Facade Inspections
INSPECTION
In order to protect the public’s safety, the RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) has implemented Bill 122, which requires a thorough facade inspection under the direction of an engineer who is a member of the “Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec” (OIQ) of all buildings with 5 floors or more.
What is Genispec’s expertise in facade inspections?
Genispec specializes in facade and structural inspections and our team of expert engineers, members of the OIQ, carry out thorough inspections of facades in accordance with the RBQ’s Bill 122. Thanks to our rope access inspection method, we are able to offer you a complete facade inspection at a low cost, which includes intrusive inspections (openings) when necessary. Our engineers are available to guide you through the process of implementing a facade maintenance program with a view to preventing any defects which could present a risk to the public or the development of any hazardous condition which can later compromise the safety of the public.
What are the obligations of Bill 122 of the RBQ in regard to facade inspections?
As stipulated by Bill 122 of the RBQ, it is the responsibility of building owners to obtain a facade inspection report from an engineer every five years. This report must certify that the facades of the building in question are in good condition and do not present a risk. The facade inspection report provided by our engineers includes a detailed description of the observations and provides recommendations for correcting defects that could possibly contribute to the development of dangerous conditions.
What is included in a facade inspection report produced by Genispec?
Any facade inspection report produced by Genispec’s engineers includes:
- A detailed report signed by an engineer, member of the OIQ, and compliant with the requirements of the explanatory guide of the RBQ;
- Recommendations for corrective work and recommended deadlines, if applicable;
- A photographic annex of the observations and the location of the defects on the elevation plan;
- A description of the remedial work required to keep the facades safe and a recommended maintenance program to follow;
- In the case where the facades are considered safe, a certificate signed by an engineer member of the OIQ will be given to you in accordance with the requirements of the RBQ.
What are the advantages of Genispec’s rope access facade inspection method?
Genispec’s rope access facade inspection method has many advantages, including:
- Reduced costs;
- Enables complete and thorough inspection that includes hard-to-reach areas;
- Little disturbance;
- No soil damage.
How frequently should facade inspection reports be produced?
If the building was built 10 years or more from the date of the implementation of the law (18 March 2013), the facade inspection report must be produced before the following prescribed deadlines:
- More than 45 years old (before 1968), a report must be produced before March 18, 2015;
- Between the ages of 25 and 45 (between 1968 and 1988), a report must be produced before March 18, 2016.
- Between the ages of 15 and 25 (between 1988 and 1998), a report must be produced by March 18, 2017.
- Between 10 and 15 years old (between 1998 and 2003), a report must be produced before March 18, 2018.
- Building built between 2004 and today, a report must be produced before the 10th anniversary of the construction date of the building.
Subsequently, the owner must obtain a facade inspection report every 5 years.
What is Genispec’s expertise in facade inspections?
Genispec is a Montreal-based firm of structural engineers that specializes in building inspections. We offer our services in the greater Montreal area and surrounding areas, including Hampstead, Saint-Laurent, Mont-Royal, Laval, Longueuil, Brossard, the West Island, Kirkland and more.
Protect your investment and contact our team to request a free quote for a property inspection or discover Genispec’s other building inspection services.
FAQ of Building Facade Inspection
I’m a condo owner. Is a facade inspection mandatory for my building?
Yes. If your building is 5 stories or more, facade inspections are legally required under Quebec’s Law 122, and must be repeated every 5 years. Even for smaller buildings, regular inspections are strongly recommended to catch structural issues early and avoid costly repairs.
I’m a property manager. Am I responsible for organizing the facade inspection?
Yes. It’s your responsibility, or that of the condo board to schedule the inspection with a licensed engineer. At Genispec, inspections are performed in three phases:
- Visual from the ground
- Close-up from balconies
- Tactile by rope access
This multi-level approach helps detect hidden or emerging issues before they become major problems.
I’m the condo syndicate. Do I need to keep the inspection report?
Yes. The report must be securely stored and made accessible to condo owners. It serves as proof of compliance with Law 122 and is used to plan, prioritize, and budget future repairs.
I’m on the condo board. Do I need to share the inspection results with the owners?
Yes. Sharing the results builds trust, keeps everyone informed, and supports proper decision-making about necessary repairs or safety measures.
I’m a potential buyer. Can I request a facade inspection before buying?
Yes, it’s actually recommended. An inspection provides a clear view of the building’s exterior condition and may help you negotiate better terms or avoid unexpected post-purchase repairs.
I’m an investor. Is a facade inspection mandatory for my buildings?
If your buildings have 5 floors or more, yes, it’s required by law. For smaller buildings, inspections are not mandatory but are considered best practice, especially since insurance companies and lenders increasingly require them for due diligence.
What types of problems are often found during facade inspections?
Typical findings include cracks, bulging walls (also known as “bellies”), missing or poorly installed anchors, and loose masonry. Many of these issues are not visible from the ground and require tactile inspections and sometimes exploratory openings to confirm their severity.
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