Building Facade Inspection Checklist

Use this Building Facade Inspection Checklist to inspect surface condition, structural elements, drainage, and intrusive investigation of cladding build-up and fire stopping.

Building Facade Inspection Checklist



Cladding And External Finishes

1. All cladding panels are fully seated with no visible displacement, bowing, or deformation


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2. Visible panel fixings and brackets show no signs of corrosion or mechanical failure


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3. Render finish is intact with no cracking, hollowness, or delamination evident


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4. Sealant joints between panels and at perimeter conditions are continuous and free from splitting or debonding


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5. Weep holes are present and clear of obstruction at the base of cladding zones


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6. No visible gaps are present between cladding panels and the surrounding structure


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7. Material type and approximate coverage area of cladding are recorded


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Drainage And Waterproofing

1. Gutters and rainwater goods are securely fixed, free from blockages, and discharging correctly


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2. Downpipes are intact, unobstructed, and discharging to a suitable outlet


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3. Parapet and flat roof drainage outlets are clear and free from debris


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4. No visible damp patches, tide marks, or water ingress staining are present on internal surfaces adjacent to the facade


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5. Ground-level drainage channels and gullies are clear and functioning


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Health, Safety And Access

1. Appropriate PPE is worn for all inspection activities, including hard hat, hi-vis, and safety footwear


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2. Pedestrian exclusion zones are in place beneath any elevated access equipment


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3. Scaffold, MEWP, or rope access equipment has a current inspection certificate


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4. Residents and occupants have been notified of the inspection in advance


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5. Public protection measures (hoarding, barriers, signage) are in place where required


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Phase 1 Findings Summary And Intrusive Trigger

1. All defects observed during Phase 1 have been photographed and recorded with elevation and height references


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2. A severity classification (routine maintenance, monitor, or urgent action) has been assigned to each defect


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3. Assessment of whether findings warrant intrusive investigation has been completed and recorded


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4. Zones identified for potential opening-up are marked on an elevation drawing


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5. The building owner or responsible person has been informed of Phase 1 findings before Phase 2 proceeds


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Pre-inspection Setup

1. As-built drawings, previous inspection reports, and maintenance records have been reviewed before attending site


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2. The scope and zone coverage for this inspection has been confirmed and documented


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3. A safe method of access has been identified for all facade elevations


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4. Risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) are in place and signed off


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5. All persons conducting the inspection have been briefed on site-specific hazards


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Surface Condition — Masonry And Concrete

1. External masonry is free from cracks wider than 1 mm


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2. No active spalling, delamination, or loose material is visible on any elevation


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3. Movement joints are intact, unobstructed, and free from cracking or sealant failure


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4. Mortar joints are sound, with no evidence of erosion, hollowness, or missing pointing


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5. Concrete surfaces show no signs of carbonation, exposed reinforcement, or rust staining


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6. Staining patterns (water tracks, efflorescence, biological growth) are recorded with photographs and location noted


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7. Location, orientation, and width of all visible cracks are recorded as a free-form field


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Windows, Doors And Penetrations

1. Window and door frames show no signs of corrosion, distortion, or seal failure


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2. Glazing units are intact with no cracking, crazing, or broken panes


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3. Sill drainage is unobstructed and directing water clear of the facade


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4. Service penetrations (pipes, conduits, cables) through the external wall are fully sealed at the perimeter


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5. Cavity trays and flashings at openings are visible where accessible and appear intact


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Build-up Verification — Cladding And Outer Leaf

1. The outer cladding material has been identified and its generic classification recorded


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2. Material type, manufacturer, and product reference are recorded where visible


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3. The fixing system matches the design intent or as-built records


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4. No unintended voids or air gaps are present within the cladding layer


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5. The substrate or backing wall has been identified and its condition recorded


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Build-up Verification — Insulation And Membranes

1. Insulation material has been identified and its generic classification recorded


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2. Insulation product type, thickness, and continuity are recorded


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3. No unplanned gaps, compression damage, or missing sections are present


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4. Breather membrane or vapour control layer is continuous and correctly installed


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5. Sheathing boards are present, correctly fixed, and joints sealed


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Cavity Barriers And Fire Stopping

1. Cavity barriers are present at all required locations


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2. Cavity barrier material is appropriate


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3. Cavity barriers are correctly fitted and free from gaps


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4. Cavity barriers are continuous at junctions


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5. Fire stopping is present and intact at service penetrations


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6. Fire stopping at compartment floor junctions is correctly installed


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7. Deficiencies have been photographed and precisely recorded


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8. Overall assessment of cavity barriers and fire stopping has been recorded


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Making Good And Investigation Documentation

1. All openings have been reinstated using compatible materials


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2. Photographic records have been taken before, during, and after making good


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3. Each photograph is labelled with required references


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4. A written record of findings has been completed for each opening


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5. Findings support a FRAEW under PAS 9980:2022 or a remediation brief


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6. The responsible person or building owner has been briefed on completion


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Opening-up Scope And Preparation

1. The number, location, and elevation zones of openings have been agreed and marked on drawings before works commence


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2. Opening locations are selected to target representative zones, including floor lines, window heads, corners, and areas of Phase 1 concern


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3. A minimum of one opening per distinct facade type or construction zone has been planned


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4. Residents and occupants in affected areas have been notified and access arrangements confirmed


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5. Working-at-height controls, including scaffold or rope access inspection certificates, are current and in place


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6. The scope of making-good works and materials for reinstatement has been confirmed before opening up


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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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