The question “What If sealants fail” can create so much fear that it will breed misconception leading to a pursuit of problems which might not even exist. Just consider manufacturer designed/tested facade solutions such as curtain walls, fin walls, canopies, point supported systems depend solely on critical silicone sealant treatments at both glass and metal joinery locations.  If it weren’t for these treatments the system simply wouldn’t perform. Factory fabricators insulate the glass installed into these systems using high performance silicone sealants.  4-sided structurally glazed/unitized wall systems utilize silicone not only as a weather seal, but as a method of attachment for insulated glass. Once we acknowledge the fact that sealants are a crucial (indispensable) component of all exterior glazing systems, we can begin to accept/explore properly installed sealants as a sound solution for dissimilar materials.  Understanding the critical nature, versality and value of proper sealant utilization/installation is key to providing a building envelope which will consistently perform over time. To best ensure proper means/methods are being detailed and redundancy’s aren’t being introduced unnecessarily, include us in your design efforts and tap into those years of hands on experience we can bring to your table.