While the best solution is to rebuild the failing glazing system whether its curtain wall, sloped glazing, skylights or storefront, the most cost-effective is to wet seat or wet glaze the exterior of the system. Produ​cts are designed to do this efficiently, and while this is not the way storefront glass systems are designed, wet glazing a window by caulking will extend the life of the glass system.

In strictest architectural parlance, a "curtainwall" is any non-load-bearing exterior wall that hangs (like a curtain) from the face of floor slabs, regardless of construction or cladding material. However, in common usage, the term curtainwall usually refers to aluminum-framed systems carrying glass, panels, louvers, or occasionally, granite or marble.

Unlike curtain wall, window wall sits between the floor slabs. Like unitized curtain wall, window wall is also built in a shop and shipped to the site pre-assembled. Units are anchored at the head and sill and sealed in place using caulking. Window wall is also non-load bearing. Since window wall sits between floor slabs, fire-stopping is not necessary. This also means noise transmittance can be less of a concern than with curtain wall in specific instances.

Pre-glazed systems are typically wet seal, and impact products require additional attention to manufacturing standards due to the safety of structures and occupants within.

The vast majority of ground-floor curtain walls are installed as long pieces (referred to as sticks) between floors vertically and between vertical members horizontally. Framing members may be fabricated in a shop, but installation and glazing is typically performed at the jobsite.