When façade elements fail, components could fall, thereby putting people and property at risk. As a response to this, many cities have passed façade ordinances to identify unsafe conditions, such as loose façade components or materials that may fall and cause damage to property or injury to pedestrians. At Rimkus, we provide professional building inspections supported by recommendations and design for proactive maintenance and repair programs. Façade inspections typically fall into one of the following categories:
- Safe: Requires no attention
- Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program: Requires repairs or maintenance within a time period designated by the professional in order to prevent deterioration into an unsafe condition
- Unsafe: Has no reliable means of structural support and is dangerous to persons or property. Requires prompt remedial action.
Conducting Inspections
Inspection requirements range from visual inspection of street-facing façades by architects, engineers, or contractors, to “hands-on inspections” that require licensed engineers or architects to physically touch façade components for each elevation of the building along the entire height of each elevation. Typically, inspections are required for buildings over five stories, with inspection frequencies ranging from two to five years.
Our experts are well versed in façade condition assessments and have the experience and knowledge needed to identify repair details as well as oversee the completion of the repairs on behalf of the property owner.
North American cities with façade inspection ordinances include:
- Boston
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Detroit
- Jersey City
- Milwaukee
- Montreal
- New York
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- San Francisco
- St. Louis