20 October 2026
Blog
Glazing solutions for curtain walls: making the right choice for your project
A curtain wall is more than an aesthetic building envelope. It plays a major role in a building’s performance, comfort, and identity. And glazing is the key component. Glazing comes in a range of options – clear, tinted, low-emissivity, sound-dampening – and each with its own benefits. Here’s a practical guide to help you choose the best glazing solution for your project.
Clear glazing: an emphasis on natural light
If you want to ensure natural light floods indoor spaces while ensuring visual clarity, clear glazing might be the option for you. It elevates living spaces while maintaining a visual connection between the occupants and the outdoors. It’s an ideal solution for commercial and institutional buildings as well as other spaces where the focus is on providing bright, open spaces. On the other hand, it offers minimal solar shading. As a result, additional measures may be needed to prevent glare and regulate indoor temperatures.
Tinted glazing: comfort and solar control
Tinted glazing is a popular choice for reducing glare and solar heat. It comes in a variety of colours to create a unique visual signature that makes a building stand out. It’s an effective choice for façades exposed to the sun and projects where thermal performance is a major challenge. Keep in mind that darker tints limit how much natural light enters the space. This in turn may impact how bright the indoor spaces are.
Low-emissivity glazing: thermal efficiency and energy performance
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glazing is now a staple in modern projects. It uses a thin metal coating to limit heat loss in the winter and thermal gain in the summer. The result is greater energy efficiency and enhanced comfort for occupants. All without compromising on the amount of natural light let in. In fact, it’s the most popular option for meeting energy requirements in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada.
Acoustic glazing: an oasis of calm in an urban setting
Acoustic glazing can make all the difference in noisy environments. Because it’s designed to block noises coming from the outside, it significantly enhances indoor comfort. It’s especially suited to buildings near high-traffic roadways, in downtown areas, or in industrial zones. While it requires an additional investment, it has a profound positive impact on the quality of life of occupants.
A tailored choice
In reality, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right glazing for a curtain wall depends on myriad factors: exposure to sun, how the building will be used, energy requirements, acoustic constraints, and visual objectives. At Epsylon, we offer bespoke solutions thanks to our tailored approach. We’ll make sure your project’s glass façades are at the crossroads of performance, sustainability, and design.