December is when most organisations start locking in budgets, reviewing what is left in the year, and shaping their asset strategies for the year ahead. Facades, however, often slip down the priority list until a problem appears, which is usually when costs rise and disruption follows. A clear, early maintenance plan removes the guesswork. It …
December often feels like downtime — but for building managers, it’s one of the most strategic points in the year. Buildings are quieter, access is easier, and most organisations are finalising budgets and planning their 2026 maintenance cycles. Far from being an inconvenient month for inspections, December creates opportunities that don’t exist at any other …
Why December is the smartest month for facade surveys Read More »
Winter is the toughest season for any building envelope. Cold temperatures, wind-driven rain and rapid temperature swings all put strain on facade systems, often revealing weaknesses that stayed hidden through summer. For facilities managers and building owners, this is when small maintenance oversights can turn into costly failures. At Cladtech, we see the same pattern …
Common winter weather risks for facades and how to mitigate them Read More »
As winter approaches, planning facade access becomes critical. Cold, wet, and windy weather can quickly derail inspection schedules, inflate costs, and limit which access methods can be used safely. For facilities managers and project teams, the question is simple: what’s the smartest way to reach your facade: abseil (rope access) or a MEWP (Mobile Elevating …
Abseil vs MEWP: choosing the right access method for facade surveys Read More »
Sustainability continues to dominate boardroom agendas, with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting now a key focus for organisations across the built environment. Companies are under pressure to show measurable progress on environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance. But while energy use, carbon data, and community initiatives often get the spotlight, one of the biggest …
For facilities managers and asset owners, autumn is often the moment to take stock. Budgets are being finalised, maintenance programmes are planned, and winter’s harsher weather is just around the corner. It’s also the time when a simple truth becomes clear: proactive facade inspections cost far less than reactive repairs. Facades don’t usually fail overnight. …
Why proactive facade inspections save money in the long run Read More »
Your building’s facade does more than provide a good first impression – it protects against weather, supports energy performance, and ensures compliance with safety regulations. When facades fail, the consequences can be serious: unplanned costs, unhappy tenants, and potential liability for non-compliance. The challenge for facilities managers and asset managers is that issues are often …
Five signs your building’s facade needs urgent attention Read More »
By Shaun Kelly, Director at Cladtech Associates Ah, the access cradle – the once-glorious, slightly terrifying metal box that dangled hundreds of feet above ground, operated by someone who looked far too relaxed holding a sandwich with one hand whilst pushing the up-and-down button with the other. These metal gondolas of grime-busting used to be …
Swinging into oblivion – The (not-so-glorious) demise of access cradles in UK high-rises Read More »
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) is an established part of facilities management. But when it comes to facades, it’s often an afterthought — only considered once defects appear or reactive repairs are needed. Without regular inspections, facade issues can develop silently over time. What starts as a minor defect can grow into a significant failure that’s …
PPM for facades: A practical guide to long-term maintenance Read More »
Why abseil surveys are becoming a go-to solution for facade inspections Inspecting tall or complex buildings has always come with a key challenge — access. Facade inspections are crucial to keeping buildings safe, compliant, and performing as they should. But gaining close-up access to every part of the exterior isn’t always straightforward. As more buildings …
Abseil surveys: A smarter solution for facade inspections Read More »
