How does glass facade performance vary under extreme weather conditions in commercial building projects worldwide?

In extreme climates, glass facade performance is governed by glass type, metal curtain wall detailing, and protective finishes. In Gulf environments (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh), high solar irradiance, heat cycling, sand abrasion and saline coastal conditions demand insulated glazing units (IGUs) with selective low-e coatings, laminated safety interlayers, and thermally broken aluminium framing with PVDF or fluorocarbon finishes. Metal curtain wall systems should specify marine-grade stainless steel anchors and duplex fasteners near coasts to prevent chloride corrosion. In continental and high-altitude Central Asian locations (Almaty, Tashkent, Bishkek, Ashgabat), large diurnal temperature swings and freeze-thaw cycles increase the risk of edge seal fatigue and sealant creep; using warm-edge spacers, high-quality butyl or polysulfide primary seals and flexible gaskets mitigates moisture ingress and delamination. Wind loads and dynamic response require structural calculations referenced to local wind maps and tested anchor details; pressure-equalised rainscreen or drained unitized systems reduce water ingress risk during storms. For metal curtain wall suppliers, factory QA, full-size mockups, and site commissioning tests (air/water infiltration, structural deflection) validated for the target climate are essential. Owners should budget for accelerated maintenance cycles in sandy or saline environments—more frequent cleaning, sealant inspection and replacement—to preserve thermal, acoustic and aesthetic performance over the asset lifecycle.