Façades and work at height
Periodic façade and structural inspections, what happens after the report, how to choose between rope access, scaffolds and gondolas, and how leaks are traced to their source.
Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI) in Singapore: The Complete Owner's Guide
Since 1 January 2022, BCA can require owners of buildings taller than 13 m and more than 20 years old to have the façade inspected every seven years. On receiving a notice, the owner must appoint a Competent Person (a PE or Registered Architect with the Certificate in Façade Inspection) within two months, submit the report by the notice deadline and complete the recommended repairs.
Façade Defect Rectification in Singapore: What Happens After the PFI Report
After BCA accepts a PFI report, the owner must carry out the Competent Person's recommended repairs within the period BCA specifies. Make unsafe areas safe first, then repair by defect type: sealant, cladding, glazing, spalling concrete, corroded fixings, hollow tiles or windows. Structural repairs need plan approval, a permit and PE supervision; completion is certified with photos.
Rope Access vs Scaffolding vs Gondola: Choosing Façade Access in Singapore
Rope access suits scattered, light façade tasks on tall buildings with quick set-up and little ground disruption. Gondolas suit repetitive work along full drops. Scaffolds suit heavy, concentrated or long-duration work on lower elevations. MEWPs suit low-level reach from good ground. All are governed by MOM's Work at Heights and Scaffolds Regulations, with PE design required for anchorages and gondola outriggers.
Façade and Curtain Wall Water Leakage: How to Diagnose and Fix the Root Cause
Façade leaks are diagnosed by mapping when and where water appears, ruling out non-façade sources, then reproducing the leak with controlled water tests: AAMA 501.2 nozzle testing for curtain walls and ASTM E1105 pressure-chamber testing for windows and walls. Test from the bottom up, isolate one joint at a time, and repair the proven path rather than re-sealing everything.
Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) in Singapore: The Owner's Guide
BCA's Periodic Structural Inspection requires owners to have a civil or structural Professional Engineer inspect their building's structure when served a notice: every 5 years for non-residential buildings and every 10 years for residential ones, with the first notice possible after the 5th or 10th year from the first TOP or CSC. Owners appoint the engineer within 2 months and carry out recommended repairs.