How does Stick System Curtain Wall ensure long-term durability in harsh coastal or desert climates

Question

Accepted Answer

Ensuring long-term durability for stick system curtain walls in harsh coastal or desert climates requires targeted material selection, protective detailing, and a rigorous maintenance regime. In coastal environments, salt-laden air accelerates corrosion of metal components: use high-grade aluminium alloys with appropriate surface finishes (e.g., high-quality anodizing or powder coating with marine-grade specifications) and specify stainless steel fasteners or hot-dip galvanized hardware per corrosion-resistance standards. Sealant and gasket materials must be selected for UV resistance and compatibility with saline exposure. Design details should prevent pooling of water and allow quick drainage to avoid prolonged wetting of components. In desert climates, extreme thermal fluctuations and high solar loading demand materials with stable thermal performance — thermally broken frames, low-expansion glass options, and sealants formulated to resist high UV and temperature cycles. Aluminum finishes must resist chalking and fading; ceramic frits or spectrally selective coatings on glass can reduce solar heat gain and protect internal materials. Mechanical tolerance design must accommodate thermal expansion ranges associated with high diurnal temperature swings, using slotted anchors and movement joints. Dust ingress in desert areas calls for enhanced sealing and filtration strategies for operable elements, and scheduled cleaning to prevent abrasive dust build-up that accelerates wear. Additionally, protective coatings and sacrificial layers, coupled with periodic inspections and timely replacement of elastomers, will materially extend service life. Finally, consider specifying higher serviceability factors and corrosion allowances in structural calculations, and include life-cycle maintenance planning in the project contract to ensure these environments are properly managed.