Facade forensics

When a façade is suffered with defect or failures an investigation by an experienced professional is the key to fixing.

The achievement of quality performance has been an important part of securing the return from the investment on building enclosure. Therefore, we put value on independent expertise to drive best value for the façade and other parts of the building enclosure.

Building enclosure elements like window or roof can be repaired or replaced relatively easily contrarily the façade is expected to perform without a major degradation throughout the service life of the building. However sometimes things may go wrong with the building enclosure and when it has suffered with defects or failures BDS is capable of investigative work in relation to existing facades and roofs. From façade leakage to other poor performance issues like moisture ingress, glass breakage or component failure we offer our expertise in identifying the causes of poor performing facades and providing recommendations for remedial work.

These poor performances may arise from defects which are the result of poor design, faulty fabrication or failures which are occurrences of underperformed façade design or construction. Some of these defects and failures are listed below.

  • Leaking
  • Draught
  • Component failure
  • Poor acoustic peformance
  • Window leakage
    Lack of maintenance or remediation result in premature deterioration of facade components.

    Causes of poor performing facades

    These poor performances may arise from defects which are the result of poor design, faulty fabrication or failures which are occurrences of underperformed façade design or construction. Some of these defects and failures are listed below.

  • Water ingress
  • Draughty components
  • Condensation forming on surfaces or within the wall
  • Mould growth
  • Laminated glass failure
  • Insulated glass unit failure
  • Glass breakage
  • Component fall off or detachment
  • Premature detoriation of materials
  • Deterioration of surface finishes
  • Out of regulation or standard construction
  • Our services


  • Investigative work in relation to defect or failure identification
  • Condition survey
  • Investigation of regulation and contract accordance
  • Leak detection
  • Acoustic investigation
  • Remedition design
  • Information about our services

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