Expensive Repairs Lurking: Drone Facade Inspections Reveal Hidden Risk

we theflyers
May 28
3 min read

Singapore’s skyline is dazzled with towering architectural wonders. However, cracks creep without being noticed, water seeps into hiding cavities, and concrete weakens silently against the city’s relentless tropical storms, turning into a concrete jungle perched on floating land. Traditional inspection methods often miss these dangers until costly damage appears. Drone facade inspections revolutionise the process by identifying potential hazards at an early stage, thereby preserving time, finances, and human lives.

Why Building Facades Demand Attention

Facades cope with continued stress due to pollution, weather, and structural shifts. Over time, cracks vulnerable to expansion and corrosion will grow untreated, while seals degrade. Any unchecked issues will erupt into emergencies, like falling debris, invincible mould outbreaks, or leaks. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) holds a mandate for performing Periodic Facade Inspections (PFI) after every seven years of a building crossing 20 years of age and crossing 13 metres in height. Compliance becomes a necessity to avoid substantial penalties or safety risks.

Drone pilots work smart. They capture stunning high-definition images of every detail, which erases the need for cumbersome scaffolding or suspending employees from harnessed ropes. The technology also ensures precise accuracy and breaks traditional limitations. Details are effortless to spot and become high-resolution imagery, such as hairs, tackling fractures, oil trails, and loose panels.

5 Common Facade Problems Drones Detect Early

Cracks in Concrete and Masonry

Thermal cameras and 4K zoom lenses identify microfissures in concrete joints or brickwork. These cracks, if ignored, allow water infiltration that corrodes steel reinforcements. Drones map their exact locations, enabling targeted repairs before structural integrity falters.

Water Infiltration and Damp Patches

Moisture trapped behind the cladding causes mould growth and interior damage. Drones equipped with humidity sensors detect damp areas without physical contact. Early intervention prevents rot and reduces health hazards for occupants.

Corroded Metal Fixtures

Drone pilots ensure effortless spotting of corrosion, even on rust-covered frame windows. Pilots guarantee replacements proactively while preventing unseen and sudden failures. The amount of river and beam coverage becomes irrelevant in shadowed, hard-to-reach places, allowing pilots to prioritise the data to a greater extent.

Degraded Sealants and Joints

Failed seals around windows or between panels let water seep into walls. Drones perform close-range inspections of sealant lines, revealing gaps or shrinkage. Re-sealing these joints early extends the facade’s lifespan.

Spalling Concrete

Exposed rebar and crumbling concrete threaten pedestrian safety. Drones document spalling severity and track its progression across elevations. This informs maintenance schedules and reduces liability risks.

How Drone Inspections Outperform Traditional Methods

Speed and Efficiency

Scaffolding takes days to install, while drones inspect a 30-storey tower in hours. Engineers review live footage instantly, slashing project timelines. For example, a typical PFI drone audit finishes 70% faster than manual methods.

Cost Savings

Eliminating scaffolds reduces labour and equipment costs by up to 60%. Building owners reallocate budgets to urgent repairs rather than access setups. Drone data also reduces guesswork, preventing unnecessary demolition.

Enhanced Safety

Inspectors avoid hazardous climbs or confined space entries. Drones navigate slippery roofs, unstable walls, and toxic environments without risking lives. This aligns with Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health Act.

Regulatory Compliance

BCA-approved drone services ensure inspections meet PFI standards. Detailed reports include timestamped images, defect maps, and repair recommendations, simplifying compliance audits.

WeTheFlyers: Your Partner in Smart Facade Management

At WeTheFlyers, we specialise in drone building facade inspection services that blend cutting-edge technology with engineering expertise. Our solutions simplify facade maintenance for commercial, residential, and industrial assets across Singapore.

Precision-Driven Inspections

We deploy drones with optical zooms and LiDAR sensors to capture millimetre-accurate data. Every crack, stain, and anomaly is logged into a digital twin of your building. This model tracks defect evolution and predicts future risks.

Actionable Reporting

Reports highlight critical defects using colour-coded maps and severity ratings. Priority issues are flagged for immediate action, while minor flaws feature in long-term maintenance plans. Owners gain clarity on where to spend and save.

Navigating BCA’s PFI Requirements with Confidence

Since 2022, BCA mandates stricter facade inspections to curb rising incidents. Our certified Competent Persons (CPs) ensure your building meets all guidelines:

Preparation Phase

Notify occupants 3 days before inspections.
Conduct risk assessments for drone operations near public areas.

Visual and Close-Range Checks

Drones scan 100% of the facade, while CPs physically inspect critical zones.

Defect Classification

Issues are categorised as critical, major, or minor based on BCA’s severity scales.
Critical defects (e.g., exposed rebar) require repairs within 14 days.

Submission and Follow-Up

We compile findings and submit everything to clients.
Re-inspections verify repair adequacy before deadlines.

Act Before Hidden Defects Drain Your Budget

Why wait for visible damage when drones expose risks lurking beneath the surface? Our comprehensive inspection services offer precise, timely insights, safeguarding your building’s value. From PFI compliance to emergency assessments, we deliver clarity—one flight at a time.