Cladding and Curtainwall

Cladding

A cladding is a layer of facade material added to an existing wall to improve the visual appeal, performance, serviceability, and maintainability of the facade.

Modern claddings usually incorporate the inclusion of an internal drainage – rainscreen (cavity) wall – Item 3 of the figure below:

Curtain Walling

A curtain wall is an external thin wall (usually aluminum-framed, containing in-fills of glass, metal, or stone panels), installed over an empty space.

Common Anomalies related to Cladding and Curtain Walling

Material Failure

Curtainwall System Failure

Cladding System Failure

 

See also Facade in the Material Manual