What is Bill 122 and why was it created?
The RBQ created Bill 122 to ensure owners have their multi level parkings and building facades inspected at least every five years by a member of the Ordre des Ingénieurs du Québec. The purpose of the inspection being to detect any building defects or conditions that could be a danger to the public. This law came into place after the occurrence of two fatal incidents that could have been prevented.
According to the Association des propriétaires du Québec, the first incident was due to constructional defects and poor maintenance. “A concrete flagstone was detached from an underground parking, crushing a car [and the man inside]. In the second case, it was a concrete panel which was detached from the 18th floor of the frontage of a hotel, crushing a woman. The installation of the concrete panels would not have been done properly according to the indications.”
What do building and multi level parking owners need to know about facade inspections?
A mandatory facade inspection every five years should ensure the safety of your property; however it is important to be able to recognize the signs of building deterioration. According to the RBQ, these include:
- Cracks;
- Rust stains;
- Signs of deterioration on the balconies;
- Displaced blocks (stone or concrete) and bricks;
- Deteriorated joints in the building’s exterior cladding.
If any of these conditions present themselves before your next facade inspection, it is recommended that you reach out to a building inspector such as Genispec as soon as possible. Due to extreme weather conditions or rare events, your building or multi-level parking could become hazardous to the public.
Read the comprehensive Explanatory Guide on Facade Maintenance Requirements for more tips and information. For an English electronic copy of the guide you will need to email the RBQ.
What is Genispec’s expertise in facade inspections?
Genispec specializes in facade and structural inspections and our team of expert engineers are members of the OIQ. We’ve designed our inspections to work in accordance with the RBQ’s Bill 122. Our engineers are available to not only perform the facade inspections but also to guide you through the process of implementing a facade maintenance program. The facade maintenance program has the aim of preventing any future defects or the development of any hazardous conditions which can later compromise the safety of the public. Our facade and structural inspections include a facade inspection report. This report, produced by Genispec’s engineers, includes all mandatory documentation a property owner should have on file according to Bill 122. Genispec offers facade inspections at a low cost due to our rope access inspection method, which includes intrusive inspections (openings) when necessary.
Need a facade inspection? Call on Genispec!
Based in Montreal, Genispec offers high quality building inspection and consulting services as well as project management. Our engineers, members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, specialize in the inspection of several types of buildings, including condominiums, commercial and industrial buildings.
Our engineers are equipped to answer your questions and help you inspect your buildings and perform a facade inspection. We offer our services in the Montreal metropolitan community, including Hampstead, Saint-Laurent, Mont Royal, Laval, Longueuil, Brossard, West Island, Kirkland, and more. Contact us for any questions you have in mind or if you would like to know more about our wide range of inspection services. Protect your investment and contact our team to request a free quote for a building inspector in Montreal.
