Although glass curtain walls are beautiful, they are prone to problems if they are not done well. We take stock of some problems of glass curtain walls, analyze the causes of glass curtain walls, and provide practical solutions to help owners, designers, construction units and maintenance teams improve project quality and avoid pitfalls.
1. Leakage problem of glass curtain walls
Leakage of glass curtain walls is one of the most common problems of glass curtain walls. Especially in rainy season or strong wind weather, rainwater penetrates into the room through joints and nodes, causing mold on the wall and damage to the decoration.
Causes
The drainage system was not properly considered during the design stage, resulting in the inability of water to be discharged smoothly.
The sealant is aged, the sealant is not filled during construction or there are gaps.
The connection between the glass and the frame is not installed tightly.
The interface between the components is uneven and there are gaps.
Solution for leakage of glass curtain walls
A pressure balance drainage system is used during the design to ensure timely discharge of rainwater.
Select high-quality, weather-resistant sealants and strictly follow the construction process.
Check the sealing status regularly and replace the aging strips in time.
Strictly inspect the construction and ensure that the installation is tightly sealed.
2. Broken or cracked glass of glass curtain wall
Phenomenon description
The glass plate is cracked, broken or even falls off, affecting the appearance and safety, and in serious cases may endanger personal safety.
Causes of broken or cracked glass of glass curtain wall
The quality of glass material is not up to standard or does not meet the design standards.
Uneven force during installation causes stress concentration.
Wind pressure and temperature difference cause glass to expand and contract, resulting in cracks.
External force impact, such as damage caused by construction machinery or natural disasters.
Solutions for broken or cracked glass of glass curtain wall
Purchase glass materials from regular manufacturers that meet national or international certifications.
Reasonably distribute the force points during design to avoid stress concentration.
Use tempered laminated glass to improve impact resistance and safety performance.
Strengthen safety management at the construction site to prevent mechanical impact.
Perform regular inspections and replace broken glass in time.
3. Deformation or shedding of glass curtain wall structure
Phenomenon description
The curtain wall is deformed or shedding as a whole or in part, reducing the safety of the building.
Causes of deformation or shedding of glass curtain wall structure
The material and processing quality of the aluminum alloy frame are poor, and the strength is insufficient.
The design does not fully consider external factors such as wind load and temperature change.
The connectors and anchors are not installed firmly or their service life has expired.
The construction and installation are not standardized, and the node processing is not in place.
Solutions for deformation or shedding of glass curtain wall structure
Choose high-quality aluminum alloy materials that meet national standards.
Carry out wind pressure and temperature analysis during structural design, and leave enough deformation joints.
Use high-strength connectors to ensure firm anchoring.
Construction is strictly in accordance with the specifications, and elastic space is reserved for the nodes.
Regularly maintain and check the connecting parts, and replace aging parts in time.
4. Poor thermal insulation performance of glass curtain wall
Phenomenon description
The indoor temperature is high in summer and the heat loss is serious in winter, resulting in high energy consumption of air conditioning and reduced living and working comfort.
Causes
Irrational glass selection, using ordinary single-layer glass or glass without energy-saving coating.
The glass gap is not sealed tightly, and the hot air convection causes heat loss.
The frame conducts heat, and the thermal bridge effect is obvious.
Solutions to poor thermal insulation performance of glass curtain walls
Use double-layer hollow glass, and fill the interlayer with inert gas (such as argon).
Choose Low-E energy-saving glass to reduce solar radiation heat conduction.
Insulation strips are installed on the frame to reduce thermal bridges.
Optimize the design of sealing strips to improve air tightness.
V. Difficulty in cleaning and maintenance of glass curtain walls
Phenomenon description
The surface of the glass curtain wall is prone to dust and dirt. If it is not cleaned for a long time, it will affect the appearance. At the same time, the cleaning cost is high and there are great safety hazards.
Causes
The large area of glass surface is exposed to the air, which is easy to be contaminated with dust and rain marks.
The design does not consider the convenience of cleaning and maintenance.
The cleaning tools and personnel safety measures are not in place.
Solutions to the difficulty of cleaning and maintenance of glass curtain walls
Consider cleaning channels or install automatic cleaning systems when designing.
Choose self-cleaning glass or nano-coated glass to reduce dirt adhesion.
Organize a professional cleaning team and equip it with safety protection facilities.
Develop a regular maintenance plan to avoid long-term dirt accumulation.
6. The glass curtain wall has poor air tightness and high wind noise
Phenomenon description
Large gaps in the curtain wall lead to wind penetration, obvious indoor noise, and reduced comfort.
Causes
Improper selection and installation of sealing strips.
Insufficient sealing or aging at the joints of components.
Airtightness performance was not fully considered during design.
Solution
Select high-quality elastic sealing strips.
Strict construction to ensure full sealant.
Strengthen node air tightness analysis during design.
Regularly check and replace aging sealing materials.
7. The installation period of the glass curtain wall is long and the progress is difficult to control
Phenomenon description
The construction period is extended, affecting the overall project progress and investment return.
Causes
The design drawings are not perfect and the construction plan is adjusted repeatedly.
Material procurement and transportation are not timely.
The construction site management is not in place and coordination is not smooth.
Simple solution
Do a good job of design deepening and drawing review in the early stage of the project.
Choose a material supplier with good reputation and quick response.
Establish a sound project management mechanism and strengthen construction coordination.
Use factory-prefabricated unit curtain walls to improve construction efficiency.
8. Many safety hazards in construction
Description of the phenomenon
The curtain wall is installed at a high height, and construction workers face the risk of falling and falling objects from high altitudes.
Causes
Inadequate safety protection for high-altitude operations.
Lack of professional training and construction safety regulations.
Irregular installation of mechanical equipment.
Many solutions for construction safety hazards
Strictly implement safety protection measures, wear safety belts and protective nets.
Organize safety training regularly to strengthen safety awareness.
Use qualified mechanical equipment and equip it with dedicated personnel for operation.
Set up safety supervisors on site to ensure safe construction.
As an important part of modern buildings, glass curtain walls will encounter various problems in design, construction and use, but as long as the preliminary design is done well, qualified materials are selected, construction management is strictly enforced, and daily maintenance is performed, these “pitfalls” can be completely avoided or effectively solved.
Owners and construction units should work closely together to control quality in all aspects, from design plan review, material procurement, construction technology to acceptance and maintenance, to ensure the safety, durability and beauty of the glass curtain wall, and add modern charm and practical value to the building.
