Loss of seal around cladding penetrations such as pipes

Cause

UV exposure

Repair

  • gaps around penetrations through claddings should be fixed as soon as they are noticed to avoid the risk of rainwater entering the building

  • remove all existing sealant and remove the flange if one is present

  • clean and reinstall the flange (see drawing) or install a new flange if there was no flange present

  • pipes through a penetration should be firmly fixed so the pipe does not move within the opening, and they should be sloping slightly downwards toward the outside

  • seal around the top two-thirds of the flange collar. Do not apply sealant to the flange sleeve – the sleeve lets any water that gets past the flange to drain to the outside

Cause

Cracks in sealant due to movement

Repair

  • as above. Fix the pipe etc. so it does not move in the penetration