What Façade Damage Can Mean for Your Building

A façade problem is rarely just a surface problem. 

When exterior systems begin to fail, water can enter the building envelope and start causing damage in places you may not see right away. 

What looks like a small crack, stain, or sealant issue on the outside can lead to hidden deterioration behind walls, around openings, and within critical connections.

That hidden damage is what makes façade issues so costly if they’re ignored. Moisture can affect insulation, finishes, framing, and other components long before the problem becomes obvious inside the building. In many cases, recurring leaks are a sign that the root cause has not been solved, only patched.

For owners and facility management teams, the risk isn’t just the repair cost. It is also disruption, liability, and the possibility of larger repairs later if the problem spreads unchecked. Early assessment helps you identify the source of the issue, understand how far it has progressed, and focus repairs where they’re actually needed.

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Protect Your Building Before the Problem Grows

Façade deterioration rarely fixes itself. The earlier you catch it, the more control you have over the outcome, the repair scope, and the cost.

If your building is showing any of these warning signs, reach out for a professional façade and building envelope inspection. A careful evaluation today can help protect your property, your people, and your investment for years to come. Contact us here!

5 Early Warning Signs of Façade Deterioration

Have you noticed small changes on your building’s exterior and wondered whether they matter? 

Cracks, stains, and sealant issues may seem minor at first, but they can be early signs of façade deterioration that deserve attention.

The most visible warning signs building owners and facility teams usually spot are:

• Cracks in exterior surfaces.
• Staining and discoloration.
• Sealant failure.
• Bulging or visible movement.
• Rust or corrosion around metal components.

What These Signs Can Mean

A visible defect doesn’t always mean a full-system failure, but it does mean the building deserves attention. Small façade problems can turn into expensive repairs when water enters the assembly and remains there, damaging insulation, finishes, framing, and even structural elements.

The good news is that early assessment gives you options. When you understand the cause and scope of the issue, you can prioritize repairs, protect your budget, and avoid reactive decision-making.

Read more on our website!

Protect Your Building Before the Problem Grows

Façade deterioration rarely fixes itself. The earlier you catch it, the more control you have over the outcome, the repair scope, and the cost.

If your building is showing any of these warning signs, reach out for a professional façade and building envelope inspection. A careful evaluation today can help protect your property, your people, and your investment for years to come. Contact us here!

Why Façade Inspection Matters

As buildings age and regulatory scrutiny heightens, regular facade inspections are now vital. Let’s explore current standards, why they matter, and what you should expect in 2025. 

• Extreme weather triggers: Even wind speeds below 40 mph—as experienced during Tropical Depression Irma—have caused facade failures in downtown Atlanta, despite facades being designed for 90 mph wind loads.
• Aging building stock: Atlanta and Seattle have many decades old structures. With time, materials age and defects accumulate, increasing chances of cracks, corrosion, and loose finishes if unaddressed.

Beyond the Inspection

Here are some additional tips for maintaining your building’s facade:

• Schedule regular cleanings: Dirt and grime buildup can trap moisture and accelerate deterioration. The frequency of cleaning will depend on your location and environment.
• Address minor issues promptly: Don’t let small cracks or loose caulking become major problems. Fixing them early will save you money in the long run.
• Work with qualified professionals: Hire experienced inspectors and contractors for facade inspections and repairs. They can identify potential problems and recommend the best course of action.

Read more about façade inspection on our website!

Utilize the IEI Advantage for Your Facade Inspection!

Did you know that a structured self-inspection of your building can prevent problems before they start and before anyone gets hurt? What may appear as an insignificant defect can turn into a big problem if ignored.

Our state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment and facade inspection. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after closure of downtown streets or worse, personal injury, death, and/or property damage occurs. Contact us today!

Why Inspect Building Facades?

1. Public safety

Cracks, spalling, or loose panels can endanger pedestrians and occupants. Inspections identify such hazards early.

2. Cost control & value preservation

Preventative maintenance helps avoid expensive failures down the line, preserving your building’s aesthetics and market value.

3. Regulatory compliance

13 jurisdictions (e.g., NYC, Milwaukee) mandate facade inspections to preempt incidents like falling debris.

