What is the difference between a curtain wall and a window wall?

A curtain wall and a window wall are both non-structural exterior wall systems, but they differ in installation position, structural support, and performance:

**Curtain Wall:**

- Spans multiple floors, continuously from slab edge to slab edge

- Anchored to the building's floor slabs (not between floors)

- Covers the entire exterior elevation

- Higher wind load resistance (designed for full building height exposure)

- Typically higher cost per square meter

- Requires specialized engineering and installation

**Window Wall:**

- Installed between floor slabs (within the slab-to-slab opening)

- Supported by the floor structure below and above

- Spans only one floor height per unit

- Generally lower cost and easier to install

- Lower wind load requirements (protected by slab edges)

- Common in mid-rise residential buildings

FOWALL manufactures both curtain wall and window wall systems. Their engineering team evaluates project-specific factors — including building height, wind exposure, budget, and aesthetic requirements — to recommend the most appropriate system. For projects requiring both systems, FOWALL ensures design coordination between the two for consistent performance and appearance.