What Is a Periodic Facade Inspection in Singapore?
A periodic facade inspection (PFI) is a mandatory building safety requirement under Singapore's Building Control Act. Every building that reaches 20 years old must undergo a comprehensive facade inspection every 5 years to identify defects that could pose a safety risk to the public — loose cladding, cracked tiles, spalling concrete, corroded fixings, and failed sealant joints.
Traditionally, periodic facade inspections required scaffolding, gondolas, or rope access teams — methods that are expensive, time-consuming, and create safety risks for workers at height. Drone technology has transformed this process. A CAAS-licensed drone equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors can survey an entire building facade in hours rather than weeks.
In Singapore, where over 14,000 buildings are subject to periodic facade inspection requirements, drone inspections offer a practical solution that reduces cost, eliminates worker safety risk, and delivers more comprehensive data than manual methods. Our inspections comply with BCA requirements and follow the TR 78 technical reference.
How Drone Periodic Facade Inspection Works
Our drone periodic facade inspection follows a structured methodology designed for BCA compliance and maximum defect detection.
Pre-Inspection Assessment
We review building plans, previous inspection reports, and facade specifications. We assess the airspace and apply for all CAAS permits. A site visit confirms flight paths, obstacles, and safety zones.
Drone Flight and Data Capture
CAAS-licensed pilots fly systematic survey patterns covering every facade elevation. We capture overlapping high-resolution photographs at 5mm/pixel resolution — detailed enough to identify hairline cracks and early-stage spalling. Thermal imaging identifies moisture infiltration and delamination.
Image Analysis and Defect Mapping
Inspection engineers analyse every image, tagging defects by type, severity, and location. Each defect is mapped to building elevation drawings with precise coordinates.
Report Delivery
You receive a comprehensive report with annotated imagery, defect classification, severity ratings, and remediation recommendations. The report follows BCA submission format, ready for PE endorsement.
Types of Buildings We Inspect
Our drone facade inspection covers all building types subject to BCA periodic facade inspection requirements.
HDB Blocks
High-rise HDB buildings with tiled facades, painted surfaces, and precast panels. All elevations including corridor-facing walls and roof parapets.
Condominiums
Private residential towers with curtain wall, stone cladding, ACP, or tiled facades. MCST-friendly scheduling and reporting.
Commercial Buildings
Office towers, malls, and mixed-use developments in the CBD, Marina Bay, and across Singapore. After-hours inspection available.
Industrial Buildings
Factories and warehouses in Jurong, Tuas, and Changi. Metal cladding, precast panels, and curtain wall inspections with thermal analysis.
Drone vs Traditional Facade Inspection — Cost and Time Comparison
Drone facade inspection delivers significant advantages over traditional methods.
| Factor | Drone | Rope Access | Scaffolding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (20-storey) | $3,000 - $6,000 | $8,000 - $15,000 | $20,000 - $40,000 |
| On-site duration | 1-2 days | 5-10 days | 2-4 weeks |
| Worker safety risk | None (ground-based) | High | Moderate |
| Image resolution | 5mm/pixel (consistent) | Visual only (variable) | Visual only |
| Thermal scanning | Included | Not available | Not available |
| Building disruption | Minimal | Moderate | Significant |
For a typical 20-storey condominium, drone inspection saves $5,000 to $12,000 compared to rope access and delivers results in days rather than weeks.
BCA Compliance and TR 78 Methodology
Our periodic facade inspections follow the TR 78 technical reference for unmanned aircraft systems in building facade inspection.
- CAAS UAPL Licensed Operators — all pilots hold valid Unmanned Aircraft Pilot Licences issued by CAAS.
- TR 78 Compliant Methodology — systematic flight planning, minimum image resolution, and structured defect classification.
- PE Coordination — we work with registered PEs to ensure reports meet BCA submission requirements.
- SAC-Aligned Inspection — processes aligned with SAC accreditation standards for building inspection.
- Comprehensive Documentation — complete evidence package with georeferenced imagery and defect maps.
- Activity Permit Compliance — we handle all CAAS activity permit applications for every flight.
Periodic Facade Inspection Pricing
Our pricing is transparent and fixed — the quote you receive is your final price.
| Building Type | Height Range | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Low-rise (5-10 storeys) | 15-30m | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Mid-rise (10-20 storeys) | 30-60m | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| High-rise (20-40 storeys) | 60-120m | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Super high-rise (40+) | 120m+ | $8,000 - $15,000 |
Why Choose SG Drone Inspections
- CAAS Licensed and Insured — fully licensed operations with comprehensive liability insurance.
- TR 78 Compliant Reports — formatted for BCA submission, ready for PE endorsement.
- 70% Faster — 1-2 days on-site instead of 1-2 weeks. Minimal disruption.
- Thermal Imaging Included — infrared scanning detects hidden moisture and delamination.
- 5mm/Pixel Resolution — identifies hairline cracks and early-stage spalling.
- Island-Wide Coverage — Tuas to Changi, Woodlands to Sentosa.
Frequently Asked Questions
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