Are curtain walls typically load-bearing or non-load bearing?

Curtain walls are typically non-load bearing. They are designed to act as an external facade, providing protection from the elements and contributing to the building's aesthetics without supporting any structural loads from the building above. The load-bearing elements of a structure, such as columns and beams, are separate from the curtain wall system, which primarily serves to enclose and shield the building rather than to hold its weight. This distinction is important in architectural design and construction, as it impacts how buildings are engineered and supports the loads during various environmental conditions. Thus, stating that curtain walls are load-bearing is inaccurate, leading to potential misunderstandings regarding their function in building design.