External wall surveys across City of London
Facade investigations in City of London address the range of external wall defects found across the area's building stock. Whether the concern is water ingress, cracking, spalling masonry, failed render or deteriorated cladding, our investigation team diagnoses the root cause and specifies effective repair.
The building stock across City of London includes a mix of brick, render, stone and, in more modern developments, rainscreen cladding and curtain wall systems. Each material system has characteristic failure modes that require specialist diagnosis. Visual inspection alone is often insufficient; targeted opening-up, material sampling and moisture profiling are frequently necessary.
We provide facade investigations across City of London for freeholders, managing agents, housing associations and individual owners. Our reports identify defect causes, map their extent, prioritise remedial works and provide specification for repair contractors to price.
Facade investigation services in City of London
Visual & Close-Up Inspection
Systematic visual survey of all external elevations, supplemented by close-up inspection using binoculars, drone photography or rope access where required. We map defects by type, location and severity to establish the overall condition of the facade.
Material Identification
Identification of facade materials, construction methods and original specification through visual assessment, percussion testing and, where necessary, targeted opening-up and laboratory analysis. Understanding the material composition is essential to accurate defect diagnosis.
Water Ingress Diagnosis
Systematic investigation of water ingress pathways using moisture profiling, thermal imaging, hose testing and targeted opening-up. We trace water from point of entry to point of appearance, identifying the specific failure that is allowing moisture penetration.
Repair Specification
Detailed repair specifications that contractors can price directly. We specify materials, methods, access requirements and performance standards for all remedial works, and can administer repair contracts through to completion and sign-off.
Other services we provide in City of London
External Wall Investigation
Parent London service page for this instruction type.
View External Wall InvestigationFire Safety in City of London
FRAEW assessments, EWS1 certificates and fire safety surveys for residential buildings.
View ServiceBuilding Pathology in City of London
Expert diagnosis of damp, cracking, movement and structural defects.
View ServiceEWS1 Form & External Wall Advice in City of London
EWS1 external wall fire review assessments for mortgage and sale purposes.
View ServiceFacade investigation FAQs for City of London
What is a facade investigation?
A facade investigation is a systematic assessment of an external wall to identify defects, diagnose their causes and recommend remedial action. This typically involves visual survey, percussion testing of render and cladding, moisture profiling, targeted opening-up and, where necessary, material sampling for laboratory analysis.
How much does a facade investigation cost in City of London?
Fees for facade investigations in City of London depend on the size and complexity of the building. A focused investigation of a single elevation typically starts from around £1,500 plus VAT, while a comprehensive survey of a large mansion block or multi-storey building may range from £4,000 to £12,000 plus VAT depending on access requirements and the extent of opening-up.
Do you provide repair specifications?
Yes. Every facade investigation report includes a detailed repair specification that contractors can price directly. We specify materials, methods and performance standards, and can administer repair contracts through to completion if required.
How quickly can you inspect a building in City of London?
We can typically arrange an initial facade inspection in City of London within 5 to 10 working days. Where rope access or MEWP hire is required, lead times may be slightly longer depending on access arrangements and third-party availability.
Match the facade question to the right investigation route
Facade Investigations
External wall and building envelope diagnosis for water ingress, cracking, masonry, cladding and balcony defects.
View facade investigation serviceDrone Roof & Facade Inspections
High-level visual evidence where roofs, parapets, gutters or elevations cannot be inspected safely from ground level.
View drone inspection serviceVisual Structural Appraisals
Surveyor-led triage where facade cracking or distortion may indicate movement or structural concern.
View visual structural appraisalsFRAEW / PAS 9980
External wall fire risk appraisal where the question is fire performance rather than fabric condition alone.
View FRAEW supportEWS1 Advice
Lender-facing external wall review support where sale, remortgage or valuation friction is the issue.
View EWS1 adviceCladding Remediation
Specification, funding evidence and works support where investigation identifies unsafe or defective cladding.
View cladding remediation