How are curtain walls designed to resist water leakage during heavy rains?

Despite the arid climate of most Middle Eastern cities, episodic heavy rains—in parts of Oman, UAE or Egypt—require curtain wall systems that reliably resist water intrusion. The primary strategy is a pressure-equalized façade: the cavity behind the outermost seal is ventilated and drained so that wind-driven rain does not create persistent pressure differentials that force water into the building. Multi-stage sealing with primary and secondary gaskets, combined with discrete drainage channels and weep holes, collects and evacuates infiltrated water. Flashing at floor lines, head and sill details, and careful integration with window and door penetrations prevent pathways for leakage. Silicone seals and gaskets must be specified for UV and temperature cycling resistance typical of Gulf climates. Factory-tested unitized panels also reduce field assembly errors, ensuring consistent gasket compression and joint alignment. Quality-controlled installation, including on-site water testing and documented commissioning, completes the risk control chain. These combined measures ensure aluminum glass curtain walls remain watertight even during sudden heavy rainfall events.