Curtain wall is described as which?

• A. Nonload-bearing exterior wall attached to the outside of a building with a rigid steel frame. Usually the front exterior wall of a building intended to provide an appearance
• B. A load-bearing exterior wall
• C. An interior partition
• D. A roof membrane

Answer: (A)

Curtain walls are built as a nonload-bearing exterior façade that hangs from the building’s structural framework, usually a rigid steel frame. Their main job is to provide weather protection and the building’s appearance, while the actual structural loads—floors and roof—are carried by the frame itself. Because they don’t support the building, curtain walls can be lighter and more flexible than traditional exterior walls. This distinguishes them from a load-bearing exterior wall, which carries structural loads; from an interior partition, which is inside the building; and from a roof membrane, which sits on top of the structure to keep water out. Curtain walls form the building envelope and are typically made of panels like glass or metal, giving a light, modern look while protecting the interior.