Unlike many major U.S. cities with mandatory facade ordinances (e.g., NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta and Seattle currently have no municipal law requiring periodic facade inspections. However, per the International Property Maintenance Code, building exteriors must be maintained in good repair, structurally sound, and not endanger public safety or welfare.

Consequently, many Atlanta building owners choose to inspect their facades proactively to reduce liability risk and protect occupants and passersby.

Read more about façade inspection on our website!

Utilize the IEI Advantage for Your Facade Inspection!

Did you know that a structured self-inspection of your building can prevent problems before they start and before anyone gets hurt? What may appear as an insignificant defect can turn into a big problem if ignored.

Our state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment and facade inspection. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after closure of downtown streets or worse, personal injury, death, and/or property damage occurs. Contact us today!

Protecting Your Investment with Building Envelope Inspection

A building's envelope is its first line of defense against the elements. It encompasses the roof, walls, windows, and foundation, working tirelessly to protect the building's interior. 

Regular inspections are essential to maintain property value, energy efficiency, and occupant safety. But beyond these benefits, building envelope inspections also play a crucial role in mitigating liability.   

A piece of masonry falls off a building every three weeks. Unfortunately, it had to take serious injury, death, and property damage to cause 13 major cities to institute façade ordinances. Additionally, many major property owners have instituted their own façade inspection policies.

Understanding the Risks

Neglecting building envelope maintenance can lead to a cascade of problems, including:

• Water intrusion: This can cause structural damage, mold growth, and electrical hazards.   
• Energy loss: A compromised envelope allows heat to escape in winter and infiltrate in summer, increasing energy costs and reducing comfort.
• Safety hazards: Deteriorated components, such as loose masonry or failing windows, can pose risks to occupants and pedestrians.   

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Don’t Put off a Building Envelope Inspection! Schedule Today

Need a building envelope inspection you can rely on? We use the highest standards to determine the safety of your building. 

Every deficiency noted is analyzed to determine the root cause and severity. Most often this analysis is conducted during the inspection, and later documented.  Severity levels for deficiencies are classified as follows:

• Unsafe condition
• Requires repair/stabilization
• Ordinary maintenance

Our state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after the restoration contractor has started work – which would lead to change orders and damaged reputations. Contact us today!

Beyond the Inspection: Keeping Your Facade in Top Shape

Inspections are important, but there's more to facade maintenance! Here are some additional tips:

• Schedule regular cleanings to prevent dirt buildup and moisture damage.
• Address minor issues like cracks or loose caulking promptly to avoid bigger problems later.
• Hire qualified professionals for inspections and repairs to ensure the best care for your building's exterior.

By following these tips, you can keep your building's facade looking great and functioning effectively for years to come!

Read the full article on our website!

Utilize the IEI Advantage for Your Facade Inspection!

Did you know that a structured self-inspection of your building can prevent problems before they start and before anyone gets hurt? What may appear as an insignificant defect can turn into a big problem if ignored.

Our state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment and facade inspection. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after closure of downtown streets or worse, personal injury, death, and/or property damage occurs. Contact us today!

How Often Should You Inspect Your Building's Facade?

Your building's facade is more than just its looks! Regular inspections are key to catching problems early and preventing costly repairs. Here's a quick tip:

• Facades in good condition can typically wait 5 years between inspections.
• If yours shows signs of wear and tear, consider inspections every 2-3 years.
• Learn more about the importance of façade inspection here.

Read the full article on our website!

Utilize the IEI Advantage for Your Facade Inspection!

Did you know that a structured self-inspection of your building can prevent problems before they start and before anyone gets hurt? What may appear as an insignificant defect can turn into a big problem if ignored.

Our state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment and facade inspection. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after closure of downtown streets or worse, personal injury, death, and/or property damage occurs. Contact us today!

Why Industrial Rope Access is Critical to Engineering Projects

Structural engineering projects often involve working in environments where traditional access methods, like scaffolding or aerial lifts, simply can’t access. Whether it's the towering facade of a skyscraper, the intricate arches of a bridge, or the rugged terrain of an offshore platform, industrial rope access provides engineers with a direct route to areas that would otherwise be off-limits.

