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Comprehensive Façade Inspections

Façade inspections provide essential understanding of the condition of a building’s façade for informed decisions about safety, compliance, and performance. Our façade inspections and technical surveying services help identify and mitigate risk — from fire-rated cladding failures and thermal inefficiencies to structural weaknesses hidden behind external finishes.

We deliver detailed, data-rich reporting that gives property owners, duty holders, and project teams the insight they need to select appropriate materials, enhance building performance, and ensure regulatory compliance. Our reports also provide robust evidence to support funding applications, remediation strategies, and engagement with compliance officers, consultants, and stakeholders.

Starfish Construction engineer inspecting a façade of a multi-storey building

Pre-construction surveys

We provide the full spectrum of façade investigation, including intrusive and non-intrusive surveys, which will determine the suitability, compliance and safety of the following areas:

The Primary Frame

The main element that holds the facade in place, often made of steel or concrete, adding the required stability against wind loads and other external forces.

Air Barrier

A continuous membrane applied to the structural support to prevent air infiltration and maintain proper ventilation within the facade cavity.

Insulation Layer

A layer of material like mineral wool, foam board, or rigid insulation placed between the structural support and the cladding to improve thermal performance.

Weather Barrier

A waterproof membrane that protects the insulation from moisture penetration while allowing for water drainage.

Cladding Panels

The visible exterior finish of the facade, which should be Non Combustible Cladding, and often includes materials like metal panels, stone veneer, or glass curtain wall.

Fixing System

The hardware used to attach the cladding panels to the structural support, including brackets, clips, and fasteners.
View of multi-storey buildings from a very low perspective

Recording and Reporting

From the initial building safety assessments to your façade engineering, remediation and refurbishment project completion, working with experienced and knowledgeable principal designers and contractors who understand and align with the Golden Thread is essential.

The conception and introduction of the golden thread of information for buildings was born from a recommendation by Dame Judith Hackitt in her report, ‘Building a Safer Future’.

The objective of the guidance and compliance is to support duty-holders in designing, constructing and managing their higher-risk buildings, and ensuring remediated properties have fire-rated external cladding.

Why are Façade Safety Assessments Essential?

Many buildings across the UK have ageing or non-compliant façade systems that, at the least, provide no building performance advantage or, worse still, pose a structural or fire risk.

Understanding the true condition of a building’s façade—including the integrity of cladding, insulation, and fire barriers is essential to meeting regulatory standards and maintaining asset value.

Our detailed Surveys provide:

Non-Intrusive & Intrusive Investigations

We use advanced diagnostic techniques, including drone surveys, 3d and thermographic imaging, and exploratory opening-up works to assess cladding, fixings, insulation, and fire barriers.

Fire & Structural Compliance Assessments

We identify fire risk, structural integrity issues, and regulatory non-compliance combustible cladding under the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety (England) Regulations.

Moisture & Thermal Performance Analysis

We evaluate and report on thermal efficiency and water ingress risks to prevent heat loss, dampness, and façade degradation.

Comprehensive Survey Reporting

Once we complete the facade survey, we provide detailed, data-driven reports, including clear, actionable recommendations for compliance upgrades or remediation, helping you to make informed decisions.

TECHNICAL SURVEYING DIVISION

Our Façade Surveying Expertise

The Starfish Construction Technical Surveying Division specialises in multi-disciplinary diagnostic services, ensuring an accurate understanding of façade conditions.

Our approach is methodical, technology-led, and fully aligned with regulatory and industry standards. Our detailed façade condition reports, including EWS1 Survey, provide factual detail for your property remediation and compliance strategy.

If you need to survey your building facade and know how to take the next steps for either compliance or facade remediation, complete the form below, and we will guide you throughout the process.

Façade Inspection Preparation – What you should know.

What is a facade inspection?

A facade inspection, or a facade survey, is a detailed technical assessment of a building's external envelope. It evaluates key components' condition and compliance, including cladding panels, insulation, fire barriers, fixings, and weatherproofing layers. We conduct intrusive and non-intrusive facade investigations, using drone building surveys and thermographic imaging to assess safety risks, structural integrity, and energy performance.

Do I need an EWS1 survey?

An EWS1 Survey (External Wall System form) may be required if your building has external cladding and you want to sell, re-mortgage, or understand fire safety risks. EWS1 is especially relevant for high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings. Our technical surveying division can assess whether your building qualifies, and if so, we'll carry out the necessary assessments and reporting to support lender or fire authority requirements.

What are the signs of a non-compliant facade?

Common signs include the presence of combustible or non-fire-rated external cladding, visible deterioration of materials, thermal inefficiencies (like heat loss), water ingress, or poor ventilation behind the facade system. Our facade inspections identify these risks and provide actionable reporting to support compliance upgrades under the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Regulations.

How long does a facade survey take?

The duration depends on your building type and size and whether intrusive surveys or access arrangements (like scaffolding, MEWP or drone surveys) are required. A typical pre-construction facade survey for a mid-size building can take a few days on-site, followed by a detailed report. We aim to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining thoroughness and minimal resident disruption.

What does "Golden Thread" mean in building safety?

The Golden Thread is a digital record of a building's design, construction, and maintenance history — required under the Building Safety Act. It ensures accurate and up-to-date information is available for Duty Holders, compliance officers, and regulators throughout the building's lifecycle. Our facade inspection reports and environmental and asbestos surveys align with Golden Thread principles, ensuring transparency, accountability, and safer buildings.