Professional Building Facade Inspection Services in San Francisco
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A building facade inspection is a professional evaluation of a building's exterior to identify conditions that could affect public safety, structural performance, or the facade's long-term integrity. The inspection focuses on exterior building elements that may deteriorate over time due to exposure to weather, aging, moisture intrusion, movement, corrosion, or other environmental factors.
Great Escape Service & Inspection provides professional facade inspection services in San Francisco to help property owners evaluate the condition of their building facades, identify potential safety concerns, and support compliance.
Who Needs a Facade Inspection in San Francisco?
The San Francisco Building Facade Inspection & Maintenance Program (FIMP), established under Chapter 5F of the San Francisco Existing Building Code, applies to qualifying buildings, generally those that are five stories or taller.
The program determines building facade inspection requirements based on a building's original construction completion date, helping property owners understand when an inspection is required and how to maintain compliance with San Francisco facade inspection requirements.
If you own or manage a commercial building, office building, apartment building, condominium, or mixed-use property, it's important to determine whether your property falls within the scope of the program.
After the initial inspection, qualifying buildings are generally required to undergo a comprehensive facade inspection every 10 years to identify potential exterior hazards, support facade compliance, and maintain the long-term safety of occupants, pedestrians, and surrounding properties.
All required inspections are performed under the supervision of a California-licensed architect or engineer, with inspection findings documented in accordance with the applicable Chapter 5F requirements.
Initial Facade Inspection Schedule
| Building Construction Completion Date | Initial Comprehensive Inspection Report Due Date |
|---|---|
| Constructed before 1910 | December 31, 2021 |
| Constructed from 1910 through 1925 | December 31, 2023 |
| Constructed from 1926 through 1970 | December 31, 2025 |
| Constructed from 1971 through 1997 | December 31, 2027 |
| New construction with a permit application submitted after January 1, 1998 | 30 years after the issuance of the Certificate of Final Completion and Occupancy (CFC) |
What Does Our Facade Inspection Include?
Every building facade inspection is performed using a systematic approach to evaluate accessible exterior building elements and document their overall condition. Depending on the building and inspection scope, our evaluations may include both visual observations and close-up examinations of selected areas.
Our inspections may include the evaluation of:
Exterior Walls
Cladding Systems
Windows & Exterior Glazing
Cornices & Decorative Features
Fire Escapes
Signs & Flagpoles
Exterior Lighting Fixtures
Vents & Ductwork
Chimneys & Exposed Flashing
Other Exterior Attachments
During the inspection, we document visible conditions that may affect the safety, stability, or long-term performance of exterior building elements. Where required, specialized access methods such as swing stages and bosun's chairs allow our inspection team to safely evaluate areas that cannot be adequately inspected from ground level.
Comprehensive vs. Supplemental Facade Inspections
The San Francisco facade inspection program includes both comprehensive and supplemental inspections, depending on the building's applicable requirements. Our team performs both comprehensive and supplemental facade inspections for qualifying buildings throughout San Francisco.
If you are unsure whether your building requires a comprehensive or supplemental facade inspection, Great Escape Service & Inspection can help you understand the applicable inspection requirements and determine the appropriate inspection approach for your property.
| Comprehensive Inspection | Supplemental Inspection |
|---|---|
| Evaluates the overall condition of the building facade. | Focuses on specific inspection requirements for qualifying buildings. |
| Broader inspection scope. | More limited inspection scope. |
| May require close-up examination of selected facade areas. | Performed when required under applicable program provisions. |
| Provides detailed documentation of inspection findings. | Supplements the overall facade inspection program. |
Both inspection types play an important role in supporting building safety, documenting exterior conditions, and helping property owners maintain compliance with San Francisco's facade inspection requirements.
Schedule Your Annual Fire Escape Service Today
Don’t wait for an emergency or violation notice. With Great Escape Service & Inspection, you’ll be working with highly trained fire escape inspectors who prioritize your building’s safety, code compliance, and long-term protection. We’re based in San Francisco and proudly serve the surrounding California areas. Call now or book your annual service online.
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We drop and lubricate the ladder
We check the path of egress
We visually inspect the entire system
We offer Barrel Replacement (custom made)
We offer cable replacement
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Clear the path of egress. This includes the platforms and landing path from the drop ladder to the street. The path should be completely unobstructed. Fire escapes and drop zones should be always kept clear. This is the law in San Francisco.
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We document any deficiency or areas of concern pertaining to rust, corrosion or malfunction on the fire escape drop ladder.
We offer a referral list for repairs such as Iron Works and Painters.
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Yes, we issue a certificate of inspection/Service and keep it on file so you have a record that the fire escapes have been serviced. The following agencies may look ask for the certificate.
The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD)
The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (SFDBI)
It is also possible that a Section-604 inspector may ask to see it to complete the 5-year structural affidavit
We also add stickers to the fire escape with month and year of service
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Most jurisdictions require annual maintenance. Some may mandate more detailed load testing every 5 years or as specified by local regulations.
Schedule An Appointment Now
Schedule An Appointment Now