, thermal bridging may follow. It's essential that installers ensure proper sealing and minimise bridging at fasteners and plates.

When sourcing a curtain wall glazing system, make sure to look for markers of quality. These will minimise your chances of thermal bridging and other thermal inefficiencies when the product is installed.

Wrightstyle is a trusted UK curtain wall company and supplier of specialised glazing systems. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our experts for comprehensive product and technical advice.

Glazing systems and weather resistance: designing for climate

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:35:15 GMT

Weather resistance is an important part of any glazing system. Learn how manufacturers design for wind, rain, snow and worse.

All glazing systems are built to withstand basic weather conditions. After all, there'd be little use in a window, door, screen or curtain wall that let in rain, hail or snow.

But not all glazing systems are built equally. Some are designed specifically with weather resistance in mind.

In this context, weather resistance covers the basic ability to withstand wind and rain. But it also covers resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and temperature fluctuations. This is to ensure structural integrity and prevent leaks, corrosion and decay, no matter the weather.

Making a glazing system weather-resistant involves comprehensive testing for watertightness, air permeability and wind resistance. Without these tests, glazing systems wear away in bad weather and become less energy-efficient.

Weather-resistant glazing systems use factory-sealed insulated glass units (IGUs) or specialist glass, along with high-performance structural sealants, specialised gaskets and drainage systems called "weep holes".

These components work together to create a barrier that's watertight, airtight and wind-resistant, as well as protect against rain, hail and snow.

Here are some key ways that glazing systems are made weather-resistant.

Sealing and bonding

All glazing systems are sealed and bonded. But glazing systems built for weather resistance use advanced sealing and bonding methods such as double seals, structural silicone and wet or dry glazing.

IGUs use a double-seal process. The primary seal (usually polyisobutylene) prevents moisture from entering and gas from escaping from the air gaps. Meanwhile, the secondary seal, typically made from silicone or polysulfide, provides structural strength.

Many modern facades use structural-grade silicone to bond glass directly to the frame. This creates a watertight seal that allows movement from wind, thermal expansion and environmental vibrations.

Wet glazing uses high-performance sealants or putty to create a long-lasting and watertight bond. Dry glazing, meanwhile, uses rubber gaskets or pre-formed tapes to secure the glass. This is easier and quicker to install and replace than wet glazing.

Moisture control and drainage

Most glazing systems are exposed to rain, condensation and cleaning water. Moisture control and drainage are required to direct this away from the frame and interior. Without these measures, water can accumulate, damaging the structure and sometimes causing it to fail.

There are several ways that weather-resistant glazing systems control moisture and drainage. The first involves filling the spacers between glass panes with a desiccant that absorbs trapped moisture. This prevents interior fogging and condensation, which – if left unchecked – can lead to mould growth.

Framing systems are also designed to be drained and pressure-equalised. This means any water that penetrates the outer seal is captured and channelled out through weep holes in the bottom transom.

Finally, warm-edge spacers are used to reduce heat transfer (known as "thermal bridging"). Typically made from polymer or stainless steel, the spacer minimises cold spots where condensation could form.

Material selection

The material used to make the frame contributes to weather resistance. Aluminium, uPVC, composite materials and steel (our material of choice) all protect against rot and moisture, especially when fitted with thermal breaks.

Coatings can also be applied to increase weather resistance. Frames are powder-coated to prevent corrosion. This powder coating is marine-grade in harsh coastal environments.

The glass, meanwhile, can be coated with a low-emissivity (low-E) coating. This regulates the surface temperature and reduces the temperature differences that can lead to condensation.

Structural integrity

If a glazing system is installed in an area prone to extreme weather, special measures must be taken to ensure structural integrity and weather resistance. In these instances, laminated glass is used instead of IGUs (although laminated IGUs do exist).

Laminated glass is made by bonding two sheets of glass with a plastic interlayer. If the glass breaks, it's designed to stay in its frame, providing some residual protection against wind and water ingress.

In high-rise and high-wind areas, glazing systems with deeper fixing profiles and stronger anchorage systems are used. This helps withstand significant wind loads.

Finally, high-performance curtain walls are fitted with pressure-equalised rain screens. That means the pressure inside the glazing is equal to the pressure outside. This stops rain from entering the building.

Special types of glazing

We've already seen that glazing plays an important role in weather resistance, whether as an IGU or laminated installation. Two types of specialised glass also contribute to weather resistance: self-cleaning glass and heated glass.

Self-cleaning glass has a coating that breaks down dirt with UV rays and lets rain wash away what remains. This helps maintain visibility and performance in areas where windows are likely to get dirty from rain, snow and other environmental conditions.

In extremely cold areas, glazing systems are made with heated glass. This involves applying a metal oxide coating that prevents snow and ice from building up.

Weather-resistant glazing systems from Wrightstyle

At Wrightstyle, we manufacture a range of weatherproof windows , screens and curtain walls. All are made from steel and glass and protect against heat loss and weather damage.

We recognise the importance of weather resistance as a means to protect building interiors from wind, rain and heat transfer and ensure long-term structural integrity. All our systems are designed to prevent mould, condensation and costly repairs and are built for energy efficiency.

And like all our products, our weather-resistant glazing systems are tested and certified, ensuring that your project meets relevant industry compliance standards.

Are you looking for a weather-resistant glazing system for a door, window, screen or curtain wall? Get in touch with Wrightstyle for comprehensive product and technical advice.

Glazed roofing systems: what do you need to specify?

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:17:40 GMT

Does your building project involve a roofed glazing system? Explore essential specifications and considerations.

Glazed roofing systems are a fine example of what glass and metal can achieve in architecture and design.

They're sophisticated structures, typically comprised of aluminium or steel frames and double- or triple-glazed panes. Here at Wrightstyle, our glazed roofing systems are made exclusively from steel and glass. This is so our clients benefit from the inherent strength of steel.

Designed to bring natural light into residential and commercial buildings, they can be found in living spaces, garden rooms, conservatories and atriums. They're a core example of daylighting, helping designers to blend indoor and outdoor spaces.

On top of this, modern examples of glazed roofing systems are thermally efficient and durable, making them a valuable investment in high-end building projects.

If you're including a glazed roofing system in a building project, you'll need to decide what to specify. This guide is intended to help you make the right choice for your specific requirements.

What are the different kinds of roofed glazing systems?

There are many different kinds of roofed glazing systems on the market. The one you choose will depend on design factors and project timelines. If in doubt, your best bet is to talk to a supplier and ask for their expert advice.

First, there are roof lanterns and skylights . These are typically positioned on flat-roof house extensions and have a pitched or pyramidal shape.
Modular skylights are prefabricated and can be installed individually or in long rows. They tend to be used for commercial buildings.
Point-supported glazing uses specialised spider fittings and bolt assemblies to secure glass panels at corners. This achieves a sleek, frameless look.
Patent glazing is a traditional roof glazing system that's often found in railway stations, canopies and conservatories. It uses two-edge support with aluminium bars.
In structural glass systems , the glass is load-bearing. This requires specialised structural glazing.
Finally, there are cable net systems . These use high-strength steel cable nets or trusses to hold large-span glass panes in place.

What do you need to specify when ordering a glazed roofing system?

When procuring a glazed roofing system, there are seven key things to specify:

The type of glass
The structure and framing
Drainage systems and watertightness
Design
Compliance
Extra protections
Supply options

1. The type of glass

Different types of glass are used in glazed roofing systems. You should specify toughened outer panes for impact resistance and toughened laminated inner panes for overhead safety. These kinds of safety glass are built to break safely and prevent falling glass.

The toughened glass can be heat-soak-tested. This involves checking it for nickel sulfide inclusions, which can cause spontaneous breakage when left unchecked.

The glass should be insulated to meet building regulations. It can be coated with self-cleaning coatings or tintings to reduce glare and improve solar control.

2. The structure and framing

Glazed roofing systems are made from different materials. The most common is aluminium. At Wrightstyle, however, we exclusively make our glazing systems from steel. This is because of steel's inherent strength as well as its suitability for large-span applications and high tolerance levels.

A high-performance glazed roofing system needs to be thermally broken. This involves inserting a low-conductivity insulator between aluminium or steel layers. This stops thermal bridging – the transfer of heat or cold into the building.

The system should be engineered to withstand wind and snow loads. The exact specification will depend on the weather conditions of the place where the system is to be installed.

It needs to be "non-fragile". This means that it can withstand maintenance access. Relatedly, if the roof is intended to be walked on, the glass will need to be heavy-duty and specialised and given an anti-slip finish.

3. Drainage and watertightness

Glazed roofing systems need to prevent rainwater run-off and "ponding" (standing water). To achieve this, your system will need a minimum pitch of three to five degrees.

Weather resistance is also achieved with drainage channels, pressure plates, gaskets and seals. Make sure to check brochures and ask for advice to ensure that the system as a whole withstands rainfall.

4. Design

When specifying a glazed roofing system, you need to specify whether natural or mechanical ventilation is required to manage internal temperatures. This is especially relevant in large-scale atriums.

If you go for automated or manual rooflights, you'll need to specify their location and functionality – for instance, whether they provide smoke ventilation.

Another important aspect of design is aesthetics. You should specify RAL colours for powder-coated aluminium or steel to match the rest of the building.

Glazed roofing systems come in a range of styles, from ridged and crested traditional styles to minimalist, frameless looks. This is an important consideration and one which will be determined by the nature of your project.

5. Compliance

Any glazed roofing system needs to meet local building regulations. When working with a supplier, make sure they adhere to relevant regulations regarding fire, safety and energy efficiency.

6. Extra protections

Glazing systems can be manufactured to provide other kinds of protection. They can be fire-rated , ballistic-resistant or bomb-resistant . They can also be built to reduce sound penetration .

7. Supply options

Glazing systems of all kinds can be supplied in different ways. At Wrightstyle, they can be supply-only or fully fabricated.

