Working with Other Trades
Cladding systems only succeed when multiple trades align. As GC, your role is to enforce clear boundaries and sequencing so scopes don’t overlap and warranties don’t conflict.
- Curtain Wall and Windows: Require early coordination meetings. Flashing and air barrier tie-ins must be sequenced correctly, and contract documents should clearly state which trade is responsible at each interface.
- Mechanical and Electrical: Enforce sleeve coordination before panel fabrication. Require flexible connections for building movement, and assign responsibility for sealing and firestopping in contract scope.
- Roofing and Parapets: Membrane terminations must align with cladding details. Require counter-flashing coordination and enforce temporary weather protection responsibility until enclosure is complete.
GC Takeaway: Establish trade boundaries in pre-construction. Hold weekly coordination meetings, document responsibilities, and enforce accountability.
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
- Immediate Documentation: Require photos, sketches, and written descriptions within 24 hours of deviations.
- Rapid Design Response: Demand engineered solutions within 48 hours. Require pre-approved fixes for common issues.
- Manufacturing Flexibility: Confirm local GTA fabrication capacity. Clarify in contract who absorbs remake costs.
- Continuous Communication: Insist on daily progress updates, look-ahead schedules, and reporting of cost/schedule impacts.
Quality Control That Works
QC is not paperwork — it’s active risk prevention. As GC, require your cladding subcontractor to implement and share records of a three-stage QC system.
Pre-Installation Verification
- Substrate condition checklist completed and signed
- Layout verified against approved shop drawings
- Material inspection for damage or defects
- Tool calibration certificates current
During Installation Monitoring
- Alignment checks every 5 panels or 30 linear feet
- Fastener torque verification with calibrated tools
- Water drainage path confirmed at each level
- Thermal movement allowance verified at fixed points
Final Inspection Documentation
- Water infiltration testing at 20% of windows and unique conditions
- Fastener verification at sample rate
- Thermal imaging scans to confirm insulation continuity (ΔT ≥ 10°C)
- Full photo documentation of finished work
GC Oversight Tip: Require thermal imaging scans at substantial completion. They reveal hidden insulation gaps and thermal bridges.
GC Checklist for Coordination and QC
- Define trade responsibilities for WRB, flashing, penetrations, and protection in contract
- Hold weekly coordination meetings with cladding, window, roofing, and M&E trades
- Enforce 24-hour documentation rule for deviations
- Demand 48-hour engineered responses for field changes
- Confirm local fabrication capacity for remake panels
- Require three-stage QC documentation with torque logs, photos, and thermal imaging results
