The answer to the question of how often you should inspect your building’s façade depends on a variety of factors.
Why Building Façade Inspection Matters
It makes no sense to ignore exterior inspections completely because you will miss the start of issues that may become serious over time. It also makes little sense to have high-rise office buildings, shopping centers, industrial parks, or any other large commercial structures inspected every month, for example. Figuring out how often should you inspect your building’s façade is about knowing why inspections matter and understanding the potential problems they prevent.
What do structural engineers and building façade inspectors look for?
- Signs of water damage or structural infiltration
- Deficient or damaged insulation
- Rust, mineral, or other stains
- Organic growth
- Loose bricks, stones, panels, or other materials
- Cracks, spalling, or other material loss
- Broken or damaged windows
- Leaning, shifted, or warped structural details
- Anything improperly secured or worn
The list of potential hazards for any building façade depends on the materials used in its construction, the size of the building, traffic at the location, and age of the structure itself.
How Often Should You Schedule a Complete Building Façade Inspection?
First, figure out the local laws or regulations surrounding exterior building inspections and follow them. Second, schedule regular services performed by experienced professionals in the field. If you are uncertain about the ideal frequency, simply ask the experts.
The answer to this question usually points to building façade inspections every year, two years, or five years. Again, the precise time frame depends on a variety of factors. For example, a brand-new building may not need inspections as frequently as one who has weathered for a decade or more.
Of course, the earlier problems are detected, the easier and less expensive they are to repair. A single crack can expand into a serious problem that involves structural damage and mold growth in a short amount of time. Building façade inspections minimize the risk of costly renovations, danger to anyone who enters the building or walks by outside, and regulatory issues that may affect your bottom line considerably.
Save Money on Long-Term Maintenance or Repair
Contact TG Basile today for a quote on preventing building facade issues before they start by scheduling a consultation today.