Supply-only glazed roofing systems are provided in pieces that the customer assembles themselves, while fully fabricated systems are assembled and powder-coated in the factory.

The choice between supply-only and fully fabricated will depend on your project time frame, budget and other project-specific requirements.

Founded in 1996, Wrightstyle Systems Ltd is a trusted supplier of steel glazing systems and glazed roofing systems. We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive technical advice to make sure you get the product you need for the job. Don't hesitate to contact our experts for step-by-step guidance.

The key types of curtain wall systems

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 06:38:45 GMT

Curtain wall systems differ in functions, materials and assembly methods. Explore the applications and differences of various curtain wall types.

Curtain walls are lightweight, non-structural building envelopes. They're often made of aluminium frames and glass, although here at Wrightstyle, we exclusively manufacture steel curtain wall systems.

They play both functional and aesthetic roles. Functionally, they protect the inside of the building from outside weather. Aesthetically, they give architects and designers a sleek, seamless, forward-thinking look to play with.

Not all curtain walls are the same, however. The different types of curtain wall systems can be grouped into three categories.

How they're assembled – in particular, how much assembly is done in the factory and how much is done on-site
The materials used for infills – these are the non-structural panels that are fitted securely within the aluminium or steel grid (mullions and transoms)
High-risk specifications where the curtain wall is specially designed to protect against unusual levels of threat and force

Assembly types

Stick-built systems

The most commonly found type of curtain wall system is "stick-built". This is where the mullions (vertical) and transoms (horizontal) are installed piece-by-piece on-site. The infills are then installed.

Stick-built systems are most often used for low-rise buildings or small-scale projects.

Unitised systems

The opposite of a stick-built system is a unitised system. This is assembled entirely in the factory and then shipped to the site, where it's installed. Unitised systems are mostly used for high-rise buildings and fast-moving projects.

Semi-unitised systems

In between stick-built and unitised systems is the semi-unitised system. In this scenario, the main framing is installed on-site. Pre-assembled glass units are then added to the frame. This is often used in mid-rise commercial buildings.

Not all curtain walls are supported by frames. Point-supported systems involve supporting glass panels with stainless bolts or tension systems.

Assembly options from Wrightstyle

Here at Wrightstyle, we can provide our curtain wall systems as either supply-only (for on-site assembly) or fully fabricated (for easier site assembly).

Our SR series curtain wall is installed in stick format. Its cold-rolled steel profiles, gaskets and glass need to be assembled on-site. The SG60 curtain wall, by contrast, is designed as a semi-unitised system.

Infill materials

As well as different kinds of assembly, curtain wall systems differ in the materials used for infills.

These are the non-structural panels fitted between framing members. Common choices are vision or spandrel glass, aluminium, stone, terracotta and louvres.

Glass is used for transparency, maximising natural light entering the building envelope and for a clean, modern aesthetic. Composite panels, by comparison, are used for opaque exteriors and a more traditional aesthetic.

Different types of glass can be used in the same curtain wall. Vision glass allows natural light to enter while opaque spandrel glass conceals structural elements like floor slabs. The role of spandrel glass can also be played by opaque panels made from other materials.

Aluminium panels are used for their lightness and opaqueness, while stone and brick veneer are used for a traditional and solid aesthetic.

Terracotta panels are used for texture, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) for lightweightness and metal composites for their superior flatness.

Infills can serve other functions. Some have louvres or vents integrated into them, allowing for controllable airflow. Meanwhile, photovoltaic panels generate solar energy within the building envelope.

Infill options from Wrightstyle

At Wrightstyle, we primarily use glass infills as well as metal panels and steel spandrels for non-vision areas.

The type of glass we use depends on the function of the curtain wall. Blast-resistant glazing systems require blast-resistant glass, bullet-resistant glazing systems require bullet-resistant glass and fire-rated systems require fire-rated glass. These all fall under the category of high-security curtain walls.

High-security curtain walls

High-security curtain walls are specialised systems designed to protect building users against unusual threat levels – in particular, bullets, bombs and fire.

They combine reinforced aluminium or steel framing with heavy-duty and specialised laminated glass. This enables the curtain wall to fulfil all its normal functions while providing an extra layer of protection.

Blast-resistant curtain walls

Blast-resistant curtain walls are engineered to protect occupants and structures from explosions. They're constructed from reinforced aluminium or steel framing and laminated blast-resistant glass.

The nature of laminated glass means that if a bomb does go off near blast-resistant glass, the infills will stay within the frame rather than flying off as potentially fatal shards.

Bullet-resistant curtain walls

Bullet-resistant glazing systems work similarly to blast-resistant glazing. They are fitted with specialist bullet-resistant laminated glass. This doesn't stop the bullet from penetrating the outer surface of the glass. However, it is designed to stop the bullet from going through the glass unit.

Bullet-resistant curtain walls offer protection against handguns, rifles and armour-piercing ammunition, depending on the specification. They're often used in government and military sites, but can be found elsewhere.

As with blast-resistant curtain walls, bullet-resistant systems fulfil their other functions just as well as their non-specialist counterparts.

Fire-resistant curtain walls

Finally, there are fire-rated curtain walls. These are designed to prevent the spread of fire, smoke and heat both internally and between the building itself and adjacent buildings.

They're constructed from fire-resistant aluminium or steel frames and specialised laminated glass. Here at Wrightstyle, our steel-and-glass curtain wall systems provide up to 120-minute integrity and insulation fire protection.

How to choose a curtain wall system

Like all architectural choices, choosing a curtain wall involves balancing aesthetics with functionality.

Key considerations include thermal insulation, wind load resistance, weatherproofing and structural integrity. You will also want to consider the infill material and assembly type. All these choices will depend upon the scale, budget and timeline of your project, as well as compliance considerations.

Curtain walls are a technically niche domain. If you're unsure which curtain wall system is best for your project, our technical team can help. No matter what level of experience you bring, we'll always provide you with clear, practical and expert advice. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need our support.

Curtain wall vs facade: what's the difference?

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:19:44 GMT

Curtain walls and facades are similar but distinct architectural features. Explore the key differences in our glazing system guide.

The language of architecture can be a little confusing. Mullions. Transoms. Cantilevers. Enfilades. It's a glossary that could baffle a thesaurus compiler.

Nevertheless, you may find yourself in a position where you have to specify architectural features, especially if you're overseeing a project.

In architecture, language matters. It defines essential differences between otherwise similar features.

One key example of this linguistic difficulty is the difference between curtain walls and facades. Both refer to bits of a building's outer surface. So, what's the difference, exactly?

The short answer is that all curtain walls are facades, but not all facades are curtain walls. A facade is any exterior face – or "skin" – of a building. A curtain wall, by contrast, is a non-structural, lightweight and typically glazed facade that hangs on the outside of a building frame.

The long answer will, naturally, take a little longer. Here are five questions you can ask to identify whether you're dealing with a curtain wall or a facade.

How to tell a curtain wall from a facade

1. Can it bear loads?

Curtain walls aren't built to bear loads. Instead, their function is to support their own weight and to transfer wind loads to the building structure.

By contrast, a facade can be either load-bearing or non-load-bearing, depending on the construction method.

Traditional facades – such as those built from brick, stone or precast concrete – often form part of the building's structural system. In modern construction, however, facades are typically non-load-bearing and act as external cladding systems, functioning similarly to curtain walls.

2. What's it made of?

Curtain walls are often made from aluminium frames and glass fillings, although other lightweight materials, such as aluminium cladding, are sometimes used.

Here at Wrightstyle, we make our curtain walls exclusively from steel and glass. This is so our clients can harness the superior strength of steel.

Modern facades can also be made from aluminium and glass. Traditional designs use brick and timber while modern options use composite panels, ceramic or fibre-cement. This makes them more lightweight than their traditional counterparts.

3. Where is it attached?

Curtain walls get their name from the fact that they hang like a curtain from buildings in continuous, unbroken envelopes. They're attached to the exterior of the structural frame.

Facades, by contrast, can be installed in high-rise buildings suspended from concrete floor slabs. The kinds of facades that fall into the category of curtain walls, however, act as outer skins that hang from the building's exterior.

4. What does it look like?

Curtain walls have a sleek, seamless, floor-to-ceiling look and cover a building's exterior. They often consist of a continuous grid of mullions (vertical structural members) and transoms (horizontal structural members).

Facades, as noted, are a broader category that often refers to a building's overall appearance. This can sometimes include materials like brick and timber.

5. What's it used for?

Curtain walls and facades have different yet sometimes overlapping applications. Curtain walls are most commonly found in modern, high-rise and commercial buildings. Facades, on the other hand, are used on all building types – from traditional homes to modern high-rises.

What is a hybrid facade?

Hybrid facades consist of curtain walls at ground and first-floor levels with cladding on upper levels. They've become a staple of mixed-use developments over the last decade.

These are typically used in buildings where the ground and first floor house retail or reception spaces that need natural light and transparency. On the upper levels, meanwhile, superior thermal performance is prioritised for residential or office spaces.

What's the difference between a facade and cladding?

When exploring the topic of facades, you may find the words "facade" and "cladding" used in a way that seems interchangeable.

Cladding is a building component that covers a facade, while the facade itself encompasses the design and structure of a building's exterior.

The facade is the skin of the building and typically faces the street. Meanwhile, the cladding consists of a material layer over the facade. This could be metal, wood or stone.

How we can help

Here at Wrightstyle, our curtain wall glazing systems are made exclusively from steel. This is because we're firm believers in steel's inherent benefits, namely:

Strength
Allowance of high tolerances
High-performance spec
Fire resistance
The ability to create large free spans

Our curtain walls can be structural (load-bearing). They can also be fire-rated up to 120 minutes and used in large-span applications .

