Building façades are not just architectural elements defining aesthetics but critical protective barriers against environmental elements. Over time, exposure to weather, pollution, and material degradation can cause structural and safety issues.

In Singapore’s dynamic urban landscape, high-rise buildings dominate the skyline, and façade integrity ensures structural safety, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Periodic façade inspection is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a vital practice that safeguards buildings against deterioration, prevents accidents, and maintains property value.

 

At AEC Technical Advisory, we specialize in façade engineering and inspection. We adhere to Eurocode standards with the Singapore Annex to deliver comprehensive assessments tailored to Singapore’s tropical climate and urban demands.

This article explores:
✔ The importance of periodic façade inspections
✔ Key inspection methodologies
✔ Regulatory requirements in Singapore
✔ How AEC Technical Advisory ensures building safety and compliance

Why Periodic Façade Inspections are Essential

1. Ensuring Structural Safety

Building façades are constantly exposed to environmental stressors:

• Singapore’s tropical climate: High humidity, heavy rainfall, and UV radiation accelerate material degradation
• Wind loads: Monsoon winds exert lateral pressures on tall structures
• Thermal expansion: Daily temperature fluctuations cause material fatigue

Without regular inspections, minor defects can escalate into significant failures, risking:
✓ Cracking and spalling of concrete
✓ Glass panel detachment
✓ Corrosion of metal components

2. Compliance with Singapore Regulations

Under the Building Control Act, building owners must conduct:

• Mandatory Periodic Structural Inspections (PSI) every 5-10 years for buildings >20 years old
• Façade inspections as part of the Building Façade Inspection Scheme (BFIS)

Non-compliance can result in:
✗ SCDF enforcement actions
✗ Fines up to SGD 200,000
✗ Invalidated insurance claims

3. Cost Savings Through Preventive Maintenance

Early detection of issues prevents:

• Water infiltration damage (SGD 50,000+ in interior repairs)
• Emergency repair costs (3-5x more expensive than planned maintenance)
• Premature façade replacement (SGD 1-3M for high-rise buildings)

4. Maintaining Aesthetic and Functional Performance

Regular inspections preserve:
✔ Curtain wall weatherproofing
✔ Energy-efficient glazing performance
✔ Architectural appearance and property valuation

Common Façade Defects and Risks

Periodic inspections help detect common façade issues, including:

Cracks and Spalling Concrete: Often caused by reinforcement corrosion, spalling concrete can detach and pose significant hazards.

Delamination of Cladding Materials: Poor adhesion or weathering can cause materials like tiles, stone, or glass to detach.

Corrosion of Metal Fixtures and Fasteners: Structural fixings exposed to moisture and pollution corrode over time, compromising safety.

Sealant Deterioration and Water Leakage: Degraded sealants around façade joints allow water infiltration, leading to mould growth and structural damage.

Glass Panel Defects: Spontaneous breakage due to nickel sulfide inclusions or impact damage.

Façade Inspection Methodologies

AEC Technical Advisory employs a multi-tiered inspection approach:

1. Visual Inspections (Level 1)

• Ground-based observations using binoculars
• Drone surveys for hard-to-reach areas
• Checklist-based assessment of:
  • Cracks, stains, or discoloration
  • Sealant failures
  • Corrosion indicators

2. Close-Up Inspections (Level 2)

• Rope access or suspended platforms for hands-on examination
• Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods:
  • Infrared thermography for water ingress
  • Ultrasonic thickness testing for metal corrosion
  • Schmidt hammer tests for concrete strength

3. Diagnostic Testing (Level 3)

• Laboratory analysis of material samples
• Structural load testing for critical elements
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to model stress distributions

Singapore’s Regulatory Framework

Our inspections align with the following:

Standard	Application
SS 557:2010	Code of practice for façade inspections
Eurocode EN 1991-1-4	Wind load calculations with Singapore Annex
BCA BFIS Guidelines	Mandatory inspection protocols
SCDF Fire Code	Combustibility and fall prevention

Case Study: Preventing a High-Rise Crisis

In 2022, an inspection of a 30-year-old Orchard Road office tower identified:

• Hidden corrosion in stainless steel brackets
• Delaminated spandrel panels at Level 24
• Failed perimeter sealants at 85% of window joints

Consultant’s intervention:

1. Priority repair plan for critical elements
2. Phased replacement schedule
3. Saved the client SGD 2.8M in potential emergency repairs

 

Drone inspecting high-rise façade.

 

Thermographic Building Inspection

Proactive Maintenance vs Reactive Maintenance

 

3 Types of proactive maintenance

 

Rope Access Works – Façade Inspection

 

Building & Construction Authority (BCA) ‘s Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI) Regime

BCA’s Building Façade Inspection Criteria

Building façade corrosion/degradation

Rusted/degraded façade cladding

Why Choose AEC Technical Advisory?

✔ Eurocode-Compliant Expertise – Localized application of EN standards
✔ Advanced Technologies – Drone fleets, AI-assisted crack detection
✔ Preventive Maintenance Plans – Customized lifecycle strategies
✔ Regulatory Navigation – Seamless SCDF/BCA submissions

Periodic façade inspection is a non-negotiable practice for responsible building ownership in Singapore. With AEC Technical Advisory’s proven methodology and regulatory expertise, property stakeholders can:

✓ Proactively manage risks
✓ Optimize maintenance budgets
✓ Ensure uninterrupted operations

Contact us today to schedule your façade condition assessment.