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Curtain Walls and Storefronts with StonePly Cladding
Overview: How StonePly works with curtain walls
Since the weight of the StonePly stone panels is about the same as 3/8” glass, it is easily able to work with most major curtain wall manufacturers systems. Our curtain wall specialists work closely with architects, owners, contractors and sub-contractors to ensure a good working relationship that leads to quality, attractive, functional and durable building cladding.
Vertical curtain wall section, StonePly attachment with structural silicone
Horizontal section through standard curtain wall system with StonePly panels
Features and Benefits
- Similar weight to glass
- Thin enough to work with most curtain wall manufacturers systems
- Available in large panels
Custom curtain wall cladding solutions
StonePly provides custom design, shop drawings, structural engineering, product testing, project management, finishing, fabricating, and supply of stone cladding for curtain wall systems. From stonequarry block to finished building, we offer one source responsibility throughout all the steps.
Thousands of stone cladding choices in:
- Granite curtain wall
- Marble curtain wall
- Travertine curtain wall
- Limestone curtain wall
Curtain wall design loads and the StonePly advantage:
Dead load.
With a low weight compared to thick stone slabs, StonePly reduces the dead load on the curtain wall structure. Weighing just 3.5 lbs. per square foot, about the same as 3/8" glass, StonePly greatly reduces the gravity load on the curtain wall assembly compared to common stone cladding.
Wind load
StonePly is tested up to a 200psf wind pressure! Large missile testing has proven its ability to survive hurricane force winds and wind blown debris that normal stone cladding cannot.
Seismic Load
Lightweight StonePly panels offer a resilient, flexible and inherently safer cladding material than common stone cladding.
Blast Load
Accidental explosions and terrorist threats have brought on increased concern for the fragility of a curtain wall system in relation to blast loads. The curtain wall is the protective envelope of the building; it becomes the first line of defense in a bomb blast. Currently, all new federal buildings in the U.S., and all U.S. Embassies built on foreign soil, must have some provision for resistance to bomb blasts. StonePly panels have been tested and survived large missile impact testing. In addition, StonePly can be designed to stop a bullet. The inherent ductile nature of the StonePly panel allows the panels to deform and absorb the blast energy, without shattering.
Infiltration
StonePly curtain wall panels do not allow water through. No natural building stones are 100% air and water tight. While some like granite require hours of soaking rains to allow moisture to penetrate, others like travertine will allow moisture to practically flow through them like a sponge. StonePly panels are different. With a continuous barrier of aluminum, StonePly does not allow moisture or air to pass through the stone cladding panel.
Deflection
Due to its rigid nature, thick building stone panels are not able to flex the same way as aluminum. This causes difficulties in stone curtain wall design and detailing. Unlike thick stone cladding, StonePly is ductile and flexible. It can sway and move with the curtain wall without cracking.
Thermal Insulation
StonePly is thinner than common stone curtain wall cladding. This allows the use of more insulation in the curtain wall and translates into real energy savings.
Fire Safety
StonePly has an ASTM E-84 Flame spread index of 5 and a smoke contribution of 5. The "smoke contribution" is primarily water vapor and can vary by stone type. This gives StonePly a Class A per the NFPA standard or Class 1 per the UBC standard. Unlike solid stone cladding, where the stone panels can shatter and break from the heat of an intense fire, StonePly’s lighter weight and aluminum reinforcing limits the danger to firefighters that common stone curtain wall panels can present.
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