What records are provided after curtain walling repairs?

The post-repair record pack should give the responsible property team a clear, auditable account of what was inspected, what was undertaken and what remains relevant for future maintenance. GlassPlus UK’s records may include the following, depending on the nature and extent of the curtain walling repair.

• Completion record: This identifies the area of façade involved, the date of the works and the reason for the repair. It can also note the reported defect, the findings made during inspection and the scope of work agreed.
• Work description: The record explains which elements were repaired, removed, adjusted or replaced. This may include glazing units, beads, gaskets, seals, pressure plates, cover caps, fixings or associated framing components where these formed part of the work.
• Photographic evidence: Before-and-after photographs can help show the original defect, the condition of concealed or difficult-to-access areas where appropriate, and the completed appearance. Photographs are particularly useful when a building has several similar elevations or when future maintenance teams were not involved in the original repair.
• Materials and component details: The documentation can record the type and specification of replacement glass, seals and other components used. Keeping this information with the building’s maintenance records helps reduce uncertainty if a similar issue occurs later or further work is required.
• Inspection and testing notes: Where relevant, the record may describe checks carried out after the repair, such as visual inspection, confirmation that components are correctly seated and checks for water ingress or other signs that the original defect has been addressed. The precise checks depend on the repair method and the accessible parts of the system.
• Safety and compliance information: Records can include the relevant site safety documentation and details of controls used for access, work at height, exclusion zones and protection of people or property. Compliance information should be retained with the project file where it relates to the completed repair.
• Outstanding observations: If the inspection identifies adjacent deterioration, restricted access or a matter outside the agreed repair scope, this should be recorded separately. Such notes distinguish completed work from recommendations for monitoring, further investigation or future maintenance.
• Handover and sign-off details: A completed record should identify the parties involved and provide a suitable point of reference for the person responsible for the property. Any relevant limitations, follow-up requirements or instructions for maintaining the repaired area should be included.

Not every repair requires every document listed above. A straightforward glass replacement may need a more concise record than a repair involving damaged framing, failed seals or several areas of a façade. The important point is that the information matches the work actually carried out and is sufficiently clear for another competent person to understand the repair at a later date.

These records should be kept with the building’s operation and maintenance information, together with previous inspection reports and details of related façade works. Maintaining a consistent file helps property managers review recurring defects, plan future maintenance and provide useful background when obtaining advice about adjacent curtain walling.