Both systems can deliver a beautiful, hurricane-approved glass facade. The right choice depends on building height, repetition, site access and schedule. Here is how our engineers frame the decision with developers and general contractors.
The basic difference
A unitized curtain wall is built in the factory as complete, glazed panels, typically about 5 ft wide and one floor high, that are hung on slab-edge anchors. A stick-built curtain wall is assembled on site: mullions first, then transoms, then glass.
When unitized makes sense
Unitized systems shine on towers with repetitive floors. Glazing and sealing happen indoors, so quality control is high and the building closes in floor by floor, often while interior trades are already working below.
- High-rise condominiums, hotels and office towers
- Tight schedules where dry-in date drives the program
- Sites where scaffolding along the facade is impractical
When stick-built makes sense
Stick systems are the flexible option. They adapt to podiums, lobbies, varying bay widths and one-off geometry without new unit tooling, and they often cost less on low and mid-rise buildings.
- Low and mid-rise buildings
- Podium levels and ground-floor lobbies
- Facades that change from bay to bay
Cost drivers that matter more than the system name
Repetition, glass make-up, design pressure, finishes and logistics usually drive cost more than the system type alone. A unitized tower with five unit types is very different from one with fifty.
Hurricane performance
Both unitized and stick systems are available with Miami-Dade NOA approvals for the HVHZ. What matters is that the selected system, glass and anchorage are approved for the sizes and pressures on your elevations.
How we help you decide
At bid stage we review the drawings, test both options against the schedule and budget, and propose the system that protects the program. Where it helps, we price alternates so the decision is made on numbers, not assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
Is unitized curtain wall more expensive?
Per square foot it can be, but on towers the faster close-in and reduced site labor often offset the difference. On lower buildings, stick-built is usually more economical.
Can we mix unitized and stick systems?
Yes. Many towers use unitized above the podium and stick or storefront systems at the base, detailed so the transitions stay watertight.
Code references are summarized for orientation. Final requirements are confirmed by the engineer of record and the building department for each project.