Historic buildings have stood the test of time. Their architectural value spans generations and as the years pass, they weave themselves into the cultural and aesthetic fabric of our everyday environments. They appear immutable, in part because we have never known our city without them. But they are also often assumed to be particularly resilient due to their construction—they don’t make ‘em like they used to.
The reality is that historic buildings face unique risks and need ongoing maintenance to ensure their preservation and help them adapt to modern standards. Unfortunately, this maintenance often occurs only after deterioration or damage becomes too obvious to ignore and expensive repairs become necessary—repairs that could compromise the historic value of the building.
A preventive approach to maintenance is the best way to prolong the life of your historic building, avoid costly emergency repairs, and improve safety. This includes facade inspection. Taking a closer look at why facade inspection is critical in San Francisco can help you get the support you need to create a pragmatic and responsible maintenance strategy for your historic commercial property.
Facade Inspection Requirements in San Francisco
In 2016, the Building Facade Inspection and Maintenance Ordinance went into effect across San Francisco. The ordinance requires that most buildings with five or more stories undergo regular facade inspections by a licensed architect or engineer and be maintained according to established standards. Inspections must include:
- Exterior walls
- Exterior walls covering
- Windows
- Balconies
- Cornices
- Parapets
- Architectural trim and embellishments
- Chimneys
Although the ordinance applies to buildings of all ages, the inspection schedule is organized by date of construction; the first deadline for inspection and reporting is December 31, 2021 and applies to buildings constructed before 1910. If a building is considered a historic resource, such as those listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the California Register of Historic Resources, the inspection must be conducted by a qualified professional with “expertise in inspection and maintenance of historic resources.”
The Purpose of Facade Inspection
Unlike many policies affecting historic properties, facade inspection in San Francisco is not primarily about the aesthetics of a building. Rather, the goal is protecting public safety and preventing injuries or deaths resulting from facade deterioration, movement, and leaks. This is valuable for any building, as the deadly Berkeley balcony collapse reminded us in 2015. But prolonged exposure to environmental stressors and natural degradation of materials over time can make historic buildings particularly vulnerable to such issues. And San Francisco’s susceptibility to earthquakes adds another layer of concern.
For building owners, facade inspections can reduce liabilities. They can also offer invaluable insights that help you proactively address maintenance issues to prevent further damage and more expensive repairs down the line. However, the benefits can also go beyond the purely practical; these inspections improve your chances of preserving historic materials and maintaining the aesthetic integrity and historic value of your building.
Getting the Right Supports
Facade inspection in San Francisco may be guided by standardized regulations, but choosing the right inspection professionals can help you get the most out of the process.
Rainbow has nearly a century of experience restoring and preserving building facades in the San Francisco Bay Area. Today, we regularly partner with licensed inspectors to provide specialized support and access services. This includes a comprehensive assessment of your building envelope, including all elements mandated by the Building Facade Inspection and Maintenance ordinance.
If the facade inspection reveals areas of vulnerability, the Rainbow team can evaluate the inspector’s recommendations and help you address them. Our deep understanding of historic buildings in San Francisco and years of specialized restoration expertise allow us to create a prioritized roadmap for maintaining your property and make high-quality repairs. With our extensive knowledge of historic materials and restoration methods, we can help you safeguard public safety, prolong the life of your building, and protect the beauty of our city.
Rainbow has the experience and expertise needed to support your facade inspection and restore your historic property. Reach out to the Rainbow team today.
The Rainbow Team is Northern California’s most trusted waterproofing and restoration company. We have the craftsmanship and expertise to handle any commercial or historic building envelope, masonry, or waterproofing project in the San Francisco Bay Area.
