How often should glass be replaced in high-rise buildings?

One of the most iconic features of high-rise buildings is often their glass facades – letting in natural light, energy efficient and sleek and modern. But, glass doesn’t last forever and knowing when to replace it is an important part of maintaining your building. 

How often should glass be replaced in a high-rise building? 

While glass doesn’t have an expiry date, it still wears out over time. There are no rules saying when you have to replace your glass, it really depends on a few factors, including: 

• How old the building is
  
• Where it’s located (coastal buildings are more affected by the elements)
  
• The type of glass used
  
• How well it’s been maintained
  
• Whether it still meets current safety and energy standards
  

Generally, commercial glass can last 20–30 years if it’s looked after properly. But regular inspections are essential.

What are the signs it’s time for high-rise glass replacement?

Even if it looks fine, your glass might be due to be replaced. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Cracks or chips: Small cracks can turn into big problems. If you spot one, it’s best to act quickly before it gets worse.

2. Fogging or moisture between glass panels: This usually means the seal on double-glazed glass has failed. Not only does it look bad, but it also affects the insulation and energy efficiency.

3. Damaged or peeling sealant: If the sealant around the glass is starting to wear away, water can get in, and that’s never good news for what’s behind the façade.

4. Staining, discolouration or etching: Glass can start to look cloudy or stained over time, especially with harsh sun or cleaning chemicals.

5. Rising energy bills: Older glass just doesn’t perform as well as modern glazing. If your building’s heating or cooling costs are increasing, it might be time to upgrade.

Invest in regular high-rise facade inspections

Don’t wait for something to go wrong, regular inspections can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. We recommend at least one check-up per year, plus extra inspections after major weather events.

At Apex Facades, we make it easy with rope access teams, drone surveys, and expert eyes on your building. We know what to look for and how to fix it fast.

If you do need to replace the glass: 

There’s a lot involved in high-rise glass replacement – but our team will take care of it all. We’ll need to think about:

• How we’ll access the area (rope access is usually the least disruptive)
  
• What type of glass you’re replacing it wit
  
• Matching the new panels to your existing façade
  
• Making sure everything meets safety and building standards
  

We’ve helped clients all over Australia handle challenging high-rise glass replacements, whether it’s one panel or an entire façade. Here are a couple of projects we’ve worked on: 

11 Mary Street, Brisbane

Star Casino, Sydney

Quay Quarters, Sydney

Maintaining high-rise glass

Here are some easy ways to keep it in great condition:

• Schedule regular cleans using the right products
  
• Keep an eye out for cracks, leaks or peeling sealant
  
• Don’t ignore small damage – it can get worse fast
  
• Book in regular inspections with the pros (that’s us!)
  

Why Apex Facades?

We work on some of the tallest and most challenging buildings in Australia, so when it comes to glass maintenance and replacement, we’ve seen (and done) it all.

Here’s what you get with Apex:

• National service – city or regional, we’ll come to you
  
• Rope access specialists – less fuss, no big scaffolds
  
• Experienced team – we know glass, façades and everything in between
  
• Minimal disruption – we get the job done without throwing your building into chaos
  

Whether your glass is cracked, foggy, or just due for an upgrade, we can help.

Need a quote or inspection? Get in touch with Apex Facades today.