Boston, Massachusetts: Commercial building facades play an important role in property safety, maintenance, and long-term asset management. Exterior walls are exposed to weather and environmental conditions throughout the year, making regular evaluation important for identifying deterioration, water intrusion, damaged components, and potentially unsafe conditions.

For certain Boston buildings, facade inspections are also connected to municipal requirements. Boston Municipal Code Section 9-9.12 establishes periodic inspection requirements for specified exterior walls and appurtenances. Covered occupied structures generally require inspection at least once every five years, while certain covered unoccupied structures require annual inspections.

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Why Facade Inspections Matter

A building facade can experience gradual deterioration that may not be obvious from street level. Cracks, deteriorated masonry, movement, separation, loose materials, damaged appurtenances, and water-tightness concerns can develop over time.

Regular inspections provide property owners and managers with an opportunity to identify these conditions and determine what action may be required.

The goal is not simply to maintain the appearance of a commercial property. A professional facade inspection can provide information that supports safety decisions, repair planning, maintenance scheduling, and long-term budgeting.

Safety and Structural Condition

Facade deterioration can create risks when exterior materials become loose or unstable. Falling debris can pose a danger to pedestrians, occupants, vehicles, and surrounding property.

Boston's ordinance establishes procedures for identifying and addressing unsafe exterior wall conditions. When an unsafe condition is identified, the requirements include notification and corrective action.

This makes timely facade assessment an important consideration for commercial property owners responsible for building maintenance and public safety.

Water Intrusion and Building Maintenance

Water infiltration can be another concern for aging or deteriorating facades.

Damage around exterior surfaces, joints, windows, masonry, and other building components can contribute to water entry. If moisture problems continue, they can affect both exterior and interior areas.

The Boston facade inspection requirements include documentation concerning the apparent water-tightness of exterior surfaces.

Identifying potential water-related issues during an inspection can give property managers an opportunity to investigate the cause and plan appropriate maintenance or repair work.

Technology Supports Modern Facade Inspections

Difficult-to-reach building areas can make facade inspections challenging. Modern inspection technology can provide additional visual information and documentation.

Boston's ordinance permits the use of digital imaging, video, and drone technology when deemed appropriate by the registered professional. However, the ordinance also requires a representative physical, hands-on inspection.

Combining technology with professional evaluation can provide a more practical way to document difficult areas while maintaining the required inspection approach.

Detailed Reporting Supports Better Decisions

An inspection report gives property owners a documented record of observed conditions.

Boston's requirements specify information that must be included in the exterior wall inspection report, including building information, inspection procedures, areas physically inspected, observed deterioration, movement, water-tightness, and other relevant conditions. The report must be prepared and signed or sealed by the registered professional.

For property managers, this documentation can support discussions about repairs, budgets, future maintenance, and building condition.

FAQs About Commercial Facade Inspections

Which Boston buildings require periodic facade inspections?

Boston's Section 9-9.12 applies to specified exterior walls, including exterior walls of buildings over 70 feet in height or classified as high-rise structures, as well as certain unoccupied buildings over 35,000 cubic feet. Specific exemptions and requirements should be reviewed for each property.

How frequently are covered occupied buildings inspected?

Covered occupied structures generally require inspection at least once every five years. Certain covered unoccupied structures have an annual inspection requirement.

Are drones enough for a Boston facade inspection?

No. Drone and digital imaging technology may be used as supplemental inspection methods, but the ordinance requires a representative physical, hands-on inspection.

What can a facade inspection identify?

An inspection can document conditions such as deterioration, movement, cracking, separation, structural concerns, water-tightness issues, and problems involving exterior wall appurtenances.

About Us

Above the Rest Building Services provides commercial facade inspection, maintenance, and repair services for property owners and managers. Its service approach combines professional inspection expertise with technology designed to document difficult-to-access building areas.