Prioritize Project Spend with a Façade Assessment

Restorative construction projects to a building’s exterior façade can be expensive. The goal of façade management with Technical Assurance is to improve facility conditions and extend the service life of exterior assets in order to lower a building owner’s total cost of ownership. Having a regular assessment performed on your building envelope assets can help you prioritize project spend.

When determining if a professional façade assessment is necessary, there are few telltale signs that you can look for on the building. Is there any obvious damage? Are there visible cracks? Is paint peeling or bubbling? The presence of any of these seemingly small issues could be signs that there is a larger issue that needs to be addressed.

Façade Assessment

During an assessment or forensic investigation assignment, our building envelope consulting team looks at specific components of the façade system(s) in order to determine the condition and remaining service life of the system(s). A general list of issues and/or deficiencies that our team looks for with the exterior façade, foundation walls, masonry, curtain walls and stone veneer are identified below.

During an assessment or forensic investigation assignment, our building envelope consulting team looks at specific components of the façade system(s) in order to determine the condition and remaining service life of the system(s). A general list of issues and/or deficiencies that our team looks for with the exterior façade, foundation walls, masonry, curtain walls and stone veneer are identified below.

Structural

• Deflection or Displacement/bowing
• Foundation damage
• Cracks
• Unsecured elements
• Corrosion of steel

Coatings

• Peeling/blistering
• Substrate damage
• Failed patch
• Trapped moisture

Surface

• Dirt/stains
• Mineral deposits
• Biological Growth
• Carbon buildup

Waterproofing Elements

• Expansion joint damage
• Worn flashings
• Sealant joint failure

Concrete Foundation Wall

• Spalled concrete and corroded rebar
• Cracks
• Settlement
• Displacement

Masonry

• Efflorescence
• Cracks/spalls
• Mortar deterioration
• Movement/displacement
• Vegetative growth

Curtain Walls

• Buckling/bulging
• Loose gaskets
• Failed sealants
• Condensation

Stone Veneer (Marble, Granite, Limestone, Sandstone)

• Displacement
• Cracks
• Loose stone

Façade Testing Methods

In addition to a basic façade condition assessment and reporting, testing can also be performed to aid in façade forensics when the source or origin of an issue is unknown. These tests are used to identify fabrication errors or sources of air or water leakage in the façade. While a leak may seem small, it is only a matter of time before it becomes a larger and more cost-intensive issue. Regular assessments will help you stay on top of small issues and have a proactive approach to maintaining your building assets.

• Water Penetration Tests – Water is applied to the exterior face at the required rate while observing for any water penetration on the interior.
• Air Infiltration/Exfiltration Tests – Simulates wind pressure by creating a pressure differential across the testing area.
• Structural Load Tests – A pressure differential is created and the specimen is tested for audible, tactile or visual indications of distress or failure.
• RILEM Tube Test – Measures the absorption rate of a particular substrate, typically concrete or masonry.
• Dewpoint Analysis – Measures the location that condensation is occurring within a wall system
• Smoke Pen Test – Determines where air is entering/exiting the building

Request a Facade Assessment

Managing the exterior systems of your facility properly with regular condition assessments, repairs and maintenance helps prolong your building’s useful service life and ultimately reduces your Total Cost of Ownership.

Improving your façade starts with a thorough assessment. Contact us today to set up a consultation.