[BAIYUN Online] Explaining Drip Pollution on Curtain Walls

In the previous article "Explaining Seepage Pollution on Curtain Walls", Bai Xiaoyun introduced the manifestations, causes, prevention, and solutions for seepage pollution on curtain walls.

But seepage isn't the only kind of stain. There's another common issue called drip stains (or runoff pollution). Let's dive into what that's all about!

1. What Do Drip pollution Look Like?

Imagine dust and dirt building up on the sealant joints, ledges, or sloped parts of a building. Then, when it rains, that dirty water washes down the face of the curtain wall panels, leaving streaks behind.

Ever look up at a tall building after rain and see those ugly "tear tracks" or streaks on the walls? That's drip staining.

Drip pollution occurs above and below sealant joints. It appears not only on stone curtain walls and aluminum panel curtain walls but can also be observed on other curtain walls like glass curtain walls. This phenomenon is especially noticeable on light-colored stone and aluminum panel curtain walls, significantly impacting the overall aesthetics of the facade.

Drip pollution on an aluminum panel curtain wall

Drip pollution on a stone curtain wall

Drip pollution on a glass curtain wall

2. Causes of Drip Pollution

01 Dust and Dirt Accumulation on Silicone Sealant Surfaces:

The silicone sealant used in the joints has a surface that naturally attracts dust and dirt. Because it's also somewhat water-repellent, rain doesn't wash it clean very well. So, dirt builds up right there in the joint. When heavy rain comes, it washes this dirty sludge down the wall, leaving those tell-tale streaks.

Drip pollution from this cause is significantly affected by air quality. In cities with poor air quality, curtain walls require more frequent cleaning. After severe weather events like sandstorms or haze, many curtain walls need cleaning.

Schematic diagram of drip pollution

02 Inappropriate Architectural Design:

Some curtain wall ledges or sloped surfaces are poorly designed, allowing dust to accumulate easily. Combined with inadequate drainage, rainwater washes this dust down, easily contaminating the curtain wall panels below.

Pollution caused by dust accumulation on a podium ledge affecting panels below

Pollution caused by dust accumulation on a sloped surface affecting panels below

3,Prevention and Solutions for Drip Pollution

01 Regular Cleaning

Unlike seepage pollution, drip pollution can be removed by cleaning the curtain wall surface. However, cleaning is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially on high-rise, super high-rise, uniquely shaped, or complexly designed curtain walls. Cleaning curtain wall panels can be difficult, costly, and involves safety hazards for high-altitude work.

After cleaning drip pollution, the curtain wall's clean appearance is only maintained for a certain period, requiring cleaning again after some time. If relatively severe weather occurs, curtain walls may need frequent cleaning.

02 Optimize Curtain Wall Design

During design, efforts should be made to avoid rainwater washing directly from dust-collecting ledges or sloped surfaces onto the curtain wall. Reasonable drainage measures should be designed, or appropriate rain-shedding features should be incorporated to minimize rainwater accumulation on the curtain wall.

03 Use Silicone Stain-Resistant Weather Proofing Sealant

Silicone Stain-Resistant Weather Proofing Sealant uses silicone polymer as its main raw material, possessing the excellent aging resistance of silicone sealants. Through special formulation design, it avoids causing seepage pollution on porous materials like stone or coated materials. It also minimizes drip pollution near horizontal joints on curtain walls made of glass, metal, and stone, making it the currently recommended product for preventing drip pollution. Current products in this category from BAIYUN Technology include BAIYUN SS818/SS518 Silicone Stain-Resistant Weather Proofing Sealant

BAIYUN SS818/SS518 Silicone Stain-Resistant Weather Proofing Sealant is specifically designed for anti-pollution weatherproof sealing of various curtain walls. It causes no seepage pollution on porous materials like stone or coated decorative materials like aluminum panels and aluminum composite panels. Simultaneously, the Stain-Resistant Weather Proofing Sealant minimizes drip pollution on curtain walls, reducing cleaning frequency and lowering maintenance costs.

SS518 sealant even won a Polar Star Product Award!

Since its launch, BAIYUN SS818/SS518 Silicone Stain-Resistant Weather Proofing Sealant has been successfully applied in numerous domestic and international projects, including the Dubai Waterfront project, Philippines ATG Diamond project, Philippines Park Central Towers project, and the Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center Phase II Renovation project.

Philippines ATG Diamond Project Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center Project

Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center Project

To solve curtain wall pollution, start at the source:
Use Silicone Stain-Resistant Weather Proofing Sealant to prevent seepage issues. Pair this with smart design that minimizes dirt traps. This dual approach will minimize drip pollution on curtain walls, reduce cleaning frequency, and lower maintenance costs.

BAIYUN firmly believes that through continuous technological innovation, widespread application, and the joint efforts of industry colleagues, we can lead the curtain wall industry towards a greener, more sustainable development path.

Let us join hands to safeguard every facade of our cities, making them an indispensable part of the urban landscape, and contribute to building a better living environment.