Façade Inspections
Exterior wall inspections supporting building safety and regulatory compliance under Québec's Bill 122.
Façade inspections evaluate the condition of exterior wall systems to identify potential safety hazards such as deteriorated masonry, loose cladding, damaged balconies, or structural deterioration that could pose a risk to building occupants and the public.
In Québec, Bill 122 mandates periodic façade inspections for certain buildings. Building owners are required to have their façades inspected by a licensed engineer or architect and to address any identified safety concerns within prescribed timelines.
Innoveum provides façade inspections performed by a licensed member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, with reports structured to meet regulatory requirements and support building owners in maintaining compliance.
Do you need a façade inspection?
If your building meets the following criteria, it is likely subject to Québec's Bill 122 façade inspection requirements:
Your building is 5 storeys or more.
The regulation applies to buildings of 5 storeys or more, regardless of use (residential, commercial, institutional, or mixed-use).
Key timelines:
- The first inspection must be completed no later than the 10th anniversary of the building's construction.
- After the first inspection, a follow-up inspection must be conducted every 5 years.
- Buildings that were already 10 years old or older when the regulation came into effect may already be overdue for their first inspection.
What this means for building owners:
If your building is 5 storeys or more and has not had a façade inspection within the required timeline, you should arrange one as soon as possible. Non-compliance can result in regulatory action and, more importantly, undetected façade deterioration can create serious safety risks.
Not sure if your building qualifies? Contact us and we can help you determine whether an inspection is required.
Check your building's statusBill 122 — Québec façade safety regulation
Québec's Bill 122 brought into effect a new Building chapter of the Safety Code administered by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). The provisions primarily aim to improve the safety of occupants and people near buildings of 5 storeys or more.
Crumbling concrete, deteriorating masonry, and failing cladding systems pose real risks to public safety. Regular preventive inspections allow building owners to identify problems early, plan corrective measures, and significantly reduce those risks.
Façade inspections under Bill 122 can only be performed by licensed engineers or architects.
What we inspect
During a façade inspection, Innoveum conducts a detailed evaluation of the building's exterior wall systems, including:
Masonry Walls
Brick, stone, and concrete block walls. Mortar joints, lintels, and structural connections.
Cladding Systems
Exterior cladding materials, attachment systems, sealants, and weather barriers.
Balconies and Guardrails
Structural condition of balconies, guardrail integrity, anchorage systems, and drainage.
Windows and Exterior Openings
Window frames, seals, and flashing around exterior openings.
Exterior Wall Attachments
Signage, mechanical equipment supports, lighting fixtures, and any elements attached to the building exterior.
Signs of Deterioration
Cracking, spalling, efflorescence, water infiltration, corrosion, displacement, and structural movement.
Our inspection process
Preliminary Review
Review of available building documentation, including construction drawings, previous inspection reports, and maintenance records. This helps identify areas of the façade that may require particular attention.
Visual Inspection
A systematic visual inspection of all accessible façade surfaces is performed. Depending on building height and access conditions, this may include ground-level observation, rooftop inspection, and close-range examination where accessible.
Documentation
Observations are recorded with detailed photographic documentation. Each identified deficiency is located, described, and photographed.
Condition Assessment
The severity of identified deficiencies is evaluated, considering the risk to public safety, the rate of deterioration, and the urgency of required corrective action.
Engineering Report
A formal inspection report is prepared and submitted, including description of the building and its façade systems, summary of observed conditions and deficiencies, photographic documentation, risk assessment and classification of findings, recommendations for corrective measures with priority levels, and compliance status under Bill 122. The report is prepared and signed by a licensed engineer, member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.
What happens after the inspection?
After the façade inspection is completed and the report is delivered, the next steps depend on the findings.
If no significant deficiencies are found: The building is in compliance. The next inspection will be required within 5 years.
If deficiencies are identified: The report will include recommendations for corrective measures, prioritized by urgency. Building owners are responsible for arranging the necessary repairs within the timelines indicated.
For buildings with urgent safety concerns, immediate corrective action may be required, including temporary protective measures to ensure public safety while permanent repairs are planned.
Innoveum can provide guidance on the scope of corrective work needed and support building owners in understanding the findings and next steps. For complex repairs, we can recommend qualified contractors or provide engineering oversight during the remediation process.
Frequently asked questions
Ensure Bill 122 compliance
Protect public safety and meet regulatory requirements with a professional façade inspection performed by a licensed engineer. If your building is 5 storeys or more, contact us to discuss your inspection needs.
Request a Consultation