PRANCE metalwork is a leading manufacturer of metal ceiling and facade systems.
What inspection, testing, and commissioning procedures ensure quality for a newly installed glass curtain wall system?
A robust inspection, testing, and commissioning program ensures a newly installed glass curtain wall system meets performance, safety, and durability expectations. Start with supplier factory QA documentation: material certificates, extrusion profiles, thermal break validations, and glazing production reports. Prior to mass installation, produce a full-scale mock-up that replicates the intended system—this serves as the reference for aesthetic, thermal, air/water, and structural testing.
Site testing should follow recognized standards: air infiltration per ASTM E283, water penetration per ASTM E331 (or local equivalents), and structural deflection/wind load testing per ASTM E330. Perform leak tests after partial installation and again upon project completion to identify interface issues around penetrations and slab edges. For acoustic and thermal performance, lab-certified values should be verified with in-situ measurements where necessary.
Commissioning procedures include verification of anchorage torque, sealant cure assessment, gasket compression, and operable window functionality. Documented inspections for alignment, glazing bite, and silicone bead continuity are essential. Require independent third-party inspections where codes or owner requirements demand it—this is common for high-profile projects in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Create a commissioning checklist that includes: review of as-built shop drawings, leak and pressure test reports, structural fastener records, and mock-up sign-off. Ensure training for building maintenance staff on façade access, cleaning protocols, and minor repairs. Finally, supply a complete O&M manual that includes replacement part numbers, coating details, and maintenance intervals to preserve long-term performance.