Surveying modern façades and common defects

The modern façade has evolved dramatically in the last century, from the time of the very first curtain wall system, through the watershed change from steel to aluminium in modern façade framing systems, to the modern methods of building contemporary façades. Changes in architectural trends, as well as new technologies employing innovative uses for materials, have led to increasingly complex façade designs. The specialist knowledge required to deal with modern façades has created a new construction expert, the Façade Engineer, which now is part of an established profession with an increasing number of specialists. However, professionals who value and survey buildings also need to be aware of modern methods of construction in the façade industry. The various types of modern façade systems have paved the way for today’s architectural environment. With it come manifold advantages and improved comfort for building users. Furthermore, there is an increased rate of merging traditional construction, especially heritage, with elements of modern façades. Such projects raise specific challenges for all construction professionals and a particular set of knowledge and experience is required to deal with them. The ability to differentiate between traditional and modern construction methods is key to surveying and valuing buildings. The increased complexity of modern façades generally means that specialist input from a Façade Engineer is required for the assessment and investigation of the more complex façade systems. This paper presents the main façade systems using modern methods of construction, their characteristics and common defects. For the purpose of valuation and general surveying of modern façades, the classifications and descriptions of façade systems presented in this paper together with common defects should provide a good starting point.