On top of this, we supply curtain wall glazing systems that are built for specialist purposes. This includes blast resistance and bullet resistance . All our blast-resistant and bullet-resistant products undergo extensive real-world testing – never simulations.

And because we strive to make compliance simple for our customers, all our products are extensively tested and certified to European standards. This gives you the peace of mind that your curtain wall system is high-quality and safe for building users.

Conclusion

The language surrounding curtain walls and facades can be confusing. At its simplest, however, a curtain wall is a specialised, non-structural facade system, whereas "facade" is a general term for a building's outer skin.

The complexity of curtain wall systems and facades is one key reason to always work with a supplier that prioritises clear communication.

A good supplier will answer all your questions quickly and clearly. If you feel they're dodging the question or hiding behind jargon, you're better off looking elsewhere.

For similar reasons, you should ensure that your supplier has ample experience with installations similar to the one you're aiming to achieve.

Finally, you should check that your curtain wall supplier offers aftercare and maintenance services. Without these, you could face unexpected costs down the line.

Are you looking for tested, compliant and high-quality external glazing systems backed by best-in-class technical support? Get in touch with Wrightstyle today for expert technical advice.

Glazing explained: storefront vs curtain wall vs window wall

Fri, 29 May 2026 11:26:43 GMT

Glazing jargon can be complicated. Learn the most important differences between a curtain wall, a storefront and a window wall.

One of the complexities of construction and architectural design is the fact that any one component must fulfil multiple functions.

Take the front of a building – any building. Its primary function, of course, is to protect the people inside from wind and rain.

But this is far from its only function. The building exterior should also keep noise to a minimum. It should help manage heat loss and gain, depending on the season. In some contexts, it needs to be fire-resistant , bullet-resistant or bomb-resistant .

This is a complex brief before you get into the question of aesthetics. Whatever the building is used for, appearances matter. Architects, building managers and building occupants all want the front of the building to reflect what's going on inside to some degree. And ideally, it should do this in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Given this functional complexity, it's no surprise there are multiple options for building exteriors. In this article, we explore three of them: storefronts, curtain walls and window walls.

What are the differences – and why does it matter? Let's take a closer look.

What is a glazed storefront?

A glazed storefront is a framed, ground-level glass system. As the name suggests, it's designed for use in retail entrances, lobbies and low-rise commercial buildings.

Storefront frames are overwhelmingly made from aluminium. However, steel and wood options are available.

They're non-load-bearing and typically span a single storey between floor slabs. They support large panes of glass that let shoppers look in and out without having to face the wind, rain or cold.

Glazed storefronts can be stick-built (assembled piece-by-piece on-site) or pre-glazed in factories. They can be framed. They can be frameless for a modern, seamless look. Or they can be modular and self-supporting for flexibility and portability.

The key differences between storefronts and curtain walls are their size and application. Storefronts are small and used in single-storey structures. Curtain walls, by contrast, are tall and span multiple storeys.

What is a curtain wall?

Curtain walls are non-load-bearing and lightweight facades for building exteriors. They often consist of aluminium frames and glass, although here at Wrightstyle, our curtain wall glazing systems are made exclusively from steel and glass.

Curtain walls hang on the outside of a building's structure. Their non-load-bearing nature means they don't support floor or roof loads.

They're large-span, meaning they often go from floor to ceiling. This helps businesses achieve a sleek, seamless, modern aesthetic with no compromise to thermal or weather performance.

Curtain walls are most common in high rises. This is a key difference from storefronts, which tend to cover just one floor. They can be made bullet-resistant, blast-resistant or fire-resistant depending on context.

They can be unitised, meaning they're made from prefabricated panels fully assembled and glazed in the factory and then installed on-site. They can also be supplied as stick systems, meaning they're put together piece by piece in situ.

What is a window wall?

A window wall is a type of exterior building facade. Glass panels are installed slab-to-slab. The panels sit on each floor and span up to the ceiling.

Window walls are best known as a cost-effective alternative to curtain walls. They primarily differ from curtain walls in the way they're installed. Where curtain walls hang outside the slab, window walls sit between the concrete slab edges.

They're typically used as a cheap alternative to curtain walls and can be installed more quickly. They're most commonly used in high-rise residential buildings, allowing for wide views and natural light.

Window walls are also often modular. They can resemble a grid, with vertical and horizontal framing, or use slab edge covers to look closer to a seamless curtain wall.

Another advantage of window walls is that they're easy to repair. Individual panels can be replaced without the whole facade being affected.

They differ from storefronts mostly in terms of where they're installed. Storefront systems are low-rise and most commonly found in ground-floor retail settings. Window walls, by contrast, tend to be used for multi-storey residential and office settings.

Moreover, storefront systems are non-load-bearing and span the ground floor, whereas window walls are stacked slab-to-slab systems that are usually installed from the second floor up.

What glass is used for curtain walls, storefronts and window walls?

In all these applications, the type of glass used is important and contributes to the overall performance of the installation. It can affect everything from thermal performance to safety.

Storefronts typically use toughened glass (also known as "tempered glass") for impact resistance and safety or laminated glass to prevent break-ins.

Curtain walls also use safety glass. This will be toughened, laminated, or toughened and laminated to meet structural, thermal and safety requirements. Specialised glass can be used for bullet resistance, fire resistance and blast resistance.

Window walls use safety glass, too. This will typically be toughened glass for strength and laminated glass for security, often in double- or triple-glazed units.

Toughened and laminated glass are both types of safety glass but differ in manufacturing processes, strength and breakage patterns.

Toughened glass is made by heating a standard sheet of glass at around 650°C (1,200°F). The glass is then rapidly cooled with blasts of cold air. The result is a glass product around five times stronger than standard glass. When it breaks, it shatters into lots of relatively harmless pieces rather than large shards.

Laminated glass, meanwhile, consists of two or more sheets of glass – sometimes toughened – with plastic interlayers in between. The resulting unit is around six times as strong as standard glass. Laminated glass is highly impact-resistant – and when it breaks, it's designed to maintain its structural integrity by remaining in its frame.

Are you looking for high-performance steel curtain wall glazing systems ? At Wrightstyle, we provide tested, compliant systems backed with excellent technical support. Get in touch today for expert, step-by-step advice.

Steel vs aluminium glazing systems: pros, cons and differences

Mon, 25 May 2026 08:16:37 GMT

Is steel or aluminium best for a glazing system? Explore the pros, cons and differences in our guide.

When specifying a glazing system for a door, window, screen or curtain wall, the choice of material is an essential factor in the success of your project.

Both materials are widely used for a reason and both do the job successfully. Each material, however, has its pros and cons with regard to strength and durability, maintenance, thermal efficiency and more.

Here at Wrightstyle, we exclusively use steel for our glazing systems. We wouldn't do this if we didn't believe it to be the superior material.

Nevertheless, we recognise that aluminium has its advantages. We also provide steel sections for existing aluminium systems.

So, what are the pros, the cons and the differences between these two staple glazing system materials? They cover key areas such as durability, performance, thermal efficiency and more.

Let's look at these considerations in more detail.

What are the pros and cons of an aluminium glazing system?

Advantages

Aluminium is a robust material that allows for larger panes of glass and narrower frames than its timber or PVC equivalents. This increases natural light and allows for a modern aesthetic.

And unlike timber or PVC, it doesn't warp, rot or twist as time goes by. Instead, you can count on an aluminium system to last decades – often 45 years or more.

Aluminium glazing systems are highly weather-resistant and aren't vulnerable to rust. Because of this, they can be quickly buffed up with warm water, mild detergent and a microfibre cloth.

Despite its prevalence in the industry, there's a pervasive myth that aluminium lacks thermal efficiency. This used to be the case, but today's aluminium systems prevent heat loss via thermal break technology – essentially a reinforced barrier between the inner and outer frames.

Aluminium comes in a vast range of powder-coated finishes, making it an easy material to incorporate into your project. Once up, it proves high levels of security.

Disadvantages

Aluminium's advantages are balanced out by some significant drawbacks.

If you opt for a low-quality aluminium glazing system, you can expect poor insulation and condensation issues, especially in humid environments.

In coastal areas, salt-heavy air and salty water can lead to corrosion (although this problem can be avoided with special coatings).

Scratches, dents and other kinds of surface damage are difficult and expensive to repair. Moreover, the modern aesthetic of aluminium is sometimes unsuitable for traditional or rustic settings.

What are the pros and cons of steel glazing systems?

Advantages

Because of steel's superior strength, frames can be extremely thin, even when supporting large glazing units. This allows architects to harness sleek sightlines, avoiding traditionally bulky profiles. With steel, large-span applications can have the same sleek look as smaller installations.

Steel is highly robust and can last 50 years or longer. This gives it the edge over aluminium and, for many, represents a better investment.

In terms of aesthetics, steel is ideal for industrial or industrial-style projects. However, this stark look can be softened with coloured powder coatings.

The density of steel makes for excellent security and fire resistance. At Wrightstyle, our glazing systems offer excellent fire resistance, meaning there's no compromise on safety.

Last but not least in the plus column, steel glazing systems offer excellent thermal performance and weather resistance, preventing heat loss and any significant damage from weather conditions.

Disadvantages

Here at Wrightstyle, we believe the pros of steel significantly outweigh the cons. That's why we manufacture our glazing systems exclusively from steel.

Nevertheless, we recognise there are some potential disadvantages to consider when choosing your material.

The first and most obvious is the higher initial cost. Both the materials and the fabrication process are more expensive than aluminium. Nevertheless, we believe this is more than made up for by the high performance and longevity of steel.

Steel frames are vulnerable to rust and corrosion, especially in coastal areas. This means steel glazing systems must be inspected and sometimes repainted.

Finally, steel frames are much heavier than aluminium. This makes them more challenging – and more expensive – to install. On the other hand, this additional weight is part of what gives them their remarkable durability.

What are the differences between aluminium and steel glazing systems?

