Leaking curtain walling can cause significant damage to a building, leading to costly repairs and potential safety risks. Identifying the underlying cause of the leak is crucial to effective repair and prevention of further water ingress.
As a leading provider of curtain walling maintenance and repair services, Dortech Maintenance offers a comprehensive range of solutions to help resolve issues with leaking curtain walling. From regular inspections and maintenance to specialised repairs and glass replacement at height, our team of experts can help ensure the ongoing function of your curtain walling system and protect your building from water damage.
Why Does Curtain walling leak?
There could be several reasons why a curtain walling system might leak, including:
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- Poor installation: If the curtain walling system is not installed correctly, it may not be able to provide the required level of protection against water ingress. Poorly installed flashing, sealant, or weatherstripping can also contribute to leaks.
- Insufficient or improper maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure the ongoing function of the curtain walling system. Failure to carry out maintenance activities such as cleaning, replacing damaged components, and sealing gaps can lead to water penetration.
- Building movement or settlement: Movement or settlement of the building can cause stress on the curtain walling system, leading to gaps or cracks that can allow water to enter.
- Defective materials: Poor quality or defective materials used in the construction of the curtain walling system can lead to leaks. Defects may include cracks, holes, or other damage that allows water to penetrate.
- Environmental factors: Extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall or high winds can contribute to water penetration. Additionally, exposure to UV radiation, pollutants, or other environmental factors can degrade the curtain walling system over time, leading to water leaks.
- Blocked drainage channels: Blocked drainage channels can prevent water from properly draining from the curtain walling system, leading to water buildup and potential leaks. It is important to ensure that drainage channels are unblocked and free from debris to ensure the efficient flow of water away from the system. Regular inspection and maintenance can help prevent blockages and ensure the ongoing function of the drainage system.
When leaks occur, why is important to check drainage holes?
If a leak occurs in a curtain walling system, checking the drainage holes is one of the most important things to do as they are critical for efficient water management in the system. Water buildup in the curtain walling system can lead to water damage and potential structural issues, making it essential to ensure that water can drain properly from the system.
Checking the drainage holes is particularly important as they are often the first line of defence against water build-up and leaks. If the drainage holes are clogged, blocked, or improperly sized, water may not be able to drain from the curtain walling system, leading to water build-up and potential leaks.
Drainage Hole Design:
The incorrect size of a drainage hole in a curtain walling system can prevent the curtain walling system from draining water effectively. A drainage hole that is too small can restrict the flow of water and cause water to back up in the curtain wall system, potentially leading to leaks and water ingress into the building.
For example, if the drainage hole is not large enough to accommodate the volume of water flowing through the system, water may accumulate in the curtain wall system and cause damage. Additionally, if the drainage hole is too small, it may become clogged more easily, further restricting the flow of water and exacerbating any potential issues.
Proper sizing and placement of drainage holes is critical for effective water management in curtain wall systems. The drainage holes must be appropriately sized to allow for efficient water flow while preventing the entry of unwanted debris or materials that could obstruct the system. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the drainage holes is also important to ensure the ongoing function of the curtain walling system and prevent any potential water-related issues.
