Engineering specifications for hurricane-rated window wall and curtain wall systems. Design pressures from +/-60 to +/-100 PSF for high-rise applications in Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone.
Understanding the differences between high-rise glazing systems for HVHZ applications.
Installed between floor slabs, window wall systems bear on the structure at each level. Ideal for residential high-rise and mixed-use buildings.
Hung from structure and spanning multiple floors for a continuous glass facade. Preferred for commercial high-rise and signature buildings.
Wind pressures increase significantly with building height in HVHZ.
HVHZ specifications by system type and application.
Different installation methods for high-rise glazing systems.
Factory-assembled panels installed as complete units. Fastest installation with best quality control.
Field-assembled from individual components. More flexible for complex geometry.
Combination approach with pre-assembled subunits assembled on site.
Answers to frequently asked questions about window wall systems in Broward County.
Window wall systems are installed between floor slabs and bear on the building structure at each floor. Curtain wall systems hang from the building structure and span multiple floors, creating a continuous facade not interrupted by floor slabs.
High-rise window wall systems in Broward County HVHZ require +/-70 to +/-85 PSF for field areas, increasing to +/-90 to +/-100 PSF for corner zones. Pressures increase with building height and exposure category.
Yes, unitized curtain wall systems with Miami-Dade NOA approval are commonly used in Broward HVHZ for high-rise applications. These factory-assembled units provide consistent quality and faster installation.
Window wall in HVHZ typically requires laminated glass minimum 9/16" thick for residential high-rise and 5/8" or greater for commercial applications. Glass makeup must include 0.090" PVB or SGP interlayer for large missile impact compliance.