A Practical Approach to Facade Maintenance
Facade maintenance does not need to begin with a major repair programme.
A practical approach starts with normal observation, early investigation and clear records.
1. Observe the Facade During Normal Building Maintenance
Facility Managers and maintenance teams regularly move around the building and are often in the best position to notice visible changes.
New cracks, deteriorated sealant, rust staining, water marks, loose materials or changes to previously repaired areas should be noted rather than ignored.
2. Pay Attention to Occupant Reports
Occupants may notice problems that are not immediately visible from outside.
Repeated reports of water seepage around windows or walls, especially during heavy rain, can be useful early information for the maintenance team.
3. Investigate When Something Changes
When a new condition appears or an existing defect seems to be getting worse, the next step is to understand the actual situation.
Where the area cannot be properly viewed from ground level, close-range access may be required to obtain clearer photographs and observations.
4. Rectify Identified Defects
Once the defect and repair requirement have been established, the appropriate rectification work can be planned.
The repair method should match the actual problem rather than simply cover the visible symptom.
5. Keep Before-and-After Records
Photographic records are useful for identifying repair locations, confirming completed work and comparing the condition of the same area in the future.
Good records are especially valuable when different contractors, consultants or Facility Managers become involved over the life of a building.
6. Do Not Treat PFI as the Only Time to Look at the Facade
Periodic Facade Inspection is an important statutory requirement for applicable buildings, but everyday facade maintenance continues between inspection cycles.
Do not treat a statutory inspection cycle as a maintenance schedule.
A simple practical process is:
Observe → Identify → Investigate → Assess → Rectify → Record
This approach helps Building Owners and Facility Managers respond to developing problems before they become larger or more difficult to manage.
建筑外墙维修保养的实际做法
Facade maintenance 并不一定要从大型维修计划开始。
比较实际的做法，是从日常观察、尽早调查以及保留清楚记录开始。
1. 日常维护时观察外墙
Facility Manager 和 maintenance team 平时经常在建筑物各处工作，因此往往最容易首先发现明显变化。
新的裂缝、老化的 sealant、锈迹、水迹、松动材料，或者以前维修位置出现新的变化，都应该记录下来，而不是忽略。
2. 留意使用者的报告
建筑使用者有时会发现一些从外面不容易马上看见的问题。
例如大雨时窗户或者墙面反复出现渗水，这些资料都可以成为 maintenance team 调查问题的重要早期信息。
3. 当情况发生变化时进行调查
当出现新的问题，或者原有缺陷明显变严重时，下一步应该先了解现场的实际情况。
如果有关位置无法从地面清楚观察，就可能需要 close-range access 来取得更清楚的照片和现场资料。
4. 对已经确认的缺陷进行 Rectification
当缺陷以及需要进行的维修已经确定以后，就可以安排合适的 rectification work。
维修方法应该针对真正的问题，而不是只把表面上看到的现象盖住。
5. 保留维修前后的照片记录
照片记录可以帮助确认维修位置、证明工作已经完成，也方便日后比较同一个位置的状况。
一座建筑物在多年使用过程中可能经历不同的 contractor、consultant 或 Facility Manager，因此清楚的记录会非常有用。
6. 不要把 PFI 当成唯一需要观察外墙的时候
对于适用的建筑物，Periodic Facade Inspection 是重要的法定要求，但是两次 PFI 之间，日常的 facade maintenance 仍然持续进行。
不要把法定检查周期当成维修保养周期。
一个简单而实际的过程可以是：
Observe → Identify → Investigate → Assess → Rectify → Record
这种做法可以帮助 Building Owner 和 Facility Manager 在问题变得更大、更难处理以前，较早采取适当行动。
Need Support With Difficult-Access Facade Areas?
Spyder System provides specialist rope-access support for facade investigation and rectification works, including close-range access, defect documentation, specified repair works and before-and-after photographic records.
Contact us to discuss your building or facade requirements.
Published by Spyder System