Abstract: The pressure plate assembly is used for securing curtain wall panels. The pressure plate assembly includes an elongated base member and an elongated stiffening member. At least a portion of the interior main face of the stiffening member is removably engagable against a corresponding mating surface on the exterior main face of the base member. The stiffening member is made of a material having a mechanical stress resistance higher than that of the material of the base member. At least one longitudinally-extending thermal insulation chamber is provided within a space located between the interior main face of the base member and the interior main face of the stiffening member.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of mullion retrofit adaptors, each having a rear side configured and disposed to fit over the front side of at least some mullion of the existing supporting framework. It also includes a plurality of new mullions, each having a rear side configured and disposed to fit over at least some of the retrofit adaptors. A method for refurbishing an existing curtain wall attached to a base structure is also presented. This proposed concept can significantly reduce the time and costs for refurbishing an existing curtain wall.