In this podcast episode, WSP experts Susanna Noureddine, Head of Facades, and Andy Dean, Senior Technical Director – Asset Transformation at WSP in the Middle East, discuss the aging crisis facing high-rise facades in the GCC region, emphasizing risks and solutions. Key points include:
Challenges of Aging Facades:
- Performance Decline: Aging facades suffer reduced thermal efficiency, increased air infiltration (critical in humid GCC climates), and water penetration, leading to mold and structural corrosion.
- Safety Risks: Deteriorating sealants and gaskets cause glass fallout and condensation-related mold, impacting occupant health.
- Aesthetic & Economic Impact: Faded coatings and cloudy glass reduce building appeal, decreasing rental revenue.
Critical Systemic Issues:
- Unitized vs. Stick Systems: Unitized facades (prevalent in the GCC) lack flexibility for refurbishment compared to stick systems, complicating repairs.
- Material Vulnerabilities: Polymers (sealants, gaskets) degrade under UV/heat, while aluminum faces corrosion in coastal environments.
- Societal Pressure: With ~200,000 aging buildings in Dubai/Abu Dhabi, simultaneous refurbishments could displace occupants and strain resources.
Strategic Solutions:
- Condition Assessments & Planning: Proactive inspections and budget allocations to prioritize refurbishments.
- Innovative Retrofits: Developing cassette-based systems to convert unitized facades into modular, replaceable panels.
- Future-Proof Design: Prioritizing flexible, disassemblable facades to accommodate future upgrades and regulatory changes.
The episode underscores the urgency for industry collaboration, contractor expertise, and policy shifts to address this impending infrastructure crisis
