Curtain Wall Leaks

Curtain wall leaks can affect commercial buildings, residential developments, hotels, student accommodation and other properties with glazed curtain wall systems.

Water can enter through the curtain wall itself or through interfaces with surrounding construction. Identifying the visible leak does not always identify the point of entry.

The first step is establishing where water is entering, how it is travelling and what is causing the failure before determining the appropriate repair or remediation.

Speak to a Façade Remediation Specialist

What Causes Curtain Wall Leaks?

Curtain wall systems rely on multiple components working together to control water, air and movement. Failure of any of these components or their interfaces can allow water into the building.

Common causes include:

Failed or deteriorated seals
Damaged or displaced gaskets
Blocked or defective drainage
Failed joints
Defective glazing interfaces
Damaged framing or components
Poor installation
Defective flashings
Failed perimeter interfaces
Movement within the curtain wall system
Defects where curtain walling meets other façade systems
Water penetration through adjacent external wall construction

The cause is not always obvious from the internal water damage, which is why investigation is important.

What Are The Signs Of A Curtain Wall Leak?

Signs of water penetration can include:

Damp or staining around windows and curtain walling
Water appearing after rainfall
Deterioration of internal finishes
Mould or moisture-related damage
Failed or deteriorated sealants
Damaged or displaced gaskets
Corrosion around frames or connections
Water collecting within the curtain wall system
Repeated leaks despite previous repairs

Recurring leaks can indicate that the underlying cause has not been identified or that water is entering through a different part of the façade.

How Are Curtain Wall Leaks Investigated?

Investigation focuses on identifying the construction, potential entry points and underlying cause. This may include:

Visual inspection
Review of existing information
Targeted testing
Inspection of seals, gaskets, glazing and drainage
Assessment of perimeter and façade interfaces
Targeted opening-up where required

Our dedicated survey team, Trident Facades Surveys, can undertake façade investigations and opening-up where concealed construction needs to be established.

Curtain Wall Leak Remediation

Depending on the findings, remedial works may include:

Localised Repairs. Seal, gasket, joint, glazing, drainage and interface repairs.

Component Replacement. Replacement of damaged or defective curtain wall components.

Partial Replacement. Replacement of sections where defects are more extensive.

Full Replacement. Complete curtain wall replacement where the existing system cannot be effectively repaired.

Curtain Wall Leak Investigation and Remediation

Curtain walling interfaces with cladding, windows, roofs and other external wall systems, so investigation may identify defects beyond the curtain wall itself.

Trident Facades can support projects from investigation and diagnosis through to strategy, design and remediation.

Investigation → Diagnosis → Strategy → Design → Remediation