Curtain Wall Spandrel Panels: Definition, Uses & Key Considerations

While onlookers might only see an impressive glass wall when gazing up at high-rises, a lot happens behind the glass. Curtain wall systems are made up of key structural components that keep them together. Of these, spandrel panels are one of the most critical elements that help maintain the stunning visual continuity curtain wall systems are known for. 

So let’s take a look at what spandrel panels are all about in today’s blog. HaloGlass, a supplier of premium aluminum curtain wall systems in Toronto, will walk you through what spandrel panels are, their purpose, and factors to consider before specifying them for your next project. 

What Are Spandrel Panels In Curtain Walls?

Spandrel panels are opaque sections of a curtain wall system installed between its vision glass to hide the building’s structural and mechanical components while maintaining exterior visual consistency. They are placed horizontally across each floor of a building, meeting the window sill of the floor above while connecting with the vision glass of the floor below. Their construction and performance requirements are entirely different from vision glass, which allows uninterrupted views. 

What Are Spandrel Panels Made Of? 

Spandrel panels are typically found in three major materials, including: 

• Glass: This is the most commonly used spandrel panel material. Opaque glasses with painted backs or ceramic frits conceal interior components while looking identical to vision glasses from the outside. They may feature an insulated cavity and are likely to be double-glazed. 
• Aluminum Composite Panels: Featuring a pair of bonded aluminum skins with an FR polyethylene or mineral core, aluminum panels are the strongest of the lot. They are lightweight too and can be anodized or powder coated to match the colors of any exterior. 
• Terracotta, Stone or Others: Although naturally heavy, terracotta or stone spandrels are highly durable. They also have a high thermal mass and can be used to create luxurious facades in custom properties. 

Why are Spandrel Panels Used In Curtain Wall Systems? 

Sprandel panels serve a number of useful functions in curtain walls and modern building facades. Primary of them include: 

• Concealing structural elements 

Sprandel panels keep floor slabs, beams, and electrical, mechanical, and plumbing runs hidden, preventing them ruining the aesthetics of a building’s facade.

• Maintaining facade continuity 

Thoughtfully designed facades are a staple of modern high-rises. Spandrel panels with their color-coordinated finishing maintain the reflectivity and visual consistency of glazed elevations, creating an impressively uniform facade. 

• Supporting thermal and fire-safety design 

Spandrel panels can be used to house fire-rated insulation materials. However, they need to be specified to do so in advance. They can also keep slade-edge heat bridging in check, thus protecting the most vulnerable thermal point in the entire facade system. 

Key Factors To Consider When Specifying Curtain Wall Spandrel Panels 

An essential part of any curtain wall system, spandrel panels need to be specified carefully due to the larger structural purpose they serve. Careful coordination ensures they do their job of concealment well. 

• Visual consistency: If working with glass, ensure the color and the reflectivity of spandrel panels matches that of the vision glass. Aluminum, terracotta or stone panels should be in coordinated colors. 
• Thermal insulation: The final assembly’s opaque areas should be backed by proper insulation for optimized comfort. 
• Moisture management: Finished panels must come with appropriate detailing to prevent water infiltration and reduce condensation risks. 
• Fire containment: Perimeter protection and floor-edge fire-stopping mechanisms must be coordinated with the curtain wall and spandrel panel design for occupant safety. 
• Installation coordination: Verifying panel dimensions, slab edges, adjacent facade components and fixture details ensures the entire assembly remains stable, strong and aligned after installation. 

Conclusion

Spandrel panels might do most of their work in the background, but the way they look in the foreground matters just as much. They simply serve a dual purpose, juggling between functionality and aesthetics to contribute to the energy performance and structural integrity of a curtain wall system, and consequently of the building facade as well. Specifying them right ensures they deliver dependable performance throughout their lifespan. 

HaloGlass provides complete custom curtain wall assemblies tailored to the design and functional demands of Ontario high-rises. Contact us to get expert assistance on spandrel and curtain wall selection along with access to high-quality aluminum facades.