The differences between aluminium and steel glazing systems can be broken down into five main categories:

Strength
Cost
Maintenance
Aesthetics
Thermal performance

1. Strength

Steel is stronger than aluminium. This allows for slimmer frames – in the case of Wrightstyle glazing systems, as thin as 60mm – and larger-span applications.

2. Cost

Aluminium is more affordable than steel, both in terms of materials and installation. However, these upfront costs can be misleading as steel's greater longevity can save you money in the long run.

3. Maintenance

Aluminium's corrosion resistance makes it easy to maintain. Steel, however, needs to be regularly inspected and painted to protect against rust. For many, this need for maintenance is balanced out by its longer lifespan.

4. Aesthetics

Steel and aluminium are both aesthetically versatile. However, steel tends to have an industrial look which differs from aluminium's light, bright and modern appearance.

5. Thermal performance

Both steel and aluminium glazing systems are thermally efficient. Steel, however, is a natural insulator, whereas aluminium has to be fitted with thermal breaks.

What's the difference between steel and stainless steel?

Glazing systems can be made from both standard steel and stainless steel. Standard steel rusts when exposed to moisture and must be coated. Stainless steel, by contrast, is corrosion-resistant.

Should I choose steel or aluminium for my glazing system?

Whether you're buying an internal or external glazing system, we believe that steel is the best choice for most applications.

This is partly for the reasons above and partly because steel can be customised to be blast-resistant, bullet-resistant and fire-resistant. The result is a unit that provides excellent safety, durability and longevity.

Wrightstyle has manufactured high-quality, compliance-tested speciality glazing systems in the UK since 1996. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our team for comprehensive product advice and step-by-step technical guidance.

How are blast-resistant glazing systems tested?

Fri, 22 May 2026 07:34:07 GMT

Blast-resistant glazing systems need to be performance-tested. Find out what this involves in our glazing system guide.

When specifying any kind of glazing system, you need to be confident you'll get a product that's fit for the job.

Safety is a vital aspect of glazing systems in construction – so, without this assurance, you're not just putting building occupants at risk. You're also putting your reputation on the line.

How, then, can you make sure you're getting a high-quality and high-performance glazing system for your project? The answer is simple: testing and compliance.

Any glazing system supplier worth its salt will proudly draw attention to its testing and compliance processes. These are vital markers of quality and trustworthiness.

This is true of glazing systems of all shapes and sizes. But in the case of blast-resistant glazing systems, it's literally a case of life and death.

Despite the vital importance of testing and compliance, it's an area that remains shrouded in mystery – not to mention an extra shroud of jargon.

In this article, we hope to demystify the testing process for blast-resistant glazing systems.

How are they tested?

There are two main ways to test a blast-resistant glazing system. The first is shock tube testing and the second is arena testing, also known as "live explosions".

The aim of these tests is to check that the glazing system stays intact and withstands the pressure of a bomb blast. The performance of the system is rated according to the amount of damage it suffers.

It's important to note that blast resistance isn't just a case of specialist glass . It also refers to the glazing system as a whole – frame, sealants and all.

Shock tube testing

Shock tube testing is a laboratory-based method. A blast wave is generated inside a tube. This simulates a large explosion at a distance.

Arena testing

Arena testing, or live explosions, is more of a real-world test. It involves installing the glazing system in a structure. A real bomb is then detonated at a distance. This could simulate a car bomb, lorry bomb or other type of explosive device.

How are blast-resistant glazing systems classified?

International standards exist to classify the performance of blast-resistant glazing.

The main international standards are ISO 16933:2007 and ISO 16934:2007. These cover both shock-tube and arena testing methods.

These standards classify glazing based on hazard ratings and resistance to specific explosion pressures. Hazard ratings measure the speed, size and number of shards produced during the explosion.

Other international standards include ASTM F1642 (testing) and ASTM F2248 (design). These classify glass on a scale from "no" to "high" hazards.

Finally, there are GSA standards, primarily outlined in GSA-TS01-2003. This measures the performance of glazing under explosive conditions. These measurements range from no break (safe) to catastrophic failure.

Here at Wrightstyle, our blast-resistant glazing systems are tested to ISO, ASTM and GSA standards. Full test data is available to our clients.

What are the advantages of shock tube testing?

The main advantage of shock tube testing is that it's highly controlled, precise and reproducible. Blast waves can be simulated again and again, ensuring the resulting data is accurate. All this is achieved without the hazards of actual explosives.

What are the advantages of arena tests?

Arena tests offer a comprehensive performance test of how a glazing system performs. This comprehensiveness is important because of the unpredictable effects of real-life explosions. The result is critical test data that digital models and even shock tube testing can miss.

What is a blast-resistant glazing system?

A blast-resistant glazing system is a specialised assembly of strengthened glass and heavy-duty framing. Its purpose is to provide all the functionality of a glazing system with the ability to withstand explosions.

Blast-resistant glazing systems protect building users by ensuring the glass stays in its frame and minimising flying debris.

They are usually fitted with a specialised form of laminated glass. This is a durable, impact-resistant glass unit made from multiple sheets of glass and a plastic interlayer, often made from polyvinyl butyral (PVB). These units can absorb high levels of energy without shattering.

How is blast-resistant glass different from standard glass?

Standard glass breaks easily in an explosion. Blast-resistant glass is designed to flex and hold together, minimising or eliminating dangerous shards. This is a direct result of the manufacturing process, where multiple panes are laminated with plastic interlayers.

About our testing process

At Wrightstyle, our blast-resistant glazing systems are all tested to ISO/DIS, ASTM and GSA standards.

Our SG60 curtain walling system undergoes two live explosive tests. The first simulates a lorry bomb and the second simulates a car bomb at close range.

One of our core aims as a business is to make compliance easy for customers. This is one reason for our transparency about our testing processes.

You can read test results for the SG60 curtain walling systems by downloading our brochure . You can also explore live test videos on our YouTube channel .

This video, for instance, shows a bomb test of 500 kg at a distance of 75 metres.

All of our blast-resistant glazing systems are made from steel. This is partly because of its inherent strength and high performance levels. It's also because steel is better than aluminium for large-span installations and has a higher fire resistance level.

Our blast-resistant glazing wall systems include:

SG series blast-resistant curtain walls with slim 60mm sight lines
Blast-resistant windows, doors and screens (60 series)

With Wrightstyle, you can be sure that your blast-resistant glazing systems are tested and compliant, meaning peace of mind for you and safety for building users.

So if you're an architect, project manager or designer looking for a blast-resistant curtain wall or other glazing system, don't hesitate to contact our experts . They're on hand to offer comprehensive product advice through every step of the process.

Architectural inspiration: 7 impressive internal glass facades

Mon, 18 May 2026 08:05:14 GMT

Looking for interior inspiration? Explore 7 of the most amazing internal glass facades from around the world.

One of the most remarkable things about glass is its versatility. This is the material, after all, that can be used to manufacture everything from tiny beads to glass bridges measuring hundreds of metres long.

Today's world is filled with glass structures. Often, these are high-budget civic projects for governments, galleries, libraries and the like. But the private sector, too, is filled with glazing galore – just look at the financial district of any major city.

And it's not just the exteriors that put glass front and centre. Notable architects also like to experiment with internal glass features, whether staircases, lifts or the topic of this article – facades.

An internal glass facade tends to refer to a floor-to-ceiling glass partition or wall used inside a building.

However, it can also be used more loosely to refer to any expanse of glass inside a building. In some cases, facades are double-glazed and consist of an external and internal glass facade.

They often play their part in complex glass constructions, helping to remove the boundary between interior and exterior spaces and filling the interior with natural light.

The internal glass facades we're looking at today are testaments to the creative ingenuity of architects from across the world. We hope they inspire and impress you in equal measure.

1. Reichstag building, Berlin, Germany

One of Berlin's most famous buildings, the Reichstag is the seat of the German federal government. Today, it boasts a remarkable dome designed by Sir Norman Foster.

The dome is made from glass and metal and symbolises transparency in government. Visitors can enter and enjoy 360° views of Berlin as well as views of the parliamentary debating chamber below.

The interior, however, is no less impressive than the exterior. It includes an inverted cone of 360 mirrored panels. This eye-catching dangling facade reflects daylight, ventilates the dome and features two intertwined spiral ramps for visitors to climb.

2. Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, Paris, France

Surrounded by woodland gardens, this contemporary art gallery in Paris is a masterpiece of glass design.

Central to architect Jean Nouvel's vision is a layered sequence of glass panes – floor-to-ceiling glass partitions and walls that often run parallel to the glass exterior.

These innovatively stacked facades separate gallery spaces while also creating a complex, interlocking set of reflections and transparencies.

3. Seattle Central Library, Seattle, USA

Housing around one-and-a-half-million books, Seattle Central Library is an 11-storey glass-and-steel marvel. Among many other striking architectural features, its platforms seem to float, wrapped in a large net of steel and glass.

Inside, the library is split into zones or "boxes". These are often defined by internal transparent walls. The result is a fluid, light-filled and interconnected environment for bibliophiles and casual readers alike.

4. Casa da Música, Porto, Portugal

For decades, if not centuries, concert halls have conformed to a certain style – sometimes disparagingly called "shoebox" venues.

Casa da Música in Porto, Portugal, is a reaction to this kind of building. The exterior is made from white concrete. Inside, however, the auditorium has corrugated glass facades that open onto the city.

The result is a building that makes classical music a part of the city rather than something shut off and sacred. As with so many forward-thinking buildings, glass plays a pivotal role.

5. The Broad, Los Angeles, USA

Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Broad gallery contains around 2,000 works of art from its collection, alongside temporary exhibitions.

The 120,000-square-foot building has two floors and follows a "veil and vault" concept. The veil is an outer honeycomb structure made from fibreglass and concrete.

