What maintenance requirements and access strategies should owners plan for a unitized curtain wall?

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Owners should implement a planned maintenance program tailored to unitized curtain walls that includes scheduled inspections, cleaning, sealant and gasket replacement, and periodic hardware servicing. Inspections should occur at least annually and after major weather events, focusing on sealant condition, gasket compression, drainage path integrity, anchor and bracket corrosion, and glass condition. Cleaning regimes should use manufacturer-recommended cleaning agents and frequencies to avoid surface degradation of coatings or anodized finishes. Sealants are life-limited components—expect replacement cycles typically between 10–20 years depending on climate and sun exposure; owners must budget for phased resealing to avoid large-scale emergency repairs. Access strategies depend on building height and geometry; permanent access provisions such as dedicated access brackets, roof-mounted davit anchor points, or integrated façade maintenance units (FMUs) should be considered in the design stage. For projects without FMUs, use of rope-access technicians or temporary suspended platforms may be necessary—these require safe anchor points and rescue plans. Replaceable components such as gaskets and desiccated IGU units should be specified with traceable part numbers to simplify procurement. Maintain as-built drawings, panel serial numbers, and warranty records to expedite repairs under warranty. Finally, incorporate an ongoing façade asset management plan that tracks work history, test results, and anticipated replacement schedules for budgeting and lifecycle planning.