This paper provides a critical review of the degradation, durability and service life prediction (SLP) of polymeric building envelope materials (BEMs), namely, claddings, air/vapour barriers, insulations, sealants, gaskets and fenestration. The rate of material deterioration and properties determine the usefulness of a product; therefore, knowledge of the significant degradation mechanisms in play for BEMs is key to the design of proper SLP methods. SLP seeks to estimate the life expectancy of a material/component exposed to in-service conditions. This topic is especially important with respect to the potential impacts of climate change. The surrounding environment of a building dictates the degradation mechanisms in play, and as climate change progresses, material aging conditions become more unpredictable. This can result in unexpected changes and/or damages to BEMs, and shorter than expected SL. The development of more comprehensive SLP methods is economically and environmentally sound, and it will provide more confidence, comfort and safety to all building users. The goal of this paper is to review the existing literature in order to identify the knowledge gaps and provide suggestions to address these gaps in light of the rapidly evolving climate.

Jointing and sealant products play an important role in maintaining the weathertightness of buildings. Despite being relatively inexpensive, in respect to the overall cost of a building, they help minimize water penetration into and air movement across the building envelope. As such, sealant failures can result in undue air and moisture transfer across the building envelope, a loss of energy efficiency, and, given moisture ingress to the building envelope, the degradation of materials and components therein. To avoid serious degradation of building components and possible damage to the structural integrity of buildings as well as the potential significant and costly consequences of sealant failure, it is important to understand the underlying reasons for the degradation of adhesive and sealant products that, in turn, permit predicting their life expectancy. In this paper, a review is provided on advances in the durability, service life, and service life prediction (SLP) of sealants and adhesives in the building domain over the past decade. In this overview, emphasis is placed on work derived from relevant technical committees, together with symposia and conferences focused on the SLP of polymer materials. The information serves both as a primer on the topic and an update on previous contributions in this area. Examples of current trends in SLP are presented, along with expectations for future research.