Façade Engineering

Many elements and several indicators help suggest that a building's façade may require remediation:

• Cracks or Spalling: Visible cracks or pieces of material detaching from the façade can indicate structural issues or material degradation.
• Water Infiltration: Stains, mold, or dampness on interior walls may result from façade leaks.
• Discolouration or Staining: Uneven colouration can indicate material weathering or pollution accumulation.
• Sealant Deterioration: Aging or failing window sealants and deterioration of joints often reveal a building envelope's integrity may be compromised.
• Energy Efficiency Decline: Increased heating or cooling costs and draughts may indicate inadequate insulation within the façade.

Addressing these issues promptly through professional assessment and remediation can prevent further damage, enhance building performance, and ensure occupant safety.

Regular façade inspections are essential for building safety, performance, and legal compliance. The frequency of inspections can vary depending on building type, location, and use, but a general best practice is to undertake inspections every 5 years. In the UK, guidance and requirements continue to evolve in response to high-profile incidents and increased scrutiny around building safety. For high-rise and high-risk buildings, legislation such as the Building Safety Act 2022 and fire safety regulations now emphasise the need for routine, documented inspections of external walls and associated systems.

A typical façade inspection involves visually assessing the building's external envelope to identify signs of deterioration, such as cracks, corrosion, water ingress, or failing cladding systems. We can also conduct more in-depth assessments using drones, scanning, thermal imaging, or non-destructive testing.

These inspections are especially critical in identifying combustible or non-compliant materials, poor installation practices, and fire safety weaknesses—issues that can compromise a building's compliance and lives. Proactive façade inspections allow for early intervention, informed remediation planning, and alignment with statutory responsibilities for building owners and duty holders..

Securing funding for façade remediation, particularly for buildings affected by fire safety risks, can involve regulatory assessments, applications to government schemes (such as the Building Safety Fund), and detailed planning. Navigating this landscape requires a technical understanding of the remediation work and a clear, evidenced case to support funding approval and stakeholder confidence.

We support clients from the earliest stages of façade remediation projects through our Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) framework. Our structured approach enables strategic planning and effective coordination before work begins. Through the PCSA, we work closely with clients to define project scope, conduct technical surveys, provide risk assessments, and produce cost analyses, all aligned with compliance and funding requirements.

Our experienced team provides detailed, factual report submissions for funding bodies, ensuring that accurate fire risk assessments, façade condition reports, and compliant design proposals support applications.

Fire safety in façade and fascia remediation is a critical and tightly regulated aspect of any building envelope project. Responsibility for managing fire safety elements typically involves collaborating with the Principal Designer, Fire Consultant, and Contractors, each playing a pivotal role in ensuring the remediation strategy fully complies with fire safety legislation and building regulations.

We work with qualified Fire Consultants who will assess the existing façade system, identify any combustible or non-compliant materials, and advise on suitable replacements. Assessments may include reviewing build-ups, junctions, cavity barriers, insulation, and fixings—all of which must meet the latest fire performance standards.

Materials used in remediation must be tested and classified in accordance with relevant standards, such as BS EN 13501-1 and BS 8414, and form part of a documented fire strategy. We ensure that fire test reports, compliance certificates, and manufacturer declarations support all products used in our remediation projects.

We coordinate with all relevant parties to develop and maintain a comprehensive fire safety file, which includes all testing data, fire assessments, and sign-off documentation. This file supports building owners, duty holders, and leaseholders in demonstrating compliance and achieving a safe, future-proofed outcome.