I started my career as an architect. Today, as the senior facade inspector that I am, I’ve made peace with my rather interesting foray into bamboo-chute-lined bunkers: it is my insistence on ensuring sound facades that got Environ Construction Singapore appointed as the BCA facade inspector for a number of prominent developers in Singapore. Here’s the short version of my eccentric journey from architect to facade-inspector: years ago, an architectural apprentice aspiring to design skyscrapers encountered for the first time a structural defect that triggered in him an unhealthy interest in facade integrity – and then some. Dear architects and engineers: this is your checklist for successful BCA facade inspection.
The Road to Facade Inspection
Before I turn serious, here’s a joke to explain how I ended up as a facade inspector. My working life began as an architect, designing glassy boxes. One day, after a building I had designed was completed, I inspected the facade. When I discovered a tiny defect, I panicked. ‘You should become a facade inspector,’ my relieved colleague joked. A few years later, I am! The point of the joke is that, unlike a real architect, I care about tiny defects – that’s my job. I make sure that facades are ‘safe as houses’. I work for Environ Construction, a business that focuses on safety in the built environment.
Understanding BCA Facade Inspection
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore specifies that all buildings needs regular facade inspection to ensure building safety and structural integrity .It’s true that regular building’s facade inspection are crucial both for ensuring building safety and preserving aesthetic value.
I will present several reasons why facade inspections are important. Firstly, implementing such inspections is important in order to identify hazards to prevent potential accidents.However, one could contest this idea of mine by suggesting that this is not the only way to ensure building safety and to prevent potential accidents. For instance, when a building is newly built, the builders themselves have to ensure the safety of the building.
Despite this counterargument, I believe that regular facade inspections are needed to maintain the aesthetic value of buildings. Maintaining the aesthetic value is important for people who enther their time in the building.For instance, in my opinion, selecting the right color of walls is compulsory in terms of building occupiers. This is because the wrong color walls might negatively affect people’s mood.
Key Insights for Architects and Engineers
Importance of Early Design Considerations
Indeed, the most crucial finding for architects and engineers is that facade inspections should be considered right from the design stage. Catwalks, anchor points and other structural features that make inspections easier should be introduced at the initial complex-design stage in order to save time and money in the long term.
Material Selection and Durability
The right materials should be selected. Since facades are exposed to the elements, using weather-resistant, durable materials – such as high-quality glass, aluminium and composite panels – can dramatically reduce premature degradation. In addition, all materials should be considered within the context of local regulations – such as mandatory heat reflecting finishes in windows to reduce the ‘heat island effect’ in Singapore’s tropical climate.
Practical Tips for a Successful BCA Facade Inspection
Regular Maintenance and Self-Inspections
Regular maintenance and self-inspections are also recommended to avoid small issues from developing into major problems. Encourage the building owner to schedule a routine maintenance. Routine maintenance will prolong the life of the facade and help the owner to comply with the BCA.
Documentation and Record-Keeping
It’s important to keep exhaustive records of every inspection, every repair, every maintenance activity. As well as acting as a kind of history of a facade, records can prove invaluable in preparing for official BCA facade inspections. Digital tools and software can help us manage this process more easily and, for example, enable us to easily retrieve records.
Collaboration with Experienced Inspectors
Working with facade inspectors like our staff at Environ Construction it allows you to tap into our experience when it comes to the ins and outs of a properly conducted facade inspection – it also allows you to understand and appreciate the BCA requirements, and we appreciate that too! When uptaking the advice of the professionals, all angles are taken care of.
Things to Take Note Of
Weather Conditions
Singapore will have continuous wet or high humidity; rain is expected four to five days of the month. It is very important to check the seals and joints of building facades. Any water leakage is dangerous. Small problems that go unnoticed can aggravate or multiply into large problems when you have deep pockets and deep regrets.
Structural Integrity
Over and above the aesthetic value of the building’s façade, structural integrity is crucial. Look out for cracks, rust, corrosion, etc, as evidence of wear and tear that may indicate the loss of structural rigour of the building.
Compliance with Regulations
An architect and engineer have to be up to date with the current BCA regulations and guidelines, as the authority frequently updates its standard with new technologies and also new safety practice. While many resources are available online, regular training and professional development can help architects and engineers catch up with these new standards.
Final Thoughts
BCA facade inspection are a useful maintenance tool to ensure that a building is safe, compliant and will last as long as possible. Early design consideration, durable material choices and regular maintenance by architects and engineers could greatly improve the performance and safety of building facades.
BCA facade inspection are Environ Construction’s specialty. By adopting such a forward-looking view; facade inspection and the longevity of your building goes hand in hand. Find inspiration in these insights and tips to make sure your projects remain safe, compliant and beautiful; with BCA facade inspection.