Behind the veil is a sealed glass curtain wall that separates it from the gallery spaces. This filters natural light from outside, creating a soft, diffused, vault-like effect for the gallery users. Meanwhile, the ground floor lobby features an array of glass panels.

6. Sendai Mediatheque, Sendai, Japan

Designed by Toyo Ito in 1995 and completed in 2001, the Sendai Mediatheque library in Japan is a glass-and-metal wonder of the modern architectural world.

The building is remarkable for how it both stands out and blends in. Surrounded by mainly block-white buildings, it blends with neighbouring buildings thanks to its daytime reflections and night-time multi-coloured lighting.

The library has a double-glazed skin on its southern side consisting of an external and internal glass facade. This acts as a "buffer zone" between the book-filled interior and the world outside – a barrier that's both transparent and environmentally responsive.

7. The Opus, Dubai, UAE

This mixed-use building in Dubai's Burj Khalifa district was designed by Dame Zaha Hadid. It has a cube-like structure with an eight-storey-high, free-form void in its centre. This void houses the ME Dubai hotel, luxury flats, offices and eateries.

If "free-form void" sounds a little sci-fi to you, imagine a carved-out space inside a cube. It's wrapped in a continuous glass facade constructed from thousands of curved or double-curved glass panels.

This remarkable facade spans several storeys and turns into a glass roof at the top. Like many of these architectural feats, the effect is to dissolve the boundary between inside and out – and to create a space flooded with natural light.

What are internal glass facades made from?

Internal glass facades, like external glass facades, are made from high-performance safety glass – typically laminated or toughened and laminated glass.

These kinds of safety glass provide the strength, safety and acoustic control required for these kinds of settings.

Laminated glass is made from bonding a plastic interlayer between two sheets of glass. In the case of architectural glass, these outer panes tend to be toughened, too. These glass panels are often held up by glazing systems made from steel or aluminium.

Wrightstyle is a trusted UK curtain wall company and manufacturer of specialised steel glazing systems, including interior glazing systems . Don't hesitate to contact our experts for comprehensive, step-by-step technical advice.

UK fire regulations for glazing systems: the ultimate guide

Fri, 15 May 2026 08:53:45 GMT

All glazing systems in the UK are governed by regulations. Get to grips with current UK regulations for fire-rated glazing.

No matter where they're installed, glazing systems need to be tested and compliant.

"Need" is the operative word. In the UK, as elsewhere, regulatory compliance is a must, not a maybe.

It's not difficult to see why. Regulations ensure safety, structural integrity and performance. They ensure installations can withstand environmental factors like wind, water, heat and fire. They help building projects achieve energy efficiency, too.

Those are the benefits from the building owner's perspective. But regulations also protect building users, whether from the risk of falling glass, environmental loads or fire.

So far, so simple. The world of regulations, however, is far from simple: a labyrinthine field full of documents called things like "BS EN 1279" and "Approved Document L".

Faced with these dense technical documents, it's easy to feel confused. Nevertheless, they remain an essential resource for every building project in the UK.

Here, then, is a guide to UK fire regulations for glazing systems. But before we go any further, it's important to issue a quick disclaimer.

This article is intended as a guide to UK fire regulations for glazing systems rather than a substitute for them. Always check with the documents themselves before proceeding.

That said, let's take a closer look at the documents that govern fire safety in glazing systems in the UK.

Approved Document B

In England and Wales, there are 18 Approved Documents (A-S) for building regulations.

Approved Document B is the primary document covering fire safety in the UK. It isn't primarily concerned with glazing systems but rather the overall topic of fire safety in commercial and residential buildings.

It does, however, cover the locations where fire-rated glazing is mandatory, as well as the need for escape routes and measures to slow the spread of fire in the event of an emergency.

Glazing within fire-resisting walls, screens or doors must meet a minimum integrity standard of E30 . In other words, they must prevent the spread of flames for 30 minutes.
All habitable rooms above the ground floor – excluding kitchens – typically require emergency escape windows. These must provide an unobstructed opening of at least 0.33m², with no dimension less than 450mm. The sill must sit between 800mm and 1,100mm from the floor.
Fire-rated glass is required in protected stair enclosures in houses with three or more storeys or loft conversions. It's also required for vision panels in fire doors and any glazing within the enclosure to the stairs in a loft conversion.
Regulations also apply to buildings over 11 metres high. Their facades are prohibited from including combustible materials.
Glazing on external walls must limit the risk of fire spreading from one building to another.

This is not an exhaustive list. Your best source for interpreting Approved Document B is the document itself. You can access it at GOV.UK .

While Approved Document B focuses on fire protection, Approved Document K covers impact safety. This relates to the use of safety glass, but not specifically with regard to fire regulations. Download Approved Document K here.

Glass classification

Approved Document B covers where fire-resistant glazing is required. Glass classification regulations mandate the types of glass that can be used in fire-resistant glazing.

Fire ratings are classified under BS EN 13501:2. This covers integrity (E) and integrity and insulation (EI) ratings. Examples of this are E30 and EI60.

E (integrity only) glazing prevents the passage of flames and smoke, while EI (integrity and insulation) provides full protection against flames, smoke and heat transfer. The number refers to how long (in minutes) the glazing can resist fire while maintaining structural integrity.

Products covered by BS EN 13501:2 include load-bearing walls and floors, and non-load-bearing partitions, facades, ceilings and fire doors.

Time ratings vary. Here at Wrightstyle, we provide fire-resistant glazing systems rated up to 160 minutes for integrity and insulation. Common time ratings are 30 minutes for internal partitions and 60 minutes or more for stairwells, corridors and high-risk commercial settings.

Glazing systems

These fire regulations don't just apply to the glass used. They refer to the whole glazing system, including the frame, sealants, gaskets and fixings. All must be fully tested and certified to ensure compliance and user safety.

Frames need to be made from hardwood, aluminium or steel. Edge clearance of 4mm to 5mm is required along with a minimum 20mm rebate. In the event of a fire, the seals within the frame expand to prevent smoke and heat from escaping around the edges.

About our products

Here at Wrightstyle, we provide high-quality fire-rated glazing systems for doors, windows, screens and curtain walls. Like all our products, they're extensively tested to international standards, are built to last and are easy on the eye. Their narrow frame profiles allow designers to avoid bulky profiles with no loss of durability or longevity.

Our fire-resistant glazing systems fall into two main categories: the fire-rated SR series and the 60F1 series .

The fire-rated SR series includes curtain wall systems with E and EI performance up to 120 minutes. Meanwhile, the 60F1 series includes doors, windows and screens certified from 30 to 180 minutes.

Both ranges are easy to assemble, coming in supply-only and fully fabricated options. Whichever you choose, you can count on high-quality materials and a safe, durable and high-performance system.

However, the benefits of working with Wrightstyle don't stop there. All our clients receive best-in-class support from real experts. Whether you know exactly what you're looking for or need a steer, we provide jargon-free expertise and round-the-clock technical advice.

Got a question about fire-rated glazing systems? We're ready to help. Contact our UK experts online or at +44 (0)203 150 4675 today.

The architects' guide to specifying curtain wall systems

Mon, 11 May 2026 06:28:11 GMT

Are you tasked with specifying a curtain wall for a building project? Learn the key specs and how to avoid complications.

When specifying for a building project, no corners can be cut and no one component is more important than another.

Nevertheless, the process of specifying curtain wall systems presents unique challenges. This is largely because the curtain wall acts as the "skin" of a building.

This means the curtain wall must provide thermal performance and protection against water penetration and high wind loads.

Glazed curtain wall systems tend to be used in modern, high-rise or multi-level projects. They answer the need for a lightweight and non-structural facade that maximises the amount of natural light entering a building. They also tend to be used in projects where a sleek seamless aesthetic is called for.

So, what do architects need to keep in mind when specifying a glazed curtain wall system? A comprehensive list would have to include performance, aesthetics, system type and materials.

More specifically, these specifications include structural loads, thermal efficiency, water penetration and aesthetic considerations (such as the inclusion of mullions and glazing tints). Specifiers also need to choose between stick-built (disassembled) or unitised (pre-assembled) systems.

All these factors will depend on building regulations, client requirements and budgetary considerations.

What are the key specifications for curtain wall glazing systems?

There are eight key specifications for curtain wall glazing systems. These are:

Performance requirements
System type
Resistance
Materials
Energy performance
Water management
Compliance
Testing

Performance

Performance requirements are all about the capacity of the system to withstand wind loads, building movements, water leakage and air infiltration. These will contribute to the longevity as well as the performance of the glazing system.

System type

Glazing systems come in two main types: unitised and stick-built. Unitised systems are pre-assembled and often used in fast-track projects. Stick-built systems, by contrast, come in parts that need to be assembled on-site. The choice between unitised and stick-built systems will depend on the nature of the project.

Most glazing system vendors will provide a choice of glazing, frame finishes and frame types. These will all need to be considered when specifying a curtain wall system, regardless of the setting.

Resistance

Curtain wall glazing systems can be specially manufactured for resistance against bullets, bombs and fire. These requirements should be shared with the manufacturer or supplier who can furnish you with tech specs relating to these specialised functionalities.

Materials

Glazed curtain wall systems need to be sturdy and relatively lightweight. Typically, safety glass is used for the main infills (toughened, laminated or both). The mullions and transoms, meanwhile, are often made of aluminium.

At Wrightstyle, however, we exclusively use steel and glass for our glazing systems. As well as being more durable than aluminium, steel allows for narrower profiles, longer free spans and better performance in specialised applications.

Energy performance

Next up is the energy performance of the glazing system. This will be determined by thermal performance and solar control requirements, for instance those specified by BS 8233.

Water management

Glazing systems must be fitted with drainage systems to deal with water infiltration. Make sure this is taken into consideration when working with a manufacturer or supplier.

Compliance and testing

The final two considerations are related but distinct.

When specifying a curtain wall system, compliance is essential. Your curtain wall system must be compliant with local and national building regulations and standards. This is to protect your reputation as an architect as well as the safety of the people who use the finished building.

