Storefront
Storefront is commonly used at lower-rise, protected openings and retail entrances. It uses simpler framing and drainage strategies with system-specific height and exposure limits.
Curtain wall
Curtain wall is developed for exterior envelope performance across larger spans and multi-story applications, with pressure-equalized drainage and more substantial anchorage.
Do not select by appearance alone
Both can create similar-looking grids. Height, exposure, pressure, water path, structural span, glass support and interface details determine suitability.
Coordinate transitions
Entrances, canopies, parapets, corners, slab edges, roofs and adjacent wall systems need explicit transition details.
Turn the guide into a real opening schedule.
Keep every dimension, option, pressure, document, and delivery note connected to the same opening ID.
Start the configurationQuestions about this topic
Can storefront be used above the first floor?
Only when the exact system, exposure, span, drainage and project requirements support it. Location alone does not establish suitability.