Why Commercial Facade Inspections Matter For Building Owners And Property Managers

By Author: Michael Harris
Total Articles: 32
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A commercial building facade is exposed to weather, moisture, temperature changes, wind, and everyday environmental conditions. Over time, these factors can affect masonry, exterior wall systems, windows, joints, parapets, and other facade components.

For building owners and property managers, regular facade inspections provide an opportunity to identify deterioration and address potential concerns before they become more difficult and expensive to manage.

In Boston, facade inspections can also be part of a property's regulatory obligations. Section 9-9.12 of the Boston Municipal Code establishes periodic exterior wall inspection requirements for certain buildings. Covered occupied structures generally require inspection at least once every five years.

Read More - https://abovetherestbuildingservices.com/blog/the-importance-of-facade-inspections/

What Is a Commercial Facade Inspection?

A commercial facade inspection is a professional evaluation of a building's exterior walls and related components.

The inspection focuses on identifying conditions that may affect safety, structural performance, ...
... water-tightness, or the ongoing condition of the exterior.

Depending on the building and applicable requirements, the inspection may involve reviewing previous reports, examining exterior wall materials, documenting deterioration, photographing conditions, and evaluating areas that may require further investigation.

In Boston, the required inspection must be conducted by or under the supervision of a registered professional, with the resulting report prepared and signed or sealed by that professional.

Why Should Property Managers Schedule Facade Inspections?

The most obvious reason is safety.

Deteriorating exterior materials can eventually become loose or unstable. Cracked masonry, damaged components, movement, or separation can create risks for people and property below.

But safety is not the only consideration.

Facade inspections can also provide information for maintenance planning. Property managers can use documented findings to understand which conditions require attention and which repairs may need to be prioritized.

This information can be particularly useful when planning annual maintenance budgets or larger capital projects.

Identifying Water-Related Problems

Water intrusion is another important facade concern.

A building exterior must perform as part of the overall building envelope. When cracks, deteriorated joints, damaged components, or other openings allow moisture to enter, problems may extend beyond the facade itself.

Continued moisture exposure can contribute to deterioration and potentially affect interior areas.

Boston's facade inspection requirements specifically include consideration of the apparent water-tightness of exterior surfaces.

Identifying possible water-related concerns gives property managers an opportunity to investigate the source and determine whether repairs or additional testing may be necessary.

How Technology Can Support Inspections

Some facade areas are difficult to reach or observe from the ground. Modern inspection technology can provide useful additional documentation.

Digital imaging, video, and drone technology are permitted under Boston's ordinance when appropriate. These tools can assist a registered professional in evaluating and documenting difficult areas.

However, technology should not be confused with a complete replacement for physical inspection. Boston's requirements include a representative physical, hands-on examination from an appropriate observation platform.

A combination of professional expertise and suitable technology can therefore provide useful inspection coverage while maintaining the required process.

What Happens After a Facade Inspection?

The next step depends on the conditions identified.

A report may document a facade as safe, safe with a repair and maintenance program, or unsafe under the applicable requirements.

If repairs are recommended, property managers can use the findings to determine priorities, obtain repair estimates, schedule work, and plan future maintenance.

When an unsafe condition is identified under Boston's ordinance, specific notification and repair requirements apply.

This is why a facade inspection should be viewed as part of an ongoing building maintenance strategy rather than as a standalone administrative task.

Facade Inspections and Property Value

A building's exterior condition can influence how prospective tenants, buyers, investors, and visitors view the property.

Visible deterioration may raise questions about future maintenance costs or the overall condition of the building. Regular inspection and maintenance provide property owners with better information about the exterior condition of their asset.

While an inspection does not guarantee an increase in property value, identifying and addressing facade problems can contribute to responsible long-term property management.

FAQs About Facade Inspections

How often should a commercial facade be inspected in Boston?

For buildings covered by Boston Section 9-9.12, occupied structures generally require inspection at least once every five years. Certain covered unoccupied structures require annual inspections. Applicability depends on the building's characteristics and status.

What problems can a facade inspection detect?

A professional inspection can identify significant deterioration, movement, cracking, separation, distressed materials, water-tightness concerns, and other conditions affecting exterior walls and appurtenances.

Can a drone replace a physical facade inspection?

No. Boston permits drones, video, and digital imaging as appropriate inspection tools, but a representative physical, hands-on inspection is still required under Section 9-9.12.

Why is a facade inspection useful for budgeting?

Inspection findings provide property managers with information about existing conditions and potential repairs. This can support maintenance priorities, repair scheduling, and longer-term capital planning.

What should property owners do after an inspection?

Owners should review the inspection report, understand any identified conditions, prioritize required repairs, and follow applicable reporting and corrective-action requirements. For unsafe conditions, Boston's ordinance establishes specific procedures and deadlines.

Taking a Proactive Approach to Facade Maintenance

Facade inspections provide building owners and property managers with a clearer picture of exterior conditions. They can support safety, maintenance planning, water intrusion assessment, repair decisions, and applicable regulatory responsibilities.

For properties subject to Boston's facade inspection requirements, planning inspections on schedule is particularly important. Section 9-9.12 establishes specific requirements for covered buildings, including professional inspection and reporting.

Above the Rest Building Services provides commercial facade inspection, maintenance, and repair solutions for property owners and managers seeking a structured approach to difficult-to-access exterior building conditions.

A proactive facade inspection can give property managers the information they need to make informed decisions about safety, repairs, maintenance, and the long-term condition of their building.