Building Facade Failures due to Rainwater Entry in Turkey

Facade failures due to rainwater entry are common in Turkey although, few systematic studies have been completed to determine the types of defects and failures and their causes as would permit developing appropriate repair solutions. The intent of this study is to determine the types of defects and failures caused by rainwater ingress to building facades based on case studies of failure in Turkey. Thus, defects and failures can be characterized and classified, such that the most common types of failure can be revealed and adequate repair solutions proposed. A review of literature was conducted of studies undertaken in Turkey on rainwater entry and building defects. Additionally, field inspections were carried out for 16 public buildings in Istanbul and information regarding failures was gathered from local authorities. Based on data evaluated from previous research and field inspections, it was determined that majority of the buildings had cladding walls with stucco being the most common cladding material. Failures occurred in cladding facades with stucco included detachment of cladding, staining, and cracks; the most common failure was blistering and exfoliation. Air and rainwater leakage due to defects in sealants was the most common failure in buildings with panel and stick wall systems.