Overview
ISO 22497:2021 (First edition, 2021) is an ISO vocabulary standard for curtain walling. It provides clear, standardized definitions for terms used in documents, drawings and specifications when referring to the detailed elements of curtain walling. The document offers a comprehensive list of regularly used terms and includes an informative annex of illustrations to support consistent interpretation.
The scope explicitly excludes repeating physical definitions that are contained in individual curtain walling standards addressing performance requirements and test methods. There are no normative references in the document; the standard is intended as a terminological resource to improve clarity across design, fabrication and procurement.
Key Topics
- Core terms defined: curtain walling, mullion, transom, head, sill, jamb, spandrel area, vision area.
- Component descriptions: pressure plate, cover cap (face cover), glazing bead, glazing gasket/seal, setting block, infill panel and infill support.
- Construction types: bonded glazing, cassette construction, stick construction, unitized construction, double skin curtain walling.
- Performance-related items (terminology only): pressure equalization, perimeter seal, thermal break, vapour control layer.
- Accessories and connectors: fixing bracket, splice sleeve, spigot (mullion connector), transom connector (cleat), cradle guide.
- Informative material: Annex A provides figures illustrating many defined terms to aid interpretation.
Practical keywords appearing naturally throughout: curtain walling vocabulary, curtain wall components, glazing gasket, pressure plate, bonded glazing, unitized construction.
Applications
ISO 22497:2021 is valuable for practitioners who need consistent terminology across the curtain wall lifecycle:
- Architects and façade designers: ensure drawings and specifications use standard terms to reduce misinterpretation.
- Façade engineers and fabricators: align component names and assembly descriptions for manufacturing and QA.
- Specifiers and procurement teams: prepare unambiguous contracts and bills of materials.
- Test houses and certifiers: reference identical terminology when documenting test setups and reports.
- Facility managers and maintenance teams: support consistent documentation for repairs and replacement parts.
Benefits include improved clarity in communication, fewer disputes over interpretation of drawings and specs, and better integration between multidisciplinary teams involved in façade projects.
Related Standards
- EN 13119 - Curtain walling - Terminology (listed in the ISO 22497 bibliography).
- ISO/TC 162 - Technical committee responsible for doors, windows and curtain walling.
- ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia - recommended terminological resources for standardization.
For implementation, users should consult ISO 22497:2021 alongside project-specific performance and test standards to ensure terms are applied consistently within technical and contractual documents.