In scenarios where structures are situated in rugged terrain or extend to great heights, industrial rope access becomes indispensable. Instead of relying on cumbersome equipment or erecting elaborate scaffolding structures, engineers can swiftly ascend or descend using ropes, harnesses, and specialized techniques. This agility enables engineers to conduct inspections, perform maintenance tasks, or carry out repairs with precision and efficiency, regardless of the terrain or height.

Inaccessible Areas and Confined Spaces

Structural integrity often hinges on the meticulous inspection of components tucked away in inaccessible corners or confined spaces. Whether it's the interior chambers of a pipeline, the undersides of bridges, or the intricate framework within industrial installations, accessing these areas can pose significant challenges.

Industrial Rope Access offers engineers a nimble and adaptable solution for navigating confined spaces and accessing inaccessible areas. By utilizing techniques such as single rope technique (SRT) or double rope technique (DRT), engineers can descend into narrow shafts, ascend within confined chambers, or traverse complex structures with ease. This capability ensures that no critical component is left uninspected, allowing engineers to identify potential issues early and implement timely solutions.

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Climbing to Great Heights to Evaluate Structures

Our Industrial Rope Access Forensic Team (RAFT) structural engineers are able to efficiently access, inspect, and conduct sampling and testing of building facades, roofs, bridges, dams, tanks, towers, confined spaces, and natural features not otherwise accessible with ladders or boom lifts.  The team is experienced and practicing structural and forensic engineers, so as opposed to performing this work for other engineers, they are engineers themselves.  

Our engineers have been performing this type of inspection work since 1995 across the country. Industrial Rope Access has been used in the United States for over 60 years.  When used by trained professionals, industrial Rope Access techniques are safer, more efficient, and more cost effective than other traditional means of access height including scaffolding, swing stages, and cranes.

Contact us today to learn more!

What Should I Expect from a Façade Inspection?

What does a typical facade inspection entail?

The façade inspection begins with a kick-off meeting that includes the building user and maintenance personnel to obtain historical building information regarding the building envelope including re-roofing, previous repairs, additions and known deficient conditions.

Based on availability, existing documents will be collected and reviewed – plans, elevations, wall sections, specifications, and shop drawings for the original construction as well as any additions or modifications affecting the building envelope and previous inspection reports.

Plans and elevations are reproduced to aid in the inspection and reporting process. When previous façade inspection reports exist, study of them can identify areas where damage, both visible and concealed, may be likely as well assist in prioritizing inspection areas.

Read more about facade inspection on our website!

Utilize the IEI Advantage for Your Facade Inspection!

Did you know that a structured self-inspection of your building can prevent problems before they start and before anyone gets hurt? What may appear as an insignificant defect can turn into a big problem if ignored.

IEI’s state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment and facade inspection. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after closure of downtown streets or worse, personal injury, death, and/or property damage occurs. Contact us today!

Why Should You Care about Facade Inspection?

How important is routine façade inspection?

During hurricane, tornado, and severe thunderstorm season across the United States, we’re reminded how important it is to anticipate façade failures before they happen.

During Hurricane Irma in 2018, façade failures caused street closures in Atlanta despite the storm being downgraded to a tropical depression. Even though wind speeds were relatively low for a tropical storm (40mph or lower) and building facades are required by local ordinances to be designed for a minimum wind speed of 90mph, many buildings still suffered damage.

Am I Required to Perform a Facade Inspection?

Unlike 12 other major metropolitan areas, Atlanta has no façade ordinance law requiring periodic inspections to help ensure public safety from falling building façades. For these other cities, it unfortunately took an injury or death to encourage enactment of a façade inspection ordinance.

The lack of an ordinance, however, does not relieve building managers and owners from liability. The International Property Maintenance Code Section 304.1 requires “The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.”

Read more about facade inspection on our website! 

Utilize the IEI Advantage for Your Facade Inspection!

Did you know that a structured self-inspection of your building can prevent problems before they start and before anyone gets hurt? What may appear as an insignificant defect can turn into a big problem if ignored.

