Inspections
Facade Inspections Australia
Close-range visual and physical assessment of every facade element, delivering structured condition data you can act on.
Our facade inspections go beyond a visual scan from ground level. Certified technicians work at close range using rope access, EWPs, or scaffolding to physically assess every element of the building envelope. This includes mortar joints, sealant lines, fixing brackets, flashings, glazing seals, cladding panels, and waterproofing membranes. Every defect is photographed, GPS-tagged, and classified by severity so you receive an ordered action list rather than a generic pass/fail report.
Each inspection follows AS 4349.0 methodology adapted for multi-storey facades. We assess the condition of substrates, coatings, sealants, and fixings using visual, tactile, and sounding techniques. Thermal imaging identifies concealed moisture and delamination. The result is a complete picture of facade health that captures both visible damage and latent failures before they become safety hazards or warranty disputes.
Inspections are delivered as structured digital registers, not static PDFs. Every finding is tied to an exact location on a 3D model of your building. Owners, strata managers, and engineers can filter by severity, cost band, or element type to prioritise maintenance budgets. Annual re-inspections build on the same model so condition trends are visible over time.
We service buildings of all types: high-rise residential, commercial offices, heritage masonry, curtain wall systems, precast concrete, aluminium composite panels, and rendered facades. Our teams hold IRATA Level 3 rope access certification and operate under ISO 45001 safety management systems across all Australian capital cities.
Deliverables
What's Included
Methodology
Our Process
Scoping and Access Planning
We review building drawings, previous reports, and access constraints to determine methodology. Rope access, EWP, or scaffold is selected based on building geometry, height, and facade type. A detailed inspection plan is issued for approval.
On-Site Inspection
Certified technicians conduct close-range assessment of every facade element. Visual, tactile, sounding, and thermal techniques are applied systematically. Every defect is photographed with metadata including location coordinates, severity classification, and recommended repair method.
Data Processing and Classification
Field data is processed into a structured defect register. Each item receives a severity tier (critical, high, medium, low, monitor), estimated repair cost, and recommended repair methodology. Defects are mapped to exact positions on the 3D building model.
Reporting and Handover
The final deliverable is a digital defect register accessible via the Facade Inspect platform. Clients can filter, sort, and share findings with stakeholders. A summary executive report is also provided for board or committee presentations.
Annual Re-Inspection
Subsequent inspections build on the permanent 3D record. New defects are added, existing defects are re-assessed, and condition trends become visible. This creates a living asset record rather than disconnected point-in-time reports.
Technical Data
Technical Specifications
| Inspection methodology | AS 4349.0:2007 adapted for multi-storey facades |
| Access methods | Rope access (IRATA), EWP, scaffold, BMU |
| Defect severity tiers | 5 levels: Critical, High, Medium, Low, Monitor |
| Photography resolution | Minimum 24MP with GPS EXIF metadata |
| Deliverable format | Interactive 3D model + structured digital register |
| Coverage | All Australian capital cities and regional centres |
Compliance
Australian Standards
AS 4349.0:2007
Inspection of Buildings (General requirements)
Defines the framework, terminology, and reporting obligations for all building inspection activities including facade assessment.
AS/NZS 4284:2008
Testing of Building Facades
Sets performance requirements for facade water penetration resistance, air infiltration, and structural adequacy under wind pressure.
NCC 2022 Vol 1, Part F3
Weatherproofing
Specifies the weatherproofing performance requirements that facade inspections verify compliance against.
ISO 45001:2018
OHS Management Systems
Governs our safety management system for high-risk work at height during rope access inspections.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a facade inspection be performed?
Most Australian states do not mandate a fixed interval for facade inspections. However, best practice for buildings over 3 storeys is an initial condition assessment within 5 years of completion, then every 5 to 7 years thereafter. Buildings with known defects, cladding replacement mandates (such as aluminium composite panels), or water ingress issues should be inspected more frequently. Strata legislation in Queensland under the BCCM Act requires body corporates to maintain common property, which in practice means regular facade assessment to demonstrate duty of care.
What building types can you inspect?
We inspect all facade types on buildings of any height. This includes curtain wall systems, precast concrete panels, rendered masonry, face brickwork, aluminium composite panels, terracotta tile facades, natural stone cladding, glass balustrades, and metal roofing/cladding interfaces. Our technicians hold IRATA Level 3 certification for rope access on buildings without BMU systems. We also work on heritage-listed buildings where non-destructive assessment methods are required to preserve original fabric.
What is the difference between a facade inspection and a dilapidation report?
A dilapidation report records existing conditions at a single point in time, typically before adjacent construction begins. It establishes a baseline so any new damage can be attributed to the construction activity. A facade inspection is a condition assessment that classifies defects by severity, provides repair cost estimates, and prioritises maintenance actions. It is an ongoing asset management tool rather than a one-off legal record. Our inspections can serve both purposes, but the defect register format provides far more actionable data for building owners.
How do you access upper levels of high-rise buildings?
We primarily use IRATA industrial rope access, which allows technicians to reach any point on a facade without scaffolding or building-mounted equipment. For buildings with existing BMU (building maintenance unit) systems, we can work from the cradle. EWPs (elevated work platforms) are used on low-rise structures or where ground conditions permit. Access methodology is determined during the scoping phase based on building geometry, height, facade profile, and any site-specific constraints such as live traffic or overhead services.
What deliverables do I receive after an inspection?
You receive access to the Facade Inspect platform where your building is represented as a 3D model with every defect pinned to its exact location. Each defect entry includes photographs, severity classification, recommended repair method, and estimated cost. You also receive a summary executive report suitable for board or committee presentations. The platform allows you to filter defects by type, severity, or cost band, generate work orders for contractors, and track remediation progress through to verified completion.
Explore
Related Services
Defect Registers
Every defect classified, costed, and prioritised into an actionable maintenance queue tied to the exact location on your building.
ViewRope Access Inspection
IRATA-certified technicians delivering close-range facade assessment at any height, without the cost and disruption of scaffolding.
ViewThermal Imaging
Non-destructive infrared assessment that reveals moisture, delamination, and thermal bridging hidden behind facade surfaces.
ViewCompliance Reporting
Automated compliance documentation that satisfies regulators, insurers, and building certifiers without weeks of manual report writing.
ViewCoverage
Available Across Australia
We deliver inspections services in all major Australian cities. Select a location for city-specific information.
Sectors
Industries We Serve
Our inspections services are tailored to the specific requirements of each sector.
Get started with inspections
Contact our team for a scope discussion and quote. We respond within one business day.