Façade Inspection
Next Generation Façade Inspection
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ike all building elements, façades will age and be subject to soiling and structural deterioration, accelerated by exposure to man-made pollutants and other environmental factors. Damage or deterioration to façade elements can result in water penetration, falling debris and, in extreme cases, façade failure - all of which have the potential to cause harm. It is therefore vital that any risks are mitigated as early as possible to keep buildings safe for occupants and people within its vicinity. Authorities across the world are now beginning to regulate on the scope and intervals for façade inspection. Insurance will also require building owners to show that the relevant maintenance needs have been met. Failure to maintain the building façade properly may result in increased insurance premiums, difficulty in obtaining insurance renewals,
Façade inspection is an integral part of building survey
or the termination of insurance cover. It is therefore vital that those responsible for a building’s maintenance and upkeep can demonstrate to insurers that all reasonable steps have been taken by implementing appropriate risk management procedures. This
As façades age, they will get subjected to structural deterioration
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should include periodic façade inspections. The degree of façade inspection and maintenance that is required will depend on the materials used and their intended life. The necessary frequency of inspection can be divided into three categories. 1. Routine: continuous regular observations that should be undertaken by the user as part of the occupancy of the building. 2.General: visual inspections of main elements. 3.Detailed: a full inspection of the façade by a suitably qualified person. Periodic façade inspection will help to detect potential issues and underlying problems with a façades early on, such as cracks, corrosion and flaking. It will also help to identify the level of defect deterioration and minimise the risk of any compromised facades exposing safety risks. Façade inspection is, therefore, an integral part of building survey
