Balcony Inspections
A balcony can play a key role in many commercial properties. As a terrace, a balcony can be an extension of the living space that goes beyond the building into…
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Fenestration: Exterior Doors
The inspection of exterior doors falls under two different sections of the ComSOP: 6.5.2 Exterior and 6.5.11 Doors, Windows, and Interiors. When inspecting exterior doors, an inspector should look at:…
Fenestration: Curtain Walls, Window Walls, and Storefronts
Fenestration refers to the arrangement of windows and doors on the exterior of a building, including any glass panel, window, door, curtain wall, or skylight unit. Fenestration can include any…
Inspecting Parking Areas at Commercial Buildings
There are various types of parking areas at commercial properties, ranging from multi-story parking structures to gravel parking pads. Multi-story parking garages can be complex and contain systems beyond most…
Catch Basin and Manhole Inspections
Section 6.5.2 of the ComSOP titled Exteriors states that the inspector should inspect the stormwater drainage system, general topography, and parking area. To complete this part of the inspection, the…
Commercial Building Exteriors: Split-Face Block Concrete
Concrete masonry blocks with an architectural or rough stone surface are called split-face blocks. The face of these blocks has an irregular, rough texture, as if the surface of the…
Inspecting Exterior Lighting at Commercial Buildings
Exterior lighting has various purposes. It can be an accent feature in landscaping and pathways, a safety feature around exit doors, and a security feature at the building’s exterior and…
Commercial Building Exteriors: Concrete Tilt-Up Panels
Concrete tilt-up panels have become a common method of construction across North America. Tilt-up concrete buildings are commonly used as warehouses, strip malls, and light industrial facilities. The engineered concrete…
Vestibule Inspection
A vestibule is a completely enclosed unconditioned space that separates the interior of a building from the exterior. It creates an air-locked entrance and acts as an entryway into a…
Window Films
Business owners can employ a number of methods to “green up” their indoor environments to make the interior more comfortable and to lower heating and cooling costs. One method is…
Steel Siding Inspection
Steel siding includes a variety of building cladding made from steel, which is an alloy of iron that contains a small amount of carbon. Long preferred as a siding material…
Scaffold Inspection
Scaffolds are temporary, elevated platforms with supporting structures that are used to support workers and their materials at construction sites. As defective scaffolds put workers at great risk, these structures should…