Façade inspection services in London
From ground level, many façade defects are guesses.
Close access can turn guesses into recorded observations, limited to the areas actually inspected.
Start with the question
The inspection may investigate a visible defect, plan maintenance, define a repair, record condition by elevation, revisit a previous finding or answer a specific decision question.
What can be recorded
- cladding surfaces and joints;
- glazing perimeters;
- external sealants;
- cracks and surface deterioration;
- staining;
- displacement;
- accessible fixing heads and brackets;
- visible interfaces.
What a visual inspection does not prove
- concealed anchorage;
- structural capacity;
- design adequacy;
- fire performance;
- hidden construction;
- the condition of every similar component.
Sampled inspection needs to say it is sampled
Where only selected areas are accessed, the report should state the sampled extent, locations and inaccessible areas. One observation must not be treated as proof of the whole façade.
Make the report useful
Use elevation or grid references, overview and close photos, visible condition, inaccessible areas, direct observations and matters requiring further investigation. Possible explanations remain possible until supported by further evidence.
Tell us what you need the inspection to answer
Send the postcode, photos, height, drawings, previous findings and required report format.