What are the common failure risks in glass exterior walls and how can they be mitigated?

Common failure risks include glass breakage from impact or overload, sealant or IGU failures leading to fogging, water infiltration from improper drainage, thermal stress cracking, fastener corrosion, and movement restraint issues causing stress concentrations. Mitigation begins with appropriate material selection (laminated glass for retention, low-E coatings to control thermal gradients), and specifying robust edge treatments and warm edge spacers to reduce edge stress. Engineering for deflection limits, using adequate glass thickness and interlayer types, prevents overstressing. Properly detailed pressure equalization and redundant drainage paths address water infiltration; specify compatible sealant systems and regular maintenance schedules to extend life. Corrosion resistance in anchors and brackets (stainless steel, protective coatings) and galvanic separation at dissimilar metal junctions prevent premature failure. Movement joints, sliding anchors, and flexible gaskets accommodate building movements and thermal expansion. Quality control through factory production checks, site mockups, and third-party façade inspections during installation reduces workmanship-related failures. Finally, contingency planning for quick replacement procedures and maintaining a façade asset register minimize downtime and safety risks when issues arise.