About Us - Facades Technical Consultancy
The Hidden Cost of Poor Facade Quality
Facades typically account for 15–25% of a building's initial construction budget, and can exceed 30% for complex or high-performance envelopes. Yet the initial cost is only part of the picture: over a building's lifespan, maintenance, repair, and operational costs can multiply the original investment several times over — especially where cladding quality is poor. Substandard facade installation usually stems from a combination of factors: human error, a shortage of skilled labour, design deficiencies, and inferior materials chosen to cut costs. The consequences can be serious, ranging from building leaks and reduced energy efficiency to compromised fire performance and, in extreme cases, structural failure. Facades are widely regarded as among the highest-risk elements of any building, with envelope defects reportedly linked to more than half of all construction litigation. Regular cladding inspections are therefore essential to verify installation quality and catch problems before they escalate.
We Are Focused On
Installation Guidelines: Ensuring that facade and roofing installation follows best practice — with strict adherence to manufacturer specifications and building codes — so that building leaks are prevented rather than repaired.
Material Selection: Advising on facade and roofing materials that meet performance standards and suit local environmental conditions, avoiding the failures associated with poor-quality cladding.
Training and Certification: Delivering or recommending training programmes so installation crews master current techniques, proven facade solutions, and safe working practices.
Performance Evaluation: Assessing installed systems for effectiveness and durability, with thorough cladding inspections to identify potential failures or inefficiencies early.
Sustainability Practices: Advising on sustainable materials and installation methods that reduce environmental impact while raising the overall quality of the installation.
Documentation and Reporting: Maintaining detailed records of evaluations, compliance checks, and issues found during installation — supporting maintenance planning and ensuring quality and inspections are consistently upheld.
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Leaks & Solutions
Air & Heat Leaks Detection via Thermal Imaging Cameras
Air & Heat Leaks Detection via Thermal Imaging Cameras
We remove cladding and finishes to access the underlying structure and trace the true source of building leaks. Endoscope and thermal cameras allow thorough inspection of hidden areas within the cladding, and water tests in suspected locations confirm leak paths and reveal the extent of any poor-quality cladding. You receive a detailed report with photographs of the damage, descriptions of the inspected locations, the techniques used, and remediation cost estimates covering both materials and labour — a complete basis for effective facade solutions.
Air & Heat Leaks Detection via Thermal Imaging Cameras
Air & Heat Leaks Detection via Thermal Imaging Cameras
Air & Heat Leaks Detection via Thermal Imaging Cameras
Thermal cameras detect temperature variations that reveal what the eye cannot: building leaks, poor-quality cladding, and inadequate insulation around windows, doors, and facades. Each survey provides visual evidence supported by precise temperature data, together with a summary of the causes and our recommended actions. Where cladding inspections show that repairs are needed — re-insulating walls, sealing leaks, or replacing windows — we can also provide cost estimates and renovation budgets based directly on the findings.
Drone & Optical Zoom Building Survey
Air & Heat Leaks Detection via Thermal Imaging Cameras
Cladding Cavity Endoscope Camera Inspections
We fly the drone along a planned route to capture images and video of key areas, focusing on potential building leaks and the overall condition of the facade. The data is then analysed to identify defects, signs of poor-quality cladding, and the facade solutions required. The final report combines visuals with clear recommendations for repairs, so the quality and inspection findings for the cladding are fully documented. Cameras with up to x120 optical zoom reveal fine detail without any risk of damage to the building — and without costly access equipment.
Cladding Cavity Endoscope Camera Inspections
Cladding Cavity Endoscope Camera Inspections
An endoscope inspection uses a small, flexible camera inserted into cavities and tight spaces within cladding systems — around fire barriers, insulation, and areas affected by building leaks. It gives a direct view of poor-quality cladding, concrete damage, brackets, and defective steel components, delivering effective facade solutions without extensive dismantling.
Close Range Inspections incl Removal - Reinstall Claddings/Roofing Systems
Close-range inspections of cladding and roofing systems are vital for maintaining a building's structural integrity and operational efficiency. They locate building leaks and reveal the true extent of any poor-quality cladding. Working at close range allows comprehensive evaluation and precise identification of repairs and upgrades. Our facade solutions include torque checks on fixings, silicone and waterproofing pull-test samples, and a detailed report with cost estimates for repair and replacement — all part of our commitment to quality and inspections.
360 Virtual Quality Tours Reports
These immersive tours let users navigate a space as if physically present. Comprehensive 360-degree photography captures defects in detail, including potential building leaks and issues linked to poor-quality cladding. Every problem identified during the cladding inspection is hyperlinked to a detailed PDF report, ready for submission to the client — giving them full access to the findings and the best available facade solutions.
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Inspection Test Plans
Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) are key quality documents in construction, particularly where building leaks and cladding performance are at stake. An ITP sets out the procedures, quality-control measures, and acceptance criteria for inspection and testing throughout a project, including those addressing poor-quality cladding and facade solutions. The most critical inspections — the hold points — prevent installation mistakes and catch defects at the earliest stage. FTC prepares ITPs from scratch, aligned with project specifications, manufacturer installation guidance, national regulations, and British Standards.
Workmanship Quality Sheets & Records
Workmanship quality sheets and records track and verify the standard of work on a project, particularly in relation to building leaks and facade performance. They typically document cladding inspections, tests, compliance with specifications, and any issues encountered during installation — including instances of poor-quality cladding. These records demonstrate that the installation meets the project specification and include signature sections for installers, supervisors, witnesses, and inspectors (clients, consultants, and others). They play a central role at handover and are required for commercial payment purposes. FTC prepares quality forms in both paper and electronic formats, with evidence records attached for payment submissions and handover certificates.
Constructions Progress & Site Inspections & Observations Reports
Progress and observation reports track the status of a project and flag common problems such as building leaks and poor-quality cladding before they grow. Each report covers completed, ongoing, and upcoming tasks, supported by on-site photographs that document progress and critical cladding inspections. It also records issues observed on site — safety concerns, delays, and defects — alongside the project schedule, potential delays, and compliance with quality standards. Finally, it sets out planned activities and goals for the next reporting period, ensuring facade solutions are properly integrated into the programme.
NCR Non-Site Conformance Solutions
A non-conformance arises when work on site fails to meet the project's regulations, standards, or approved plans — and unresolved non-conformances can seriously affect a construction business. FTC provides on-site assistance and practical solutions to close out compliance issues, raise installation quality, and strengthen relationships with clients. By working closely with FTC, contractors can resolve non-conformance reports efficiently, keep projects aligned with the required standards, and improve client satisfaction.
Design Review
We follow a concise, structured approach to design reviews with the Principal Architect, manufacturer, and subcontractor, identifying issues early and preventing delays:
• Summarise project goals and design specifications.
• Examine the design and highlight key discussion areas.
• Confirm all parties understand the design intent.
• Identify critical timelines and potential delays.
• Review material availability to avoid setbacks.
• Record concerns and assign follow-up actions.
Reviewing the qualifications, training, and briefings of operatives.
FTC reviews the qualifications and training of everyone involved in cladding installation, with particular focus on preventing building leaks. Every team member must have the skills and knowledge to work safely and effectively — because poor-quality cladding is so often the result of gaps in competence. Where needed, FTC organises on-site training so operatives and supervisors fully understand the importance of quality and inspections, along with the codes and practices that apply on site, ensuring truly comprehensive facade solutions.
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
Better yet, see us in person! We love our customers and welcome you to visit during normal business hours — whether you want to discuss a building leak, explore our facade solutions, or arrange a cladding inspection to make sure you are not living with poor-quality cladding. Quality and inspections are our top priorities, and we're here to help.
Facades Technical Consultancy
167 - 169 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PF, UK
mob: 07546964157 email: piotr@facadestc.co.uk
Hours
Open today | 07:30 – 18:00 |
