LEAK INVESTIGATION & RESOLUTION

Intrusive Survey & Remedial Works to Curtain Walling — East London

Location
East London
Sector
Commercial
Service
Curtain Wall Repair
Access Method
MEWP
High-level curtain walling on commercial building in East London where leak investigation and remedial works were completed

The Brief / Challenge

The client was experiencing persistent water ingress through the curtain walling on this commercial building in East London. Previous attempts to resolve the issue had failed to identify the root cause, and water continued to penetrate the system during heavy rainfall, causing damage to the internal finishes and raising concerns about the long-term integrity of the building envelope.

Alu-Glaze was engaged to carry out an intrusive survey — going beyond a visual inspection to physically open up the system and determine exactly where and why the water was entering.

The Solution / What We Delivered

The intrusive survey involved the systematic removal of localised pressure plate caps and aluminium pressings from the curtain wall section experiencing water ingress. This investigation revealed the root cause: EPDM gaskets — the critical weathering seals between the glass units and the aluminium framework — were entirely absent from the original installation. Without these gaskets, water had a direct path through the pressure plate joints and into the building.

With the defect identified, the affected curtain wall section — including the inset window and door — was fully removed. The base substrate was replaced where water damage had compromised its integrity, and compliant weatherproofing systems were installed to create a proper drainage and sealing detail. The glazing was then reinstated and realigned within the curtain wall framework.

All works were completed within a cordoned area using MEWP access equipment, maintaining safe access to the high-level sections of the façade.

Key Stats

  • Root cause identified: EPDM gaskets missing from original installation
  • Affected curtain wall section fully removed and rebuilt
  • Base substrate replaced and compliant weatherproofing installed
  • Glazing reinstated and realigned — water ingress eliminated

Accreditations & Compliance

Works were carried out with full RAMS in place and within a cordoned work area. MEWP access was operated by IPAF-certified personnel. Alu-Glaze holds SSIP accreditation covering all on-site activities.

Dealing with water ingress through your curtain walling?

If standard repairs haven't resolved the problem, an intrusive survey will identify the root cause. We investigate, diagnose, and fix curtain wall leaks — permanently.

Book Free Site Survey Call 0330 057 5857