Case 5

Remedial

Remove all loosely adhered and defective sealant and replace seals between the cladding panels on capping at the parapet wall and at the joint around the window glass panel and frames.
Use open joint system instead of butt joint system to avoid the direct exposure of the sealant to the hot tropical sun.

Replace all rusted rainwater gutters and fixings running parallel to the parapet wall with right sealant, sufficient depth and proper drainage to avoid leakage and overflow.

Defect Assessment

Visual assessment of the curtain wall during rainy days may often reveal how water is penetrating. Water penetration can also be investigated with thermography using a thermo tracer. (Figure 2).

The building structure can also be checked for movement to reveal areas that are stressed and causing cracks or gaps to appear.

Structural sealants should also be checked during maintenance and cleaning works for signs of deterioration and allowing possible entry of water and air.