Fire-Rated Glazing Systems
Whether curtain walls, glass & glazing window and door systems, McGrath manages specialized glass and steel framing of fire-rated systems to compartmentalize smoke, flames and heat to facilitate safe egress from pre-con to full installation on the project site.
Structural Glass Systems
McGrath collaborates on the design, project manages and installs structural glass systems with strategic partners engineering and fabrication teams.
Double-Skin Systems
Sophisticated, energy-focused projects are increasing utilizing Double Skin Curtain Wall Systems to achieve strong energy-efficiency goals. McGrath includes these systems in scope and works closely with the 3rd party engineering and fabrication teams for Buffer Systems, Extract Air Systems or Twin Face Systems for these performance facades.
Point Supported Systems
McGrath collaborates, assembles, project manages, and installs, specified Point-Supported Glass Systems on various projects. These systems are high-transparency architectural facades that use stainless steel fittings (spiders, rotules) to hold glass panels, eliminating the need for conventional, thick vertical and horizontal frames.
Asymmetrical/Custom Glass Systems
Asymmetrical and custom glass systems are increasingly driven by parametric design, allow for unique, geometrically complex panels that are mathematically optimized for performance, such as self shading to reduce heat gain. McGrath works closely with the architects, façade consultants and engineering/testing resources on these systems.
Stick Built Curtain Wall Systems
While McGrath primarily fabricates and installs unitized curtain wall systems, select projects may require curtain wall systems to be engineered by McGrath for assembly onsite. McGrath is highly experienced with this installation type and recognizes the critical focus on quality control for weatherproofing.
Storefront Systems
Storefront glass wall systems are non-load-bearing, commercial-grade assemblies typically used on the podium or ground floor of retail spaces, offices, and restaurants to maximize visibility and natural light. Unlike curtain walls that span multiple floors, storefronts are usually limited to single-story applications (around 10 to 12 feet in height) and are designed for rapid installation between floor slabs.
Window Walls
Window wall systems are non-structural, single-floor spanning glass assemblies installed between concrete slabs, commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. They are generally more cost-effective than curtain walls and can be installed via stick-built or unitized methods, with key considerations being moisture management, structural movement, and thermal performance.
Pre-Glazed & Operable Windows
For select projects, McGrath collaborates, project manages, and installs pre-glazed and operable windows for commercial projects. These systems are specified 3rd party products that provide a factory-sealed, typically aluminum or steel framing. Since these are sealed units, McGrath is predominantly focused on ensuring proper structural anchoring, rigorous air/water sealing, flashing and transition materials that are included in the complete exterior façade scope.
Specialty & Decorative Architectural Art Glass
Specialty architectural glass blends structural integrity with architectural aesthetics. Bent glass (curved facades) and decorative art glass are frequently specified on McGrath projects to add depth, color, and dynamic geometry. These solutions utilize engineering innovation with custom design, creating visually distinct and high-performing building envelopes.
Translucent Curtainwall Systems
Translucent facades are advanced architectural exterior systems that allow natural, diffused daylight to penetrate interiors while maintaining privacy and thermal control. They are constructed using lightweight materials like polycarbonate panels, glass, or structural sandwich panels. These systems are included in McGrath’s scope for facades, canopies, skylights, transoms and additional building features.
Structural Silicone Glazed Systems
Structural silicone glazing is a standard offering as a part of McGrath curtain wall & unitized curtain wall systems. This advanced, non-load bearing exterior facade system is a method of bonding glass directly to the building support frame using structural adhesives, leaving no visible exterior metal.