Case 3

Introduction

Insufficient Sealant Application on Corners and Edges

Type of Building: Commercial Building

The older facade systems e.g. the stick system (1st geration), may rely on the use if sealant to seal the joints between the panels to achieve weather-tightness. However, sealant will deteriorate with time due to exposure to the environment and thus, maintenance and repair will be required to prevent the cladding system from losing its weather-tightness.

Staining would appear to occur in two distinct forms, brought about by different mechanisms: pattern and migration.

Common sealant failures on facade include problems associated with:

-adhesion
-cohesion
-hardening
-weathering
-crazing
-softening
-decomposition
-chalking
-cracking
-loss of elasticity

See also: Material Manual > Facade > Cladding > Jointing Materials > Sealants