Warning Signs That Your Building Facade Needs Inspection

Building facades change over time. Some changes are minor, while others may indicate that closer inspection is needed.

Building Owners and Facility Managers do not need to diagnose every defect themselves, but they should know some of the warning signs that deserve attention.

1. New or Widening Cracks

A small surface crack does not automatically mean that there is a serious structural problem. However, a new crack, a crack that appears to be widening, or repeated cracking in the same area should not simply be ignored.

The location, width, pattern and surrounding condition can help determine whether further investigation is needed.

2. Concrete Spalling, Bulging or Loose Areas

Concrete deterioration may appear as cracks, bulging surfaces, loose pieces or areas where concrete has already broken away.

If deterioration continues, loose material may eventually become a falling-object hazard. Areas that appear unstable should be assessed rather than left until the next routine inspection.

3. Rust Staining or Corrosion

Rust stains may indicate corrosion of embedded or exposed metal components.

Corrosion can also contribute to surrounding concrete deterioration, particularly where water has been entering the affected area over time.

4. Deteriorated or Failed Sealant

Sealant around windows, facade joints and other interfaces can harden, crack, separate or lose adhesion as it ages.

Failed sealant may allow rainwater to enter through joints that were originally designed to remain sealed.

5. Repeated Water Seepage

Repeated water seepage around windows, walls or internal finishes is often a reason to investigate the external facade more closely.

The place where water appears inside the building is not necessarily the exact point where rainwater is entering from outside. Water can travel along joints, gaps or building materials before becoming visible internally.

6. Loose or Damaged Facade Elements

Loose panels, damaged cladding, cracked finishes, displaced components or other visibly unstable facade elements should receive attention.

Seeing one of these conditions does not automatically mean that major repair is required. The first step is to understand the actual condition and extent of the defect.

Where the affected area cannot be properly viewed from ground level, close-range access and photographic documentation can provide a clearer understanding of the condition.