The curtain wall system should also be tested for air and water tightness. If you specify blast-resistant , bullet-resistant or fire-resistant glass and glazing systems, these systems need to be specially and comprehensively tested.

Here at Wrightstyle, we carry out these systems in the real world, not via simulations. These real-world tests provide definitive data that a simulation wouldn't capture.

When are curtain walls specified in building projects?

Curtain wall glazing systems are most often specified in high-rise and multi-level building projects. This is because they hang on the outside of the building frame, transferring only their own weight and wind loads to the structure. This helps architects achieve the crucial goal of reducing dead load on the main frame.

They're also often used when the architect wishes to maximise natural light and transparency. This could be in pursuit of airy interiors, a sleek and seamless look – familiar to visitors to the world's financial districts – or both.

That sleek modern look is instantly recognisable but diverse. Options available to architects include integrated panels, vertical or sloped glazing and a wide range of colour choices.

Finally, curtain walls are often specified for fast-track projects, especially in high-density urban areas. Unitised systems make installation quick and easy on-site.

Curtain wall systems with specialist glass

In some settings, architects want the glass in curtain wall glazing systems to be made specially resistant, whether to bullets, bombs or fire.

This is partly a case of specifying specialist glass. However, it's not enough for the glass alone to be fire-rated, blast-resistant or bullet-resistant.

Instead, the whole unit has to be built for purpose. This is why it's essential to communicate your project requirements to a supplier at the beginning of the process, enabling them to point you to the product you need.

What are the architectural benefits of curtain wall systems?

There are many benefits specific to the scope and design of our curtain wall systems. You can find these technical specifications on our website. However, there are broader benefits of curtain walls for architects which contribute to their ubiquity in modern design.

The first is their structural independence. The cladding hangs from the outside of the structure. This allows for continuous, unbroken expanses of glass – a look that's practically a modern classic.

Curtain walls are lightweight. This means they reduce the overall weight of the building's envelope. In the process, architects and project managers can accelerate the speed of construction and spend less on materials.

Finally, a high-quality curtain wall is extremely durable and acts as a strong and impermeable barrier against wind, rain and other weather conditions.

All of these benefits make curtain walls a popular choice in modern building projects.

Founded in 1996, Wrightstyle is a trusted UK curtain walling company and manufacturer of speciality glazing systems. Do you need assistance to navigate the complexities of architectural glazing? We offer step-by-step technical support to help you get it right first time. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our experts .

How bulletproof glass is made: materials, layers and testing

Fri, 08 May 2026 08:09:12 GMT

Bulletproof glass is manufactured differently from standard laminated glass. Learn how it's made and how it's tested.

Remember shatterproof rulers? These staples of school pencil cases had a dark secret: they weren't actually shatterproof.

"Shatterproof", you see, means indestructible – and shatterproof rulers can be shattered if you try hard enough and apply enough force.

The same goes for bulletproof glass, also known as "ballistic-proof glass". Bulletproof glass can stop a bullet from penetrating a glass unit and getting to the other side – but that doesn't mean its glass layers remain intact.

The level of ballistic resistance depends on the protection level of the glass and the frame. This level is determined by the risk that a bullet would present to property and human life.

To take an easy example: who needs a higher level of bullet resistance – the local post office or a military facility? This is partly because of the threat level and partly because of the kinds of firearms that might be used in those two locations.

Here at Wrightstyle, our advanced ballistic systems include both the glass and its frame and offer protection from a range of firearms. In this guide, we explore how ballistic-proof glass is made and how it's tested.

How is bulletproof glass made?

Bulletproof glass – also known as "ballistic-proof glass" and "bullet-resistant glass" – is made by laminating multiple layers of glass with tough and transparent plastic interlayers. These are often made from polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

As well as the PVB interlayer, bulletproof glass typically includes thicker polycarbonate or acrylic layers. These help absorb the energy of the bullet and stop the unit from shattering.

How does bulletproof glass work?

When a bullet is fired at a sheet of ballistic glass, it will penetrate the glass layers. However, the polycarbonate or acrylic substrate sandwiched between the outer sheets of glass absorbs the bullet's kinetic energy and stops it from penetrating the final layer.

For bulletproof glass manufacturers, the key is to balance strength and flexibility. The laminate must be tough, for obvious reasons. But it must also flex enough that it gives the kinetic energy somewhere to go. If the plastic layer were too stiff, it would also crack when hit by a bullet.

Protection against different firearms and projectiles

Bulletproof glass is manufactured to protect against different kinds of ballistic projectiles – from shotguns all the way through to 9mm and .44 magnum handguns.

A petrol station or bank, say, might want to protect against shotguns and handguns. But in other settings, protection is required against rifles with armour-piercing capabilities.

The velocity of the bullet and the type of the bullet affect how far it can penetrate into building components. Bullet velocity is measured in meters per second (m/s). These are the most typical bullet velocities:

Handguns: 300 to 500 m/s
Rifles: 700 to 1,000 m/s
Shotguns: about 600 m/s

Before ballistic-proof glass goes to market, it must be comprehensively tested. The life-saving nature of the product means testing is essential rather than optional.

How is ballistic-proof glass tested?

Here at Wrightstyle, all our glazing systems and specialist glass products are tested in real-world simulations. This means that actual bullets are fired at actual glass.

We undertake ballistic testing in a UKAS-accredited test laboratory. Here, products are tested to the British and European standards DIN EN 1522 (framing) and DIN EN 1063 (glass).

These are the most stringent tests. Products that meet these standards are trusted to provide the highest levels of protection against firearms of all kinds.

A glazing system is more than just glass, however. The whole glazing system has to be bulletproof.

For this reason, we test our range of ballistic steel glazing systems to the following international standards:

CEN 1063 BR1 to BR7
BS5051 G1 to R2ap
STANAG 4569 levels 1 to 3
DIN 52290 levels 1 to 5
UL752-1991
UNE 108-131086 levels 1 to 5

All our manufacturing processes are undertaken to Quality Management System BS EN ISO 9001: 2015. This ensures our manufacturing processes are consistent by way of regular audits.

You can see examples of our live ballistic testing over on our YouTube channel . Here's an example.

What is a ballistic-proof glazing system?

A common misconception is that only the glass in a glazing system needs to be rated. However, the frame also needs to match the specified threat level to ensure a complete engineered solution that protects building users. Together, they comprise a ballistic-proof glazing system.

Our advanced ballistic systems include both specialist glass and a specialist frame. It's designed to serve as a primary system against ballistic attack and to offer protection from a wide range of firearms.

Like all ballistic-proof glazing systems, it's a specialised and multi-layered assembly of bulletproof glass, flexible plastics, interlayers and rated frames.

What we offer

At Wrightstyle, we offer a range of bullet-resistant glazing systems with or without glass and installation.

These include:

Large-span curtain wall systems (the SR series)
Blast-resistant curtain walls (the SG series)
Bulletproof windows, doors and screens in our 60 series – so-called because of its narrow 60mm sightlines

On top of this, we can offer ballistic and fire-rated systems. These include:

The 60F1 series of fire-rated and bulletproof windows, doors and screens
Our fire-rated curtain walls , offering up to 120-minute integrity and insulation fire protection

But we don't just supply glazing systems to our clients. We also provide expert guidance, from specification and estimating to design and structural calculations.

And while our work is highly specialised, we pride ourselves on being able to communicate clearly with all our clients.

Do you need help finding the right product for the job? Please don't hesitate to get in touch with our UK experts for step-by-step technical support and product advice.

Ballistic glass FAQs

Light and glass in modern architecture

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:01:07 GMT

Light and glass go hand in hand. Most building materials have weight and mass, whether concrete, a brick or a length of structural steel. There is, however, one building material that has neither weight nor mass.

The Greeks called it Helios, the Romans Sol and, despite forming over 98% of the solar system, it is technically a Yellow G2 Dwarf, one of over 400 billion other stars in just our small corner of the universe.

Every second it converts about 700 million tons of hydrogen into about 695 million tons of helium and five million tons of energy, generating 386 billion billion mega Watts.

It takes light from the Sun about eight minutes to reach Earth or 1.3 seconds for reflected light to bounce from the Moon, and without it we would be in a cold and dark place.

In terms of building design, the Sun’s generosity was recognized by the 20th century architect Louis Kahn who once remarked, “the sun never knew how great it was until it hit the side of a building.”

Another iconic designer, Le Corbusier, said that “architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.”

It adds up to an architectural philosophy that’s about how we integrate the internal and the external of a building to create structures that bring the outside inside, making best use of ambient light, and creating spaces most conducive for work, rest and play.

Light in Architecture

First Extensive Use of Glass in Buildings

Arguably, that new glass age was heralded by the Great Exhibition of 1851 and Sir Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace, essentially a giant greenhouse with some one million square feet of glass. What made it possible was the recent invention of cast plate glass, a cheap but strong glass type. For the first time, a commercial building of considerable size – over 550 metres long and nearly 40 metres high – had been constructed almost entirely from glass.

Only thirteen years later, Oriel Chambers in Liverpool was completed, recognized by many as the first example of metal-framed curtain walling in the UK. Now Grade 1 Listed, an 1866 article in The Builder was less than complimentary: “The plainest brick warehouse in town is infinitely superior as a building to that large agglomeration of protruding plate-glass bubbles termed Oriel Chambers.” So, it didn’t please everyone.

But Arthur Korn’s new glass age is still with us, as glass and framing systems have continued to evolve, driven by changing perspectives of urbanism and new architectural thinking. Not least, glass has evolved to deal with both threat and opportunity – from the need to make buildings safe from terrorist attack to providing, for example, thermal comfort and improved air quality.

The New Glass Age

Two of the first modern buildings to embrace that philosophy were the UN Building and Lever House in New York, completed in 1952, both of which made extensive use of glass instead of the traditional steel and stone.

A third soon followed: the Seagram Building, also in New York, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Completed in 1958, with a glass façade making the building transparent and reflective, it helped to change the way that designers thought about form and function.

That changed philosophy saw light become a fundamental part of the architectural process, a shift in mainstream design perspective that was earlier championed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930s. Much influenced by Japanese architecture that placed buildings within their wider context, he was one of the first to propose steel and glass construction, arguing that “form and function are one.”

He wasn’t alone. German architect Arthur Korn, wrote in 1929: “Glass is an extraordinary material. It gave us the beauty of medieval stained glass windows. Tightly held between supporting piers they opened a door to allow a glimpse of paradise in luminous colours from the shadow of the grave.

“Nothing has been lost from the richness of those earlier creations, but glass has now been associated with other materials to meet new functions. A new glass age has begun, which is equal in beauty to the old one of Gothic windows.”

Light and Glass Come of Age

Modern glass composites have near-perfect optical quality and can stop a fire for two hours or more, prevent bullets from passing through – and withstand the detonation of a high explosive charge. Glass is, however, merely a go-between – a translucent membrane between an interior space and the world beyond.

What joins the two is a weightless building material that is ever-changing and infinitely more important, giving context and meaning to our surroundings and the buildings in which we live and work.

Shopping Centre Fires

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:57:09 GMT

n a two-part article, Jane Embury, marketing director, looks at shopping centres fire safety.

We don’t often think about fire breaking out in our local shopping centre.

However, let’s remember that in July a fire engulfed a shopping centre in Walthamstow, east London.

And just last month, a serious fire broke out in a shopping centre in Douglas, County Cork.

The fact is that retail fires account for about 10% of “large fire losses.”

Of those, some 20% are in shopping centres. Many are started deliberately.

In a shopping centre, responsibility for fire safety can be complex.

The shopping centre management team will have responsibility for the communal areas.

FRA

But responsibility then passes to individual shops for their own premises.

The law requires that a competent person carries out a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA).

If you employ more than five people, that written FRA must be kept on file.

The FRA is all about identifying risk, and minimising or eliminating those risks.

But it’s also about ensuring the safety of firefighters if there is a fire, and looking at the continuity of the business.

In the UK, there are 42 shopping centres over 70,000 sq metres in size.

The biggest is Westfield in west London at 235,900 sq metres.

Royal Exchange

It’s taken the biggest crown from the Metrocentre in Gateshead, at 192,900 square metres.

(The UK’s first shopping centre was opened in 1660, and surrounded the Royal Exchange. It had 100 kiosks and shops).

Current safety requirements require collaboration between the designers, developers, fire system installers and the centre’s management team based on Building Control Regulations. It’s the reason why UK shopping centres are so safe.

But compare that with a shopping centre fire in Asunción, Paraguay in 2004. In total, 364 people lost their lives.

Underlining how responsibility for fire safety lies not just in the hands of the shopping centre management team, the fire started in an improperly-maintained grill located in the centre’s food court.

Of course, worldwide, the threat from fire is being slowly reduced with stricter building regulations covering both passive and active fire safety measures.

Smoke and fire

That includes everything from better detection systems to catch the fire early to better sprinkler systems to put it out.

The Paraguay fire started with just an ember from a chimney, and that’s how most catastrophic fires begin – often just a dropped cigarette or a spark from faulty wiring.

Fire is spread through three methods: convection, conduction and radiation, of which convection is the most dangerous.

This is when smoke from the fire becomes trapped by the roof, spreading in all directions to form a deepening layer. Smoke, rather than fire, is often the real danger.

Materials such as metal can absorb heat and transmit it to other rooms or shops by conduction, where it can cause new fires to break out.

Radiation transfers heat in the air, until it too sets off secondary fires, spreading the danger away from its original location.

Radiation was the culprit in a 2012 shopping centre in Qatar. where an electrical fire started near a child care centre, going on to trap the children and their teachers.

In total, 13 children died, mostly from smoke inhalation. Four teachers and two firefighters also died.

Fire zones

The fact is that shopping centres can be extremely complex, with potentially large fuel loads and equally large numbers of people.

They can include not just shops. Many shopping centres also have hotels, food courts, cinemas, restaurants, bars and offices.

That’s why compartmentation is so important. It divides the building into discrete fire zones, with retardant materials to limit the spread of fire.

That’s where our internal and external advanced steel systems come in.

They’ve been tested together to US, Asian and European standards. And to furnace temperatures of well over 1000˚c.

That both tests the strength of the glass and its framing system, because if one fails, the whole system fails.

This is the core function of an integrated glass and framing system.

By preventing oxygen from reaching the seat of the fire, it provides an effective barrier against the passage of fire, heat and toxic gas.

This allows people to escape and, by containing the fire, minimises fire damage.

The main lesson from Qatar and Paraguay is that fire can spread with devastating speed. That’s particularly so in a large open space such as a supermarket or shopping centre.

The key is containment, trapping the fire, and allowing people to escape. It’s the reason why our systems can be found in shopping centres around the world.

In the second part of this article, Jane will look at some landmark shopping centre projects that we’ve supplied to.

Photo courtesy of Krisztina Papp on Unsplash

Going ballistic

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:56:05 GMT

Many people think that bullet-proof glass is bullet proof, the answer is yes, but not necessarily.

It depends on the protection level of the frame and the glass.

As always, it comes down to a preliminary threat assessment, to determine the risk to both property and life.

For example, the level of protection required for a government or military building will be higher than the local post office.

When a bullet is fired at a sheet of bullet-resistant glass, it will penetrate the glass layers.

But it’s the interlayer, or interlayers, of polycarbonate and polyurethane, or a mixture of both, sandwiched inside the glass that absorbs the projectile’s energy and prevents it going through.

However, there are many kinds of ballistic projectile – ranging from shotgun, through to 9mm and .44 magnum handguns.

These might be the kind of ballistic threats that a petrol station or retail bank branch might reasonably want to protect against.

But at the other end of the scale are rifle calibres, for example, of 5.56mm or 7.62mm, with armour-piercing capabilities.

The penetration of bullets into building components depends primarily on the bullet velocity and the type of bullet. The typical bullet velocities are:

Handguns 300 to 500 m/s

Rifles 700 to 1,000 m/s

Shotguns about 600 m/s

A common misconception is that only the glass needs to be rated. However, the frame also needs to match the specified threat level to ensure a complete and engineered solution.

Wrightstyle’s advanced ballistic systems, which include both the glass and its frame, are designed as a primary system against ballistic attack, offering protection from a range of firearms.

Ballistic testing has been undertaken by a UKAS Accredited Test Laboratory, to the British and European Standard DIN EN 1522 (framing) and DIN EN 1063 (glass).

Testing to this standard is considered the most stringent and provides the highest level of protection.

In addition, our range of ballistic steel glazing systems combined with glass have been tested to the following international standards: CEN 1063 BR1 TO BR7, BS5051 G1 TO R2ap, STANAG 4569 Level 1 to 3, DIN 52290 Levels 1 to 5, UL752-1991, UNE 108-131086 levels 1 to5.

All our manufacturing processes are undertaken to Quality Management System BS EN ISO 9001: 2015, which ensures that uniformity is consistent by way of regular audits.

We can offer a fully fabricated product with or without glass and installation, along with design and specification advice.

We are able to offer ballistic and fire rated systems as well as ballistic and blast rated assemblies.

A video link can be found here

Main picture: Arran Wright, workshop and training manager, examines a demonstration door that was fired at by a range of calibres, at the ballistic testing centre. It allows us to show customers or visitors the effects of various weapons on both the glass and the door frame.

Remembering the King’s Cross disaster thirty years on

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:34:45 GMT

Wrightstyle supplied fire-rated systems to the iconic King’s Cross redevelopment in London, both to the station itself and surrounding projects. Wrightstyle’s managing director, Tim Kempster, remembers events of 30 years ago.

The term “codifying by disaster” has a long and dishonourable history. It’s the term used to to describe how advances in safety regulations and fire-rated systems often only come about following appalling tragedy.

In a year which has seen the Grenfell Tower disaster, and new regulations will inevitably be brought in, it’s worth remembering a London train station tragedy thirty years ago that claimed the lives of 31 people.

However, what marks the King’s Cross fire as different in scope and scale is that, not only did it lead to better fire safety regulation, it helped us all better understand an unknown dynamic in how a small fire can become a conflagration.

King’s Cross station, completed in 1852 on the site of a former smallpox hospital, is reputedly haunted by the ghost of Queen Boudicca and is the railway station from which, as every Harry Potter fan knows, you catch the train for Hogwarts.

The station handles nearly 50 million station users each year and, inevitably, security is of paramount importance, not least because of the 2005 bombing outrage, which killed 52 people, with the four bombers traveling into King’s Cross before carrying out their murderous attacks. Although it remains the worst terrorist attack in London, it wasn’t the first at the station. In 1973, a Provisional IRA bomb also detonated in King’s Cross’s booking hall, injuring six people, several seriously.

Grease and rubbish

Appalling as those incidents were, it was a major fire at the station in November 1987 which has had arguably the greater influence on public safety. Started most probably by a discarded match, despite smoking having been banned in the Underground two years earlier, the source of the fire was an escalator shaft dating back to before World War II.

Trench effect

That theory is called the trench effect, and involved hot gases in the buoyant plume to lie along the escalator surface, creating a rapid airflow that caused the gases to move up the escalator, increasing in proportion to the size of the fire, and eventually creating an effect much like a flamethrower, sending flames shooting upwards into the ticket hall.

The computer modeling of the “fluid flow” of the fire helped to substantially advance the science of fire dynamics, using computational simulation to look at how fires behave, with an emphasis on smoke and heat movement from their source.

