Troubleshooting of water leaks and other defects in glazing, stick-system curtain wall, and fully-utilized curtain wall systems.

The PTC companies investigate all types of facade defect, and have particular experience in the investigation of water leaks. During the year 2001, extensive campaigns of water leakage investigation were carried out on the facades of nine different high rise towers, to determine the causes of leaks in window glazing, stick system curtain wall and fully-unitized curtain wall systems. During these studies, pressurized field water tests were conducted at more than 1,000 sample facade areas; a high proportion of this testing being undertaken in occupied units within premium grade commercial and residential developments.

Investigation of Water Leakage

• Investigation of leaks in curtain wall, glazing and other types of facade system.

• PTC has developed portable, lightweight, transparent screens, as well as with 'whole apartment depressurization' techniques, that allow field water tests to be conducted with an applied pressure differential. (Compared to traditional timber depressurization booths, PTC's methods are faster to implement, cause very much less damage to architectural finishes and less disturbance to building tenants).

Development of Rectification Procedures

• Development of rectification procedures, by an iterative process of field water testing and experimental repair.

• Preparation of detailed step-by-step rectification instruction manuals, with diagrams, for guidance of rectification contractors.

The above photographs and diagram show field water tests

Above, sample pages from a bilingual rectification manual

Rectification Quality Assessment

• Inspection, and quality assessment for facade repair works undertaken by a rectification contractor.

• Conduct of field water tests, either with or without applied air-pressure differential, to assess the water-tightness of repaired curtain wall or glazing.

• All types of facade malady are investigated, including structural failures; corrosion; glass coating defects; glass delamination; deterioration of paint or coatings; weathering, staining, cracking or spalling in natural stone cladding; and problems with sealant. Concerns with the flatness of installed wall panels, or glass, can be investigated by field measurement of bow and warp.

• Preparation of detailed technical reports.

Assistance During Settlement of Disputes

• Conduct of whole-facade surveys, collation of defect statistics, and preparation of technical material to guide and support parties in arbitration or litigation.