The unitized curtain wall system is known as a highly efficient and precise method of facade construction. And they are actually the pre-assembled panels installed directly onto the building structure. To ensure safety, durability and a flawless appearance, it’s essential to strictly follow the standardized workflow in the unitized curtain wall installation.
The following is a guide about the entire process of unitized curtain wall installation including: initial layout and bracket fixing, panel hoisting, sunshade assembly, and final cleaning. Besides, we also make the key procedures, safety measures, and quality control checkpoints clear.
1
▶ Pre-calculate the finished dimensions of each unitized panel. So that it can avoid oversized gaps that could lead to water leakage or irreparable issues.
▶ Use the building’s floor centerline as the referenceand lay out panels symmetrically from the center towards both sides to minimize errors.
▶ Identify the center point of each façade and use a tape measure to divide the layout. Calculate and confirm the finished panel dimensions.
▶ At the rooftop corners, fix angle irons and mark the finished positions. Ensure that angle irons are fixed at all four corners.
▶ Use a plumb bob weighing over 2 kg. Cut a small groove at the angle iron marks to hold the steel wire securely. This step is to ensuretrue vertical alignment.
▶ After tightening the steel wire, verify that the top and bottom measurements match to confirm vertical accuracy without deviation.
2
▶ Use the center point of the façade as the reference and divide equally to both sides. Calculate the overall panel layout at once instead of segment by segment to reduce cumulative errors.
▶ Stretch a flat control line to mark the horizontal position of brackets. Place each bracket according to the layout and mark the drilling points.
▶ Operate in teams of three: one marks the points, one drills, and one cleans holes and installs threaded rods.
▶ If rebar is encountered while drilling, adjust the hole position slightly. If unavoidable, add extra bolts for reinforcement as necessary.
▶ Clean the holes thoroughly before injecting chemical anchoring adhesive. Then insert the threaded rods and secure the brackets firmly. Also, ensure all rods are tightly fixed.
3
▶ Confirm the delivery time, quantity, and panel types in advance. Arrange forklifts and cranes. Also importantly, choose a spacious, safe, and easily accessible unloading area.
▶ Inspect the container for any damage to racks. And document any issues with photos.
▶ Use forklifts with extended forks for unloading. Secure the racks properly to prevent tipping.
▶ Maintain a safe distance between workers during unloading.
▶ After unloading, sort and store panels onto custom-made racks by floor level.
▶ Build unloading platforms at the floor edges. The platforms should be raised and reinforced to ensure safe panel hoisting.
4
▶ Workers must wear helmets, safety harnesses, and fasten themselves to secured safety ropes. Install warning barricades at ground level to protect pedestrians.
▶ Remove protective films, inspect waterproof gaskets, and fix the brackets securely.
▶ Use lifting equipment to hoist panels into position. Then check for level and plumb, adjust screws as needed, and apply sealant after fixing.
▶ After the first row is installed, align the second row panels about 5 cm above the first row before placement.
▶ Insert sealing strips, adjust the joint gaps, and then fix panels securely.
▶ Insert connection aluminum profiles into the side grooves of adjoining panels.
▶ Adjust the alignment of left and right panels before fixing and sealing the joints.
▶ Every three floors, recheck horizontal and vertical alignments. In addition, make adjustments as necessary to maintain a neat and uniform overall appearance.
5
5.1 After panel installation, fix fireproof boards underneath each floor slab using cement nails or expansion bolts.
5.2 The fireproof boards must be installed level with the slab underside.
5.3 Fill gaps completely with fire-resistant rock wool, then cover with surface fire boards.
5.4 Create openings at panel bracket locations and seal them with galvanized steel sheets.
6
▶ During unitized panel installation, reserve openings for sunshade brackets.
▶ Ensure the suspended platform clearance exceeds the finished surface of the sunshade panels.
▶ After fixing Z-shaped clamps, secure square aluminum tubes.
▶ Install tubes sequentially from top to bottom to prevent damaging lower tubes.
▶ Fix the sunshade panels in order.
▶ Reinforce each sunshade panel with connecting clips.
▶ Use wooden padding and a mallet to gently install the final panel sections.
▶ Seal the tops and bottoms with aluminum composite panels.
▶ Apply sealant and fix them securely to ensure a watertight finish.
7
▶ Remove protective films and wipe down all interior surfaces with scrapers and cloths.
▶ Clean the exterior from top to bottom, remove sunshade films, and wash glass panels.
▶ Check gasket seals.
▶ Reinstall any loose ones. And use a small amount of silicone if necessary.
▶ Lower cradles to the ground daily and tension the cables slightly. It is to prevent swaying in high winds.
Finally
Upon completion of all the above steps, the project is ready for final inspection and acceptance.
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