“Storefront” and “curtain wall” are often used casually to describe large commercial glass façades.
Technically, they are different systems with different performance ranges and detailing.
For a Florida project, the choice should be based on the building, opening, wind loads, water exposure and approved system—not simply on appearance.
What is storefront?
Storefront is commonly used for lower-rise commercial glazing and entrances.
Typical applications include:
- Retail bays
- Office entrances
- Restaurants
- Interior mall fronts
- Smaller exterior openings
Impact-rated storefront systems are available for Florida and HVHZ projects.
What is curtain wall?
Curtain wall is a non-load-bearing exterior façade system designed to span larger areas and transfer environmental loads back to the building structure.
It is commonly used for:
- Multi-story façades
- Larger spans
- Higher wind loads
- Window-wall/curtain-wall applications
- More demanding water-management conditions
Current Florida approvals include impact curtain-wall systems for HVHZ and non-HVHZ applications.
Are storefront and curtain wall interchangeable?
No.
They can differ in:
- Member depth
- Structural span
- Pressure capacity
- Water management
- Drainage
- Mullion reinforcement
- Anchor design
- Glass bite
- Expansion/movement accommodation
- Maximum system dimensions
A storefront detail should not be substituted for a curtain-wall design because the profiles look similar.
What does the Florida approval tell you?
A current product approval can identify:
- Impact classification
- HVHZ use
- Design pressure
- Maximum spans
- Mullion sizes
- Anchoring
- Glass
- Installation drawings
- Limits of use
Recent 2026 Florida records include both approved impact curtain-wall systems and impact storefront systems.
What about water performance?
Commercial façades need to manage water as well as wind.
The selected system should be evaluated for:
- Exterior drainage
- Weep paths
- Sealants
- Gaskets
- Sill conditions
- Perimeter flashing
- Interface with adjacent walls
A structurally strong façade can still have water problems if the system or transitions are poorly detailed.
Does impact glass alone make the system impact rated?
No.
The glass, framing, anchors and complete tested/evaluated system matter.
Installing laminated impact glass into an unapproved storefront frame does not automatically create an approved hurricane system.
When should an engineer be involved?
Commercial façade projects often require project-specific engineering for loads, anchorage and interfaces.
The product approval provides limits of use; the design professional determines how the system fits the actual building.
What should owners compare?
Ask for:
- System manufacturer and model
- Storefront vs curtain-wall designation
- Florida Product Approval or NOA
- Impact classification
- HVHZ status
- Required and allowable design pressure
- Maximum spans
- Glass makeup
- Anchor details
- Water-management details
For broader planning, see our commercial glass storefront guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is curtain wall always stronger than storefront?
Not as a universal rule. Compare the exact approved systems and project requirements.
Can storefront be impact rated?
Yes. Florida Product Approval records include impact-rated storefront systems.
Can curtain wall be used in HVHZ?
Approved HVHZ impact curtain-wall systems exist.
Is laminated glass enough for an impact façade?
No. The complete framing and glass assembly must match an approved or engineered system.
Authoritative sources
- Florida Product Approval FL20396 — Impact Curtain Wall
- Florida Product Approval FL27401 — Impact Curtain Wall
- Florida Product Approval FL46133 — Impact Storefront
- Florida Product Approval FL43785 — Impact Storefront
The bottom line
Storefront and curtain wall are different façade systems. Choose the one that fits the building’s span, pressure, water and impact requirements.
Explore AA Glass & Windows’ commercial impact glass service or request a free estimate to discuss your project.