The subsequent Fennell Investigation into the fire prompted the replacement of all wooden escalators on the Underground, the installation of automatic sprinklers and heat detectors in escalators, mandatory fire safety training for all station staff twice a year, and improvements in emergency services liaison.

Fire training and fire-rated systems

The King’s Cross fire, and the impact of computer modeling, has helped inform fire training since and also influenced how companies such as Wrightstyle, which has been significantly involved in complex transportation projects, design the steel and glass fire-rated systems that mitigate against threats caused by fire.

Platform 9 3/4 and fire-rated systems

In supplying glazed components to the frontage of the new King’s Cross, as well as a safe evacuation route from the main administrative areas, we have brought a wealth of experience and expertise from other UK transport infrastructure projects, as well as overseas contracts in Hong Kong and Dubai. Our advice to specifiers, based on extensive fire and bomb testing, is simple: always specify the glass and steel components as one integrated and tested assembly.

King’s Cross has had to learn painful lessons from its past, to build a facility offering the safest possible transit for its millions of customers every year. The lessons learned have also been applied in cities across the world.

Boudicca, queen of the Iceni who led a revolt against the Romans, is reputedly buried under platforms 8, 9 or 10. It’s possible that the Battle of Watling Street, at which she was finally defeated, took place where the station now stands. Her ghost is said to haunt some of the underground passages. It’s also a place of pilgrimage for budding wizards, with Network Rail designating a Platform 9¾ with a luggage trolley half buried into the wall. The bad news is that rail services only go as far as Scotland.

It was partially built from flammable wood and the running track of the escalator had not been cleaned since the 1940s and was covered in grease and filled with rubbish.

However, the importance of the tragedy in the evolving story of fire safety is that its severity was initially inexplicable. There was a lack of visible flames, and the firemen first on the scene – who had attended other similar fires – believed that it posed little threat. Indeed, fire-fighters later described it as being about the size and intensity of a campfire.

Amid the complacency, the situation rapidly became worse, with the fire appearing to flash over and fill the ticket hall with flames and smoke. Far from now being a campfire, fire-fighters trying to re-enter the ticket hall described conditions as similar to climbing into a volcano.

It was later shown that a combination of wind movements caused by underground trains arriving and leaving created a 12mph wind in a “piston effect”, pushing air from the tunnels upwards and adding to the speed of the fire spreading. However, it took groundbreaking computer modeling and fire simulation, then in its infancy, to promote a new theory of fire development within inclined shafts.

Bradford City Fire Disaster

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:24:25 GMT

Wrightstyle’s Technical Director, Lee Coates, takes a deeper look at the Bradford City fire (at the football stadium) and the consequences.

This May will mark the 30th anniversary of one of the UK’s worst fire disasters, when 56 people died at Bradford City’s football stadium. Over 250 other supporters from both Bradford City and Lincoln City were injured, many seriously. There will be a service of civic remembrance, as well as other memorials – including at Bradford’s last home game of the season at Valley Parade against Barnsley on April 25th. Funds raised will go to the University of Bradford Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU). The memorials and fund-raising efforts are supported by The Football Association, The Premier League and the Football League. A minute’s silence will also be observed at football grounds across the country.

The fire was most likely caused by a dropped cigarette or match falling into a void area beneath one of the ground’s stands, and soon engulfed the whole structure, including the roof. Worse, people had to break down locked exits to escape.

New safety legislation – sports grounds

The subsequent Popplewell Report introduced new safety legislation for sports grounds across the country. While welcome, such reports have sometimes been called “codifying by catastrophe” – how fire and other safety regulations have often come about because of tragedy. In stadium design, the most awful example remains the UK’s worst football disaster, which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans in 1989 – because of crush injury. The subsequent Taylor Report led to radical change, and the much safer stadiums we see today – including the elimination of standing-only terraces. As a mark of respect and remembrance for those who lost their lives as a result of the Hillsborough stadium disaster, all FA Cup, Premier League, Football League and Football Conference matches taking place on the weekend of 11-14 April will kick-off seven minutes later than originally scheduled.

Other stadium disasters

However, the real tragedy is that radical change hadn’t been enacted sooner – for example, following the Ibrox Stadium disaster in 1971, when 66 Glasgow Rangers fans were killed and over 200 injured in a crush on a stairway. The principal legislation relating to fire in major stadiums is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Under it, the club must plan, organise, control, monitor and review the necessary preventive and protective measures and record these arrangements in writing. In Scotland, the regulations are the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, as amended, and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006. UEFA also offers guidance, making clear that “major lessons have been learned from the fire-related stadium disasters of the past.” They insist upon active measures such as extinguishers and sprinkler systems and passive measures such as fire sectorisation and fire doors.

Passive measures

It’s those passive measures that we specialize in at Wrightstyle. We supplied elements to both the London Olympic main stadium and the adjacent ArcelorMittal Orbit, the 115 metre high observation tower. We have also supplied to the Athens Olympics, the Asian Games and FIFA – and, closer to home, to the national FA facility at St George’s Park in Staffordshire.

Nowadays, major stadiums have crowd safety as their first design prerequisite; from entrances and exits that can cope with large numbers of patrons, to major incident plans (MIPs) to deal with any eventuality. Not least, modern stadiums are built with lots of concrete, steel and fire-rated glass to minimise the risks posed by fire.

In many instances, it has been our ability to demonstrate independent testing against both fire and smoke that has proved a decisive factor, underlining the highly-specialist nature and international context of the steel glazing market. As we constantly point out, the main lesson for designers is not simply to build in passive and active fire systems, but to look at the whole stadium or building’s capacity to withstand a fire. For the glazed components, that should mean analysing the level of containment the glass will provide and its compatibility with its framing systems.

Fire – containment

Those levels of containment are absolutely vital in a stadium, with very large numbers of people in a restricted area and who, in the event of a fire, may not always follow proper evacuation procedures. Evacuation models, based on engineering and computational tools, don’t necessarily reflect the variable nature of human reaction. For example, if a family or group member is away from their seat when an alarm sounds – perhaps buying food on a concourse – they will often go back to their seat to find others in their party before making any decision to evacuate. It adds up to a delayed flight time that the stadium’s design and evacuation procedures must address. In buildings research, as much as two-thirds of the time it takes people to exit a building after an alarm is start-up time – time wasted in looking for more information, or not taking the alarm seriously.

Stadia do, of course, have the advantage of having PA systems and a scoreboard on which information can be posted. However, human psychology is also at work, and the passive fire measures employed in the stadium’s design must also factor in a delayed evacuation response.

That’s why modern steel glazing systems are so important, either for the exterior envelope of the stadium or for internal screens and fire doors. With advanced glazing systems able to provide up to 120 minutes of protection against the spread of fire, smoke or toxic gases, they have become an integral part of modern stadium design, giving people more than enough time to evacuate and protecting escape routes along the way.

Stadium design has come a long way in the past few decades, driven by new regulations to deliver a new generation of safer stadiums. But it’s also a tragedy that it’s taken catastrophe to make it happen, particularly for those caught up in the Bradford disaster 30 years ago.

Glazing system knowledge hub

What is thermal bridging in curtain walling?

Thermal bridging in curtain walling can lead to heat loss. Discover the key measures we take to avoid it.

The importance of conduction in understanding thermal bridging

What are the key causes of thermal bridging in curtain walling?

Mild carbon steel has a thermal conductivity of around 50 W/mK, while stainless steel performs better with a thermal conductivity of around 14-16 W/mK. This makes it an ideal choice of material for a curtain wall glazing system.

What are the impacts of thermal bridging?

How can thermal bridging be prevented?

Where else is thermal bridging found in construction?

What else affects the thermal efficiency of a curtain wall?

Glazing systems and weather resistance: designing for climate

Weather resistance is an important part of any glazing system. Learn how manufacturers design for wind, rain, snow and worse.

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Sealing and bonding

Moisture control and drainage

Material selection

Structural integrity

Special types of glazing

Weather-resistant glazing systems from Wrightstyle

Glazed roofing systems: what do you need to specify?

Does your building project involve a roofed glazing system? Explore essential specifications and considerations.

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What are the different kinds of roofed glazing systems?

What do you need to specify when ordering a glazed roofing system?

1. The type of glass

2. The structure and framing

3. Drainage and watertightness

4. Design

5. Compliance

6. Extra protections

7. Supply options

The key types of curtain wall systems

Curtain wall systems differ in functions, materials and assembly methods. Explore the applications and differences of various curtain wall types.

Assembly types

Stick-built systems

Unitised systems

Semi-unitised systems

Assembly options from Wrightstyle

Infill materials

Infill options from Wrightstyle

High-security curtain walls

Blast-resistant curtain walls

Bullet-resistant curtain walls

Fire-resistant curtain walls

How to choose a curtain wall system

Curtain wall vs facade: what's the difference?

Curtain walls and facades are similar but distinct architectural features. Explore the key differences in our glazing system guide.

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How to tell a curtain wall from a facade

1. Can it bear loads?

2. What's it made of?

3. Where is it attached?

4. What does it look like?

5. What's it used for?

What is a hybrid facade?

What's the difference between a facade and cladding?

How we can help

Conclusion

Glazing explained: storefront vs curtain wall vs window wall

Glazing jargon can be complicated. Learn the most important differences between a curtain wall, a storefront and a window wall.

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What is a glazed storefront?

What is a curtain wall?

What is a window wall?

What glass is used for curtain walls, storefronts and window walls?

Steel vs aluminium glazing systems: pros, cons and differences

Is steel or aluminium best for a glazing system? Explore the pros, cons and differences in our guide.

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What are the pros and cons of an aluminium glazing system?

Advantages

Disadvantages

What are the pros and cons of steel glazing systems?

Advantages

Disadvantages

What are the differences between aluminium and steel glazing systems?

1. Strength

2. Cost

3. Maintenance

4. Aesthetics

5. Thermal performance

Ballistic glass FAQs