•Hardening and Failure of Mastic Adhesive

 Failure due to long-term hardening of the original mastic adhesive has accounted for a substantial loss of pigmented structural glass panels. The petroleum-based mastics normally possessed a 30- to 40-year lifespan. Once flexibility of the adhesive is lost, the glass panels become vulnerable to slippage and eventual destruction.

•Impact Due to Accident/ Vandalism

 Glass breakage through impact is virtually impossible to prevent. The material is, by its nature, vulnerable to loss through vandalism or accident.

Maintenance and Repair of Pigmented Structural Glass

 The maintenance of dry masonry substrate, mastic, and metal anchors is essential to the longevity of a pigmented structural glass veneer. Thus, repointing cracked or open joints--particularly at ground level where glass abouts concrete--and caulking of slightly cracked glass panel is an ongoing concern.

Where drainage to conduct water away from the wall is faulty or insufficient, the problem should be immediately corrected. For example, roof flashing, downspouts, and gutters should be repaired or new systems installed.