What’s in a façade inspection report?

A façade inspection report records what we found, why it matters and what to do next. It typically includes: a summary of the building and the scope of the façade survey findings for each façade component, with photographs and drone or thermal imagery fire safety observations, including combustible materials and missing cavity barriers defects, moisture and thermal performance issues, ranked by risk recommendations for repair, refurbishment or remediation The report gives duty holders a clear record for compliance, funding applications and remediation planning.

Façade Inspections and Condition Surveys

A façade inspection gives you essential insight into the condition of your building's façade, so you can make informed decisions on safety, compliance and performance. As the first stage of our façade remediation service, our façade inspections and technical surveys identify and reduce risk, from non-fire-rated cladding to thermal inefficiencies and structural weaknesses hidden behind external finishes.

We deliver detailed, data-rich reports that give property owners, duty holders and project teams the insight they need to select appropriate materials, improve building performance and meet regulatory requirements. Our reports also provide robust evidence for funding applications, remediation strategies and engagement with compliance officers, consultants and stakeholders.

Starfish Construction engineer inspecting a façade of a multi-storey building

Pre-construction surveys

We provide the full spectrum of façade investigation, including intrusive and non-intrusive surveys, which will determine the suitability, compliance and safety of the following areas:

The Primary Frame

The main element that holds the façade in place, often made of steel or concrete, adding the required stability against wind loads and other external forces.

Air Barrier

A continuous membrane applied to the structural support to prevent air infiltration and maintain proper ventilation within the façade cavity.

Insulation Layer

A layer of material like mineral wool, foam board, or rigid insulation placed between the structural support and the cladding to improve thermal performance.

Weather Barrier

A waterproof membrane that protects the insulation from moisture penetration while allowing for water drainage.

Cladding Panels

The visible exterior finish, which should be non-combustible. Common commercial cladding systems include metal panels, stone veneer and glass curtain walls.

Fixing System

The hardware used to attach the cladding panels to the structural support, including brackets, clips, and fasteners.

View of multi-storey buildings from a very low perspective

Recording and Reporting

From the initial building safety assessments to your façade engineering, remediation and refurbishment project completion, working with experienced and knowledgeable principal designers and contractors who understand and align with the Golden Thread is essential.

The conception and introduction of the golden thread of information for buildings was born from a recommendation by Dame Judith Hackitt in her report, ‘Building a Safer Future’.

The objective of the guidance and compliance is to support duty-holders in designing, constructing and managing their higher-risk buildings, and ensuring remediated properties have fire-rated external cladding.

Modern residential high rise block with dark façade cladding panels and glazed balconies

Why Are Façade Safety Assessments Essential?

Many buildings across the UK have ageing or non-compliant façade systems that, at the least, provide no building performance advantage or, worse still, pose a structural or fire risk.

Understanding the true condition of a building’s façade—including the integrity of cladding, insulation, and fire barriers is essential to meeting regulatory standards and maintaining asset value.

What Our Façade Surveys Cover

Non-Intrusive & Intrusive Investigations

We use advanced diagnostic techniques, including drone surveys, 3d and thermographic imaging, and exploratory opening-up works to assess cladding, fixings, insulation, and fire barriers.

Fire & Structural Compliance Assessments

We identify fire risk, structural issues and non-compliance, including combustible cladding under the Building Safety Act and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations.

Moisture & Thermal Performance Analysis

We evaluate thermal efficiency, water ingress risk and thermal bridging to prevent heat loss, dampness and façade degradation.

Comprehensive Survey Reporting

Once we complete the façade survey, we provide detailed, data-driven reports with clear, actionable recommendations for compliance upgrades or remediation, helping you make informed decisions.

TECHNICAL SURVEYING DIVISION

Our Façade Surveying Expertise

The Starfish Construction Technical Surveying Division specialises in multi-disciplinary diagnostic services, ensuring an accurate understanding of façade conditions.

Our approach is methodical, technology-led, and fully aligned with regulatory and industry standards. Our detailed façade condition reports, including EWS1 Survey, provide factual detail for your property remediation and compliance strategy.

At Cedar House in Northampton, our investigation led directly into a design-led façade remediation.

If you need a façade survey and want to know the next steps for compliance or remediation, get in touch and we will guide you through the process.

Façade Inspection FAQs

A façade inspection is often the first step in understanding your building's safety, compliance and performance. Below are answers to the questions property owners, duty holders, and consultants most often ask us about façade surveys, EWS1 assessments and inspection reports.

A façade inspection, or a façade survey, is a detailed technical assessment of a building's external envelope. It evaluates the condition and compliance of key components, including cladding panels, insulation, fire barriers, fixings, and weatherproofing layers. We conduct intrusive and non-intrusive facade investigations, using drone building surveys and thermographic imaging to assess safety risks, structural integrity, and energy performance.

A façade inspection report records what we found, why it matters and what to do next. It typically includes:

a summary of the building and the scope of the façade survey
findings for each façade component, with photographs and drone or thermal imagery
fire safety observations, including combustible materials and missing cavity barriers
defects, moisture and thermal performance issues, ranked by risk
recommendations for repair, refurbishment or remediation

The report gives duty holders a clear record for compliance, funding applications and remediation planning.

An EWS1 Survey (External Wall System form) may be required if your building has external cladding and you want to sell, re-mortgage, or understand fire safety risks. EWS1 is especially relevant for high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings. Our technical surveying division can assess whether your building qualifies, and if so, we'll carry out the necessary assessments and reporting to support lender or fire authority requirements.

Common signs include the presence of combustible or non-fire-rated external cladding, visible deterioration of materials, thermal inefficiencies (like heat loss), water ingress, or poor ventilation behind the façade system. Our façade inspections identify these risks and provide actionable reporting to support compliance upgrades under the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Regulations.

The duration depends on your building type and size and whether intrusive surveys or access arrangements (like scaffolding, MEWP or drone surveys) are required. A typical pre-construction façade survey for a mid-size building can take a few days on-site, followed by a detailed report. We aim to work quickly and efficiently while staying thorough and minimising resident disruption.

The Golden Thread is a digital record of a building's design, construction, and maintenance history — required under the Building Safety Act. It ensures Duty Holders, compliance officers, and regulators have accurate, up-to-date information throughout the building's lifecycle. Our façade inspection reports and environmental and asbestos surveys align with Golden Thread principles, ensuring transparency, accountability and safer buildings.