What are the maintenance requirements for aluminum curtain walls in humid climates like Bangkok or Manila?

Maintenance is crucial to preserve performance and appearance of aluminum curtain walls in humid climates such as Bangkok, Manila, or coastal Gulf cities. A proactive regime includes scheduled inspections, cleaning protocols, seal and gasket monitoring, and drainage maintenance. Inspect façades annually (or more frequently in corrosive coastal zones like Abu Dhabi or Muscat) to check for sealant cracking, gasket compression loss, and fastener corrosion; early detection prevents water ingress and glass seal failure. Clean glazing and coated aluminum surfaces with manufacturer-recommended mild detergents to remove salt deposits or biological staining common in humid and coastal atmospheres; avoid abrasive cleaners that damage PVDF or anodized finishes. Drainage channels and weep holes must be cleared regularly to prevent water pooling; blocked drains are a frequent cause of internal staining and gasket deterioration in monsoon-prone Manila. Replace organic sealants and gaskets at manufacturer intervals or when signs of brittleness appear, since high humidity accelerates degradation. For coastal Gulf projects, specify corrosion-resistant stainless anchors and consider sacrificial anodes or protective coatings to extend service life. Track maintenance records and use façade access systems (rope access, BMUs) for safe cleaning on high-rises — an important safety and compliance consideration in cities like Singapore and Riyadh. A defined lifecycle maintenance plan not only preserves thermal and water performance but also supports warranty conditions and reduces long-term refurbishment costs for owners.