What Does a Façade Inspection Actually Involve?

When you're responsible for the maintenance and safety of a commercial building, the term façade inspection might sound routine—but the process behind it is anything but. Done properly, a façade inspection is a critical preventative measure that protects not just your building's appearance, but its long-term structural integrity and compliance. So, what does a façade inspection actually involve? Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Pre-Inspection Briefing

Every façade inspection starts with preparation. A qualified team will review existing building drawings, previous maintenance records, access strategies and any known issues. This helps focus the inspection on potential risk areas and allows for smarter use of time on-site.
Why it matters: Targeted inspections save time and money while ensuring that critical areas are prioritised.

Step 2: Visual Assessment

Using rope access, mobile platforms or drones (depending on the building’s height and structure), the inspection team will conduct a comprehensive visual check of the façade.
Common things we look for:

• Cracks or movement in cladding or glazing

• Loose panels, fixings or sealants

• Water ingress or staining

• Material degradation

• Structural misalignment
  Even small defects can signal deeper issues if left unchecked.

Step 3: Close-Up & Manual Testing

Where concerns are spotted, the team may conduct close-up tactile tests, such as tapping, pull tests or using moisture meters. This helps verify the severity of a defect.
Why it matters: Some problems are only visible or diagnosable up-close—especially with older façades or where glazing systems are involved.

Step 4: Risk Grading and Prioritisation

Each issue is assessed for urgency. For example, a slightly weathered sealant might be logged as a “monitor” issue, whereas a loose cladding panel would be marked “urgent – requires immediate action”.
This stage helps you:

• Understand what needs fixing now vs. later

• Budget and plan your maintenance more effectively

Step 5: The Report

You’ll receive a detailed report including:

• Photos of all defects

• Severity ratings

• Recommended next steps

• Timeframes for remedial works

• Maintenance insights and observations
  A professional report isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it becomes a working document you can refer to for planning, budgeting and demonstrating due diligence.

The Value of Early Detection

Many façade issues start small: a missing bolt, a cracked seal, a little water ingress. Left alone, they can lead to costly repairs, safety risks or even emergency closures. Regular inspections, even annually, reduce the chance of surprises and support a proactive maintenance culture.

In Summary:
A façade inspection isn’t just about compliance—it’s a powerful tool that helps building managers make informed decisions, avoid emergencies, and extend the life of their asset. If you haven’t scheduled your next inspection yet, or would like a no-obligation review of your façade’s condition, the team at Glass Aftercare is here to help.