IEI’s state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment and facade inspection. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after closure of downtown streets or worse, personal injury, death, and/or property damage occurs. Contact us today!

 

Why are Structural Condition Assessments Performed?

Structural building inspections are critical for any commercial or residential building. Regular assessments should be done for:

• Code compliance (Laws and ordinances)
•  Building user observations
•  Real estate Due Diligence surveys

According to International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), “the exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to public health, safety or welfare.”

There are currently 12 cities in the United States with ordinances that mandate periodic inspections of building facades, most of which are in the Midwest. However, across the country, many building owners and managers elect to partake in voluntary structural building inspections for both safety and long-term financial reasons.

Did you know that a structured self-inspection of your building can prevent problems before they start and before anyone gets hurt? What may appear as an insignificant defect can turn into a big problem if ignored.

If you have tried several repairs unsuccessfully, call in a progressive collapse expert. Specialized equipment is necessary to thoroughly investigate and take guesswork out of the equation, so make sure you call a company with the proper experience to investigate the source and cause of an issue.

Read the full article about structural building inspection on our website!

Utilize the IEI Advantage for Your Structural Building Inspection!

IEI’s state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after the restoration contractor has started work – which would lead to change orders and damaged reputations. Contact us today!

Save Money on Costly Roof Repairs

Repairs to an extensively damaged roof can be quite costly. This cost is highlighted further when compared against that of a regular inspection. Money can be saved in the long run by performing thorough and regular inspections of your roof, rather than waiting until the damage has already been done.

Neglect tends to be the most common cause of roof failure, as most significant problems can be prevented. It is easy to assume that a roof is invincible, but unfortunately that is not the case, as they are prone to many issues such as ponding water, debris accumulation, exposure, and cracking.

Other common issues include:

• Organic growth: Weed and plant roots can actually penetrate into the roof, which can cause damage.
• Heat absorption: Components of the roof that have absorbed water will cool off more slowly. This leads to dusk being the best time to thermally examine a roof, as the “hot spots” have not cooled down as much as other areas.
• Ponding: The result of poor drainage, ponding is standing water that remains on a roof after 48 hours. The water can find its way into imperfections in the roof, and degrades the materials inside.
• Parapets: Can be a problematic source of water intrusion. Materials that have been exposed to moisture, sunlight, and UV exposure can crack and split, allowing water an easy path into the inside of the building envelope.
• Rusted supports: Can contribute to damage or falling pieces of your building envelope. Lightning strikes have been known to hit sensitive areas of a roof or facade and cause massive chunks to fall to the ground below.

Read the full article about roof inspection on our website!

Use the IEI Advantage to Protect Your Roof

A roof inspection is recommended twice a year – primarily right before and after winter. However, if your roof is subject to severe weather such as a hailstorm or hurricane, it may be prudent to schedule an inspection to assess any potential damage that may have been caused.

Innovative Engineering Inc.’s Certified Remote Pilots comply with FAA Part 107 Guidelines. They also hold a daylight operations waiver which allows them to fly at night, which is the best time to conduct thermal inspection.

The engineers at IEI have extensive experience with various methods of roof inspection. If you feel that it is time to address any problems (either potential or already confirmed) with the roof of your facility, give IEI a call today. Their engineers will be happy to provide you with a detailed report of any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Contact us today!

Thermal Imaging for a Thorough Roof Inspection

Many facilities often go year after year without a proper, comprehensive roof inspection. Managers may assume that the roof is sound and even ignore obvious issues, which will only proceed to become more and more severe.

Symptoms such as cracking, ponding water, and accumulated debris can indicate a significant problem. Regular, proper inspections of your roof can head off a more expensive repair in the future.

The practice of thermal imaging has become increasingly more common in regards to roof inspection practices. By scanning various areas of the roof with thermal cameras, you can identify where hidden issues may be lurking.

Conditions such as moisture intrusion, mold, heat or cooling loss, and construction quality can easily be determined when using thermal imaging of a roof.

The advantages of thermal imaging are multi-faceted. For instance, the process is non-intrusive, allows detection of issues before damage occurs, and gives the inspector the ability to scan large areas quickly.

Repairs to an extensively damaged roof can be quite costly. This cost is highlighted further when compared against that of a regular inspection. Money can be saved in the long run by performing thorough and regular inspections of your roof, rather than waiting until the damage has already been done. 

Read the full article about roof inspection on our website!

Use the IEI Advantage to Protect Your Roof

A roof inspection is recommended twice a year – primarily right before and after winter. However, if your roof is subject to severe weather such as a hailstorm or hurricane, it may be prudent to schedule an inspection to assess any potential damage that may have been caused.

Innovative Engineering Inc.’s Certified Remote Pilots comply with FAA Part 107 Guidelines. They also hold a daylight operations waiver which allows them to fly at night, which is the best time to conduct thermal inspection.

The engineers at IEI have extensive experience with various methods of roof inspection. If you feel that it is time to address any problems (either potential or already confirmed) with the roof of your facility, give IEI a call today. Their engineers will be happy to provide you with a detailed report of any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Contact us today!

Drone Use in Facade Inspection

Drone use is becoming more and more commonplace in today’s world, and the United States Government has noticed. Unwanted or hostile drones in US airspace are among the top national security threats in this country today. Flying a drone in restricted areas could interrupt operations at airports, military bases, other essential facilities, or threaten safety and security at public events.

In fact, there have already been multiple security issues involving drones in the news, both domestically and internationally. In April 2018, a medical helicopter in Dallas, Texas was forced to take evasive action to prevent crashing into a drone. This drone was spotted in class B restricted airspace, congested airspace surrounding the nation’s busiest airports where drones are not permitted to fly. What’s more, the drone was operating at night, which is prohibited without a specific waiver, and was well above the maximum permitted elevation for drone flights. The drone and operator violated at least five Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations and nearly caused a crash as a result. No drone or operator was identified after the near miss.

It’s clear that drones have the potential to disrupt major government and private operations in the US. But what is the likelihood of something like the Dallas near miss happening again? Brian Harrell, the Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security with the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) considers unmanned aircraft systems “an imminent threat, given their retail availability here in the United States.” And he is correct; the FAA has registered 1.56 million drones in the past four years, which is more than five times the number of commercial aircraft registered in the entire history of the agency.

Of those 1.56 million registered drones, more than 1.1 million were registered as recreational craft. There are major differences between flying a drone recreationally and commercially. Recreational pilots have very lax requirements. Under previous US CFR Title 14 Part 101 regulations, the FAA did not require recreational pilots to pass any exams or certifications to fly a drone. These rules are in the process of changing, but currently all recreational pilots need to do to fly is to register their craft with the FAA, then they can fly drones weighing up to 55 pounds in uncontrolled airspace! The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, when fully implemented, will require hobby and recreational pilots to pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety exam before flying, as well as obtain authorization to fly in controlled airspace. The recreational pilot knowledge test is expected to be implemented sometime in 2020. But until then, recreational drone pilots will be flying with no training regarding airspace restrictions and regulations, flight operations and procedures, or risk management skills that the FAA deems necessary.

Innovative Engineering, Inc (IEI) is uniquely qualified to perform drone work as part of their engineering offerings. IEI’s certified pilots have experience flying drones for building envelope inspections, including roofing and façade inspections. IEI’s drone is equipped with a FLIR thermal imaging camera for use by certified thermographers conducting moisture, air leakage, and insulation efficiency surveys.

Drones: The Next Security Threat?

Over the past couple decades, drone technology has advanced at a spectacular rate. Global Positioning Systems, accelerometers, and lightweight components have made drones cheaper, more accessible, and better performing than ever before. There is a nearly limitless number of applications for commercial drone flight, including photography, videography, agriculture, search-and-rescue operations, land surveying, and more. Recreational drone flight has become very popular as well, with pilots using their drones to race and perform stunts as well as take photos and videos.

Drone use is becoming more and more commonplace in today’s world, and the United States Government has noticed. Unwanted or hostile drones in US airspace are among the top national security threats in this country today. Flying a drone in restricted areas could interrupt operations at airports, military bases, other essential facilities, or threaten safety and security at public events.

Read the full article on our website!