TS EN 13119

TS EN 13119 is a terminology standard for curtain walling, setting out the terms and definitions used for the detailed elements of these façade systems. In practice, it gives designers, specifiers and manufacturers a common language for documents, drawings and specifications relating to curtain walling. The standard presents a comprehensive, but not exhaustive, list of regular terms used when referring to the components and details of curtain walling.

Why curtain wall terminology matters

Curtain walling is a non-loadbearing or largely independent external envelope system made up of many interacting parts such as glazing, metal panels, subframes, anchors and seals. Clear terminology helps separate concepts that may seem similar but serve different technical functions. In general technical use, terms for mullions, transoms, panels, joints, fixings and cladding refer to distinct roles in design and installation. A terminology standard like this improves consistency across drawings, specifications and project correspondence.

What this standard contributes

• Terminology and definitions for curtain walling elements
• Common naming in drawings, specifications and related technical documents
• A structured reference language for detailed façade components
• A comprehensive, though not total, list of regular terms

As a vocabulary standard, it supports precise communication rather than prescribing performance values or installation methods. For architecture, façade engineering and construction teams, consistent naming reduces ambiguity when coordinating component interfaces, detailing and documentation. TS EN 13119 therefore serves as a practical reference for the technical language of curtain